| CODE | GER5035 | ||||||||
| TITLE | Ageing: Psychological and Psychogeriatric Issues | ||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | ||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 7 | ||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 5 | ||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Gerontology and Dementia Studies | ||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit is designed to give a bio psycho social and spiritual dimension to the Gerontology diploma. It also delves into normal, abnormal and successful ageing. We discuss issues such as grief, loss, retirement and adaptation to new roles in the context of established theories. There is also a section on abnormal emotions, perception, thoughts and risk management. The main psychogeriatric illnesses are discussed in depth. Study-unit Aims: - To empower students to assess and formulate a management plan to assist those who age in a healthy or unhealthy manner; - To counsel their loved ones and carers; - To liaise with other specialities. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Assess a geriatric client thoroughly for psychological and psychiatric disorders; - Perform the necessary risk assessment in the context of old age; - Communicate effectively with other health professionals using appropriate psychogeriatric terms; - Prioritize the psychological needs of the client; - Understand the fundamentals of old age psychology; - Distinguish between normal and unhealthy ageing; - Be familiar with the main components of pathological ageing and related mental illnesses or disorders; - Explore key life events in later life with the client. These include: retirement, loss, sexuality, death etc. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Work with this client group and help their loved ones; - Write reports; - Use appropriate assessment scales; - Refer to other professionals as required; - Explain the main psychological and psychiatric processes to clients and their loved ones. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - Ames, D., Gallagher, D., Loi, S., Russ, T. (2022). Guide to the Psychiatry of Old Age (2nd Edition). - Dunn, L.B., Cassidy-Eagle, E.L. (2020). Practical Strategies in Geriatric Mental Health: Cases and Approaches. - Woodhead, E., Yochim, B. (2024). Psychology of Aging: A Biopsychosocial Perspective. Supplementary Readings: - Argonin, M.E. (2011). How We Age. - Dening, T., Thomas, A., Stewart, R., Taylor, J.P. (2020). Oxford Textbook of Old Age Psychiatry. (3rd Edition). - Depp, C.A., Jeste, D.V. (2009). Successful Cognitive and Emotional Aging. - Hughes, J. (2023). Dementia and Ethics Reconsidered. - Jeste, D., LaFee, S. (2020). Wiser: The Scientific Roots of Wisdom, Compassion, and What Makes us Good. - Lilford, P. and Hughes, J.C. (2020). Oxford Textbook of Old Age Psychiatry. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | ||||||||
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| LECTURER/S | David Mamo |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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