Responding to Transitional Crises for Older People (8AOE091)

Responding to Transitional Crises for Older People (8AOE091)

Level ~ Graduate Certificate
Availability ~ Teaching Period 6
Type ~ Older

Pre-Requisite & Co-Requisite: Mental Health for Older People (8AOK090)

This module introduces ethical considerations and assessment and care planning needs of the old and very old during times of transitional crises. Transitional crises such as loss of capacity; issues of power and advocacy; pain and medication management; living in aged care facilities will be discussed; and questions around loss, grief and end of life will be explored. The ethical issues arising from these transitions will be examined.  The unit is intended to enhance current knowledge, and will be collaborative in its approach, and will involve undertaking of a reflection as the final assessment.

For Term dates, see the Academic Calendar.


Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the unit, students will be able to:

  • Examine the most common transitional crises and related ethical dilemmas for this age group; and
  • Analyse and evaluate existing supports/strategies/processes to deal with mental health in old and very old people during transitional crises and reflect on how this will impact your future practice.

Weekly Schedule
Week 1 Ethics, ageism and transitions in old age
Week 2 Grief, loss and end of life
Week 3 Chronic pain and polypharmacy
Week 4 Loss of autonomy (The prospect of residential care)
Week 5 Sexuality