REHB8036 Improving the Wellbeing of People with Dementia and their Caregivers

2019

4.5

1 x 16-hour intensive workshop once-only
1 x 8-hour independent study weekly

1 Admission into GCCR-Graduate Certificate in Clinical Rehabilitation
1a Admission into GDPCR-Graduate Diploma in Clinical Rehabilitation
1b Admission into MCR-Master of Clinical Rehabilitation
1c Admission into MCRNPT-Master of Clinical Rehabilitation (Neurological Physiotherapy)
1d Admission into MCRNOT-Master of Clinical Rehabilitation (Neurological Occupational Therapy)
1e Admission into MNG/CR-Master of Nursing (Coursework and Research)
1f Admission into MCRA-Master of Clinical Rehabilitation [1.5 years]
1g Admission into MHCR/R-Master of Health and Clinical Research
1h Admission into GCDCL-Graduate Certificate in Dementia Care and Leadership
1i Admission into GCOACW-Graduate Certificate in Older Adult Care and Wellbeing
Must Satisfy: ((1 or 1a or 1b or 1c or 1d or 1e or 1f or 1g or 1h or 1i))

AGES8025 has been successfully completed

Health professional background. Students are expected to have basic knowledge of neuroscience and the brain. While this is not necessary, this knowledge will help completing the coursework as the neuroscience will not be the main focus of the topic.

This topic is aimed at students currently supporting, or interested in supporting people with dementia and their caregivers. The topic is suited to anyone from nursing or allied health background.

Assignment(s); Test(s); Tutorial participation.

Dementia is a significant public health challenge and a highly prevalent condition in Australia. It has a high impact on families, and communities, and is often associated with stigma and social exclusion. Rehabilitation is a relatively new concept within dementia care. It has the potential to engage a person with dementia in meaningful day to day activities, promote physical and psychosocial function and improve the wellbeing of the person living with the condition and their caregiver. This topic explores the course of dementia and incorporates current Australian and International evidence of best practises in dementia care. Specifically, the topic will introduce the students to up to date evidence in dementia rehabilitation and provides opportunities for students to reflect on their own practises in this field.

The aims of this topic are to;

• Provide students with background knowledge and resources to feel confident and competent in understanding dementia so they can help promote functional and psychosocial wellbeing and improve the quality of life of people living with dementia.

• Introduce students with knowledge regarding current best practises and interventions available for promoting wellbeing and participation for people living with dementia and;

• Encourage students to implement evidence based interventions into their own practise.

On successful completion of this topic students will be able to;

• Understand the pathology of dementia, and to be able differentiate between normal ageing and dementia.

• Outline issues surrounding dementia, including risk factors, different types, diagnosis, progression and staging of the disease.

• Review and appraise current research on medical management and best practises (preventative and therapeutic) for dementia care.

• Identify the assessment and treatment options for behavioural management of dementia as well as for physical and psychosocial function.

• Recognise the impact of dementia on family and informal caregivers of those living with dementia, and identify evidence based strategies on how to support these people.

• Describe the psychosocial difficulties of dementia and community living.

• Discuss current supports available for care of people with dementia in Australia.

• Synthesize and appraise evidence based literature on dementia care to improve own practise in supporting people with dementia and their caregivers.