AGES1012 Quality Care and Support of People with Dementia

2020

4.5

1 x 2-hour workshop once-only
1 x 9-hour independent study weekly
1 x 2-hour on-line exercises weekly
1 x 2-hour on-line lecture weekly
6 x 1-hour on-line tutorials per semester

1 Admission into BHA-Bachelor of Healthy Ageing
2 ^ AGES1001 - Foundation Skills in Ageing Studies
3 Admission into other Bachelor degrees
Must Satisfy: ((1 and 2) or (3))

Assignment(s); Tutorial participation.

Care practices should aim to support the highest possible quality of life for the individual and around the world, the principles of person-centred care have been written into policy documents, training courses, vision statements and other guiding documents with the aim of doing exactly that - supporting the highest possible quality of life for people with dementia. This topic examines the evidence underpinning quality care and support of people with dementia and how such evidence translates into practice. Key concepts examined include personhood, being person-centred, authentic relationships, life story work, responsive behaviour and the interactive nature of engagement and well-being. The topic will also address aspects of supporting family carers and the person with dementia in acute, community and residential aged care settings. Students will develop skills relevant to effective communication, providing carer support, assessing unmet need, and enhancing well-being.

The aims of this topic are to introduce students to the contemporary issues in relation to supporting people with dementia across various settings. There is a particular emphasis on evidence-based, culturally responsive person-centred living and developing critical thinking and skills for enhancing well-being in people with dementia.

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

• Describe and discuss key concepts essential to supporting and developing authentic partnerships with people with dementia

• Recognise the significant role of language and communication to ensure person-centred living for people with dementia

• Critically appraise and reflect on the conceptualisation of care and ways in which evidence translates into care practices and impacts on personhood and well-being

• Apply critical thinking to current issues in supporting people with dementia across various settings

• Explore optimal level of risk exposure to maintain quality of life and wellbeing for people with dementia

• Use a culturally responsive approach to demonstrate a capacity to evaluate unmet need and create well-being plans for people with dementia.