Contemporary approaches to Neurological, Cognitive and Mental Health in Later Life (UCC)

Module Objective: 

To critically evaluate contemporary approaches to dementia care across the continuum of care.

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

• Critically discuss the impact of dementia on the individual, the family, on caregivers, and on society.
• Critically evaluate a range of contemporary non-pharmacological approaches to care across the continuum of care.
• Critically evaluate current approaches to pharmacological management of dementia.
• Critically explore a range of approaches to the assessment of the individual's cognition, function, behaviour, and stage of dementia.
• Critically analyse the impact of environmental design features on the person with dementia in a variety of care settings.
• Identify appropriate therapeutic communication strategies for people with dementia in a variety of care settings.
• In the context of international trends in dementia care, critically evaluate current Irish policy in regard to dementia.
• Critically explore a range of approaches to the understanding, assessment and management of behavioural and psychiatric symptoms of dementia.
• Identify a range of evidence-based interventions to support informal dementia caregivers.

Module Content: 

• Overview of cognitive, neurological and mental health challenges in later life.
  · Cognitive health: assessment and management to optimise cognition
  · Neurodegenerative conditions; Exploring Stroke, Parkinson's, Delirium, Dementia
  · Mental health challenges: life transitions, loneliness, depression, and other related issues in later life.
  · Assessment and reassessment of health care across the continuum of care in later life.
  · Determine multifaceted approaches to living well for older people and their support network.
  · Co-ordination of MDT care and interagency health services and voluntary agencies.
• Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
  • Identify neurodegenerative and mental health challenges in later life.
  • Critically discuss a range of approaches to assessment and management of cognitive health.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of key neurodegenerative conditions applicable to your area of practice.
  • Describe mental health challenges for older people applicable to your area of practice.
  • Critically apply relevant evidence based approaches to assessment and evaluation of health and decision making care across the continuum of care in later life.
  • Determine multifaceted approaches to living well for older people and their support network (both informal and formal supports-family, friends and caregivers).
  • Discuss the coordination of MDT care and interagency health services and voluntary agencies to facilitate living well for older people.

Duration

16hrs Lectures/Workshop; 184hrs Distance Learning; Discussion Board Preparation and Participation, Required Reading, Assignment Preparation and Submission, Self-Directed Learning. 

Blended - online with two workshops dates on Campus. 

Mode of Delivery 

Blended (online with two workshops dates on Campus)

Where is it available

UCC. More information and how to apply here 

Cost

The fee for this module is €900. There is also a €35 application fee. 

Contact information:

CPD Co-Ordinator, CPD Centre, 

An tIonad um Fhorbairt Ghairmiúil Leanúnaigh,

Q+1 floor, The Boole Library, Main Quad, U.C.C.

e-mail cpdgraduatestudies@ucc.ie