GER406 Issues in Dementia Care and Communication (8)

This subject builds professional knowledge of communicating and supporting people with dementia in community and residential care contexts. Students will research different models of dementia support and critique them to determine the efficacy of the models. Using a case study, students will apply these academic skills and a biopsychosocial approach to care, to identify potential triggers and drivers that may have contributed to a described incident. Students develop an holistic approach to understanding the individual with dementia and their environment and its impact on behaviour in order to facilitate positive support.

Availability

Session 2 (60)
Online
Albury-Wodonga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: GER406. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Social Work and Arts

Enrolment Restrictions

Not available to students who have already completed WEL206

Incompatible Subjects

WEL206

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to describe and contextualise dementia within health and aged care settings;
  • be able to critique different models of dementia support;
  • be able to investigate the context of behaviours associated with dementia; and
  • be able to apply an holistic approach to develop strategies to support people with dementia in community and residential care contexts.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Module 1: Communication and Care in Dementia within Community and Residential Settings
  • Causes, symptoms and common treatments for dementia illnesses
  • Communication and care challenges and models
  • Module 2: Behaviour as Communication
  • Theory and context of behaviour
  • Internal and external influences on behaviour
  • The role of stress in behaviour
  • Module 3: Advanced Issues in Dementia Care and Communication
  • Advanced strategies for communication in dementia care (client, family, care team)
  • Understanding challenging behaviour in dementia
  • Supporting dignity and wellbeing in dementia care
  • Issues in carer support

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of GER406 in Session 2 2021. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
developing academic & information literacy skills
5
2
evidence based/practice//
45
3
Application of learnings to a case study
50

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: June 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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