CONTACT CSU

No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2017

THL564 Mental Health Challenges for Pastoral and Spiritual Care (8)

Abstract

This subject investigates challenges in providing effective pastoral and spiritual care to older persons affected by mental health problems, including dementia. It examines mental health concerns relating to ageing and explores appropriate pastoral and spiritual care strategies to promote well-being and maximise quality of life for older people. Issues associated with understanding and dealing with dementia are integral to the subject. Questions relating to faith, spirituality and meaning provoked by mental health challenges in later life are explored. Professional and ethical standards for working with older people living with mental health difficulties and appropriate referral processes are also addressed.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Location

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details prior to contacting their course coordinator: THL564
Where differences exist between the handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject information

Duration Grading System School:
One session HD/FLSchool of Theology

Assumed Knowledge

Assumed knowledge for this subject includes the core subjects for the Graduate Diploma of Ageing and Pastoral Studies: THL445, THL446, THL451, GER402 and WEL424.

Enrolment restrictions

Master of Ageing and Pastoral Studies
Graduate Diploma of Ageing and Pastoral Studies
Incompatible subject(s)Related subject(s)
THL447 THL464 THL464 Previous version of this subject

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of mental health challenges for older people and their relevance for pastoral and spiritual care;
  • be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge of pastoral and spiritual needs of older people living with various mental health problems, including dementia;
  • be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of culturally relevant pastoral and spiritual care strategies, including sensitive communication skills, to promote well-being and to maximise quality of life for older people living with various mental health challenges, including dementia;
  • be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of various current conceptions of dementia and its attendant challenges;
  • be able to demonstrate the ability to argue on theological and psychosocial grounds for the dignity and worth of people living with dementia;
  • be able to discuss critically issues relating to faith, spirituality and meaning provoked by mental health challenges in later life;
  • be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of ethical best practice in working with people living with dementia and other mental health problems; and
  • be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of appropriate referral processes in relation to various forms of mental illness.

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics:
  • Mental health, mental illness and the impact of ageing
  • Mental health issues associated with ageing: anxiety, depression, dementia, delirium, etc.
  • Faith, spirituality and meaning in relation to mental health challenges associated with ageing
  • Pastoral and spiritual needs of older people living with various mental health problems
  • Pastoral and spiritual modalities of care in relation to mental health challenges in later life
  • Pastoral and spiritual care to promote well-being and to maximise quality of life for older people living with mental health problems
  • Current conceptions of dementia and its attendant challenges
  • Living with dementia and the social pathology of dementia
  • Biblical, theological and psychosocial perspectives on persons living with dementia
  • Pastoral and spiritual care of people with dementia, including relevant ritual and liturgical practices
  • Working with older people with mental illness: self-care; professional and ethical standards; referral processes

Back

The information contained in the 2017 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 25 August 2017. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.