THL564 Dementia: Challenge for Pastoral and Spiritual Care (8)
CSU Discipline Area: Theology (THEOL)
Duration: One session
Abstract:
This subject addresses biological, genetic, psychological, social and spiritual dimensions of dementia and implications for the person and their family. It examines current understandings of dementia relevant to the professional practice of spiritual and pastoral care and includes critical theological reflection on the understanding of the human person. It includes in-depth critical analysis of public policy and ethical issues.
+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations
| Session 1 | |
|---|---|
| Distance * | Canberra |
*This subject offering contains a residential school. Please view following information for further details.
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: THL564
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
Enrolment restrictions:
Master of Arts (Ageing and Pastoral Studies)
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
- be able to demonstrate a high level of knowledge of a variety of current understandings of dementia;
- be able to argue for the worth and dignity of people living with dementia from theological, psychological and social perspectives;
- be able to demonstrate the ability to identify spiritual and pastoral needs of people living with dementia;
- be able to demonstrate a high level of skill in the provision of appropriate pastoral care to those living with dementia and their families;
- be able to demonstrate creativity and flexibility in designing and offering relevant rituals and liturgies for people living with dementia;
- be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of ethical practice in working with people living with dementia; and
- be able to develop creative and supportive pastoral and spiritual care environments to promote well being for people living with dementia.
Syllabus:
The subject will cover the following topics:
- Current paradigms of dementia: a. biological, b. genetic, c. psychological, d. social, and e. spiritual - Biblical and theological perspectives on dementia - Spiritual and pastoral care related to dementia - Community care related to dementia - Public policy and dementia - Ethics and dementia - The carer's perspective and practice: a. professional b. family - The experience of living with dementia - The social pathology of dementia - Spiritual, ritual, and liturgical practices relevant to people living with dementia
Residential School
This subject contains a compulsory 2 day residential school.
The purpose of the residential school is to assist students to explore attitudes to people living with dementia and their carers. Content of the residential will focus on the current knowledge base of dementia and developing best practice in spiritual and pastoral care in dementia. Communication skills will be developed and creative use of resources to facilitate well-being of people with dementia will be explored. Issues of ethics, including the role of advocacy by spiritual and pastoral carers will be examined.
The information contained in the 2013 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 24 April 2013. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.