HIV/AIDS - Focusing on the Individual

Outline:
I. Introduction to HIV/AIDS: Focusing on the Individual A. Course Description 1. Checkpoint 2. Course objectives B. What is it like to be the person living with HIV/AIDS? 1. Brief introduction to Alora Gale-Schreck story C. Review of HIV/AIDS Concepts 1. HIV/AIDS 2. Transmission of HIV/AIDS a. Routes b. Risk-taking behaviors 3. HIV Testing and Notification a. Who should be tested? b. How to test c. Positive test results and reporting requirements d. Spousal notification 4. After identification a. HIV treatment b. Confidentiality c. Protection from discrimination 5. Checkpoint One: multiple-choice questions II. The realities of living with HIV/AIDS A. Introduction: The Alora Gale-Schreck Story 1. Background and overview of Alora Gale-Schreck story a. Interviewed at age 21 b. Grew up in middle-class “normal” family c. Mother tested positive for HIV in March 1992 and died in November 1995 d. Family changes e. Alora became an advocate and educator in junior high school B. The Interview: The Alora Gale-Schreck Story 1. Sam Folk Williams interview, “AIDS Girl” — Part one a. Womens’ group is tested b. Family Testing c. Common symptoms d. Father remains HIV negative e. HIV as the “Hivvy Monster” f. Full realization at about 7th grade g. “HIV changes your whole life” C. Understanding the psychosocial issues 1. Common psychosocial concerns a. Ongoing grief b. Progressive losses c. Emotional burdens d. At-risk behaviors e. Avoidance 2. Empathy and the caregiver 3. Checkpoint two: yes/no and true/false questions D. Returning to the Interview: The Alora Gale-Schreck story (continued) 1. Sam Folk Williams interview, “AIDS Girl” – Part w=two a. Openness about HIV status b. Being a woman who is HIV positive c. Negative reactions d. Knowledge is power e. Use of humor f. Public speaking — AIDS education g. Making a difference h. It helps to talk i. Finding support j. Dating relationships k. Fears l. Being sheltered m. Full understanding comes later 2. Caregiving DO’s and Don’ts a. “Do’s” b. “Don’ts” c. Checkpoint three: matching E. The Interview: The Alora Gale-Schreck story, continued 1. Sam Folk Williams interview “AIDS Girl” – Part three a. Healthcare experience b. Future plans c. Care providers d. Health complications e. Recent problems f. How I feel on meds g. Side effects h. Insurance coverage i. Complications related to insurance j. Medication adherence k. Friends l. Preventive health m. Advice for others 2. Reviewing Alora’s post diagnosis medical history a. Timeline i. 1988-2001 ii. Supplements b. Checkpoint Four: multiple choice questions 3. After the Interview: Catching up with Alora Gale-Schreck a. Alora has a family of her own F. Transmission of HIV from mother to child 1. Reducing the risks of transmission a. Healthy mother b. HIV medications for mother and newborn c. C-section (with high viral load) d. HIV testing for newborns e. No breast feeding when other alternatives are available III. Course Summary and Conclusion

Sharon Brothers, MSW, has an advanced degree in social work and over 30 years' experience as an owner, operator and educator in senior care. She has been a developer, owner and operator of dementia care assisted living communities and has deep expertise as an educator for all levels of staff within the care profession. Sharon is currently the founder and CEO of the Institute for Professional Care Education and is a national speaker and advocate for quality education within senior care. Disclosure: Sharon K. Brothers, MSW has declared that no conflict of interest, Relevant Financial Relationship or Relevant Non-Financial Relationship exists.

Catherine Zimmerman is a licensed independent clinical social worker who has a private practice providing counseling services to people of all ages and all stages of their lives. She is a freelance healthcare writer and speaker specializing in mental health, ethics, hospice and palliative care, gerontological topics, substance misuse, caregiving, stress and trauma.  Zimmerman received her master's degree from Portland State University thirty years ago and is certified in clinical social work-Gerontology. Zimmerman supervises and mentors therapists seeking licensure in Oregon or Washington states. She is the current President of the Washington chapter of the National Association of Social Workers and has provided public presentations on over twenty topics and has numerous published works. Disclosure: Catherine Zimmerman, LICSW, ACHP-SW, CSW-G has declared that no conflict of interest, Relevant Financial Relationship or Relevant Non-Financial Relationship exists.