Introduction to Elderly Care
6 Credits (ECTS)
Introduction to Elderly Care
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Module Description
This module focuses on introductory practice models that are used to guide the care of older adults, allowing seniors to remain at home, prevent functional disability and preserve quality of life.
The models covered in this module include specific interventions that are performed by healthcare workers to address the needs of older persons and their caregivers.
By learning these models, you will understand how to respect patient values, consider patient safety, and appreciate the psychosocial needs of elders.
This module also focuses on Maltese legislation related to the sector, ensuring you are well-versed in local legal frameworks and standards of practice. This knowledge will enable you to provide compassionate, compliant, and high-quality care to older adults.
Entry Requirements
Candidates who apply for this course must possess one of the following:
- a qualification at minimum MQF Level 5 (or comparable as per MQRIC) in Nursing.
Students whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate English language capability at either:
- Academic IELTS level 6.0 or equivalent.
OR
- OET with a minimum of a ‘B’ grade in speaking and a minimum of ‘C+’ in writing, reading, and listening.
Target Audience
This course is targeted at:
- Non-EU trained nurses who are in possession of a minimum qualification at MQF Level 5 (or comparable as per MQRIC) in Nursing, seeking a bridging course to enable them to apply for registration with the Maltese Council of Nurses and Midwives as first level nurses.
Module / Unit Instructions
- This module uses a blended approach promoting the building of a community of practice via peer-to-peer learning.
- This module consists of lecturer-led sessions which include class lectures, online sessions, tutorials, discussions, presentations and workshop activities, fora and peer discussions promoting peer-to-peer learning, as well as simulation learning during which the students can work on an array of scenarios through role play.
- Online learning activities– synchronous and asynchronous sessions – may include active interaction led by the lecturer, participation, and contributions in fora discussions, sharing resources and self-reflection exercises. Learners also contribute to the building of the community of practice by providing feedback to their peers as critical friends, enhancing the learner’s critical engagement throughout the study period.
- The simulation learning provides continuous formative feedback as an on-going guidance during the student’s learning experience in preparation for their summative assessment
How you’ll be assessed
This module comprises of:
- Guided learning, presentations, comprising synchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos.
- Self-study hours comprising research, reading and assignment work.
Assessment
This module is assessed via 3 mandatory components:
- Formative Assessment
- Summative Assessment
- Simulation Learning
Learning Outcomes:
Competences:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
- Observe and assess changes in the Physical, Psychological and Sociological aspects in old age and apply Critical Thinking.
- Apply various therapeutic activities among persons with dementia to enhance their quality of life.
- Differentiate between chronic problems, brain disorders, inherited diseases and disabilities in the elderly which might impose changes in their quality of life.
- Formulate and implement a safe environment, ethical, person-centred, holistic, evidence-based care also including health promotion and public health.
- Provide physical care and be responsible on the day-to-day nursing skills.
- Be autonomous and participate in the patient’s care plans including treatment.
- Demonstrate effective communication with older patients, their families and with other professionals in the multi-disciplinary care team to facilitate holistic care plans for elderly people in care facilities and/or in primary care.
- Provide palliative care in end-of-life case scenarios.
Knowledge:
By the end of this module the student will have been exposed to the following indicative content:
- The responsibilities of the nurse within the Elderly Care Health Setting as established by ‘The Scope of Professional Practice’ of The Council for Nurses and Midwives, Malta (CNM)
- The legal and ethical considerations and practices in elderly care: Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct for Nurses and Midwives, Council for Nurses and Midwives, Malta.
- Clinical Nursing Skills for nursing elderly patients.
- Introduction to Elderly Care.
- Health Sciences and Elderly Care.
- Aging process and Assessment.
- Psychosocial Issues and Nutritional Health of Elderly.
- Caring for Elderly with Chronic Illnesses.
- Rehabilitation Care.
Skills:
By the end of this module, the students will be able to:
- Demonstrate appropriate skills for observation, caring and reassurance of elderly patients using a holistic approach according to the ethical and legal framework of the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct for Nurses and Midwives, Council for Nurses and Midwives.
- Time Management.
- Apply evidence-based research into practice meeting all standards in nursing practice.
- Identify the 6 Rights of Medications being (right drug, patient, time, dose, route and documentation).
- Safety comes first when handling and transferring of elderly clients.
- Aware on the choice of food suitable for different elderly and ensure that all patients have the right access to good nutrition. Able to monitor food intake and educate relatives on the choice of food they bring for their loved ones.
- Chart and document the necessary documents in hospital/facility.
- Provide the daily nursing care and able to document everything in the Nursing Report.
- Promote therapeutic activities and therapy to assist in mobilisation and social skills.
- Promote a healthy lifestyle and independence in practice through communication with patients and their relatives.
- Being assertive and accountable in decision making and in managing the care of the patients.
- Collaborate in shared decision making within the multi-disciplinary team during ward rounds and act as the patient’s advocate in cognitively impaired clients.
- Refer/consult with other specialities based on the client’s needs.
- Utilise different approaches to patient’s elderly care as appropriate for the patient’s needs and the care delivery situation.
- Recognise the differences in beliefs and cultural practices towards care for the elderly and alter approaches to care appropriately.
- Evaluate their own practice in nursing care for the elderly and adjust as need to provide safe effective person-centred care.
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate with patients in an elderly health setting and to communicate with other professionals in the multi-disciplinary team (Verbal and Non-Verbal Cues).
Module-Specific Learner Skills:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will be able to
- Present own discussion and developments in a logical and organised manner through approaches of critical feedback and self-reflection.
- Engage with peers and/or team members to share and reflect on own development.
- Supervision of your team.
- Act as a Role Model.
Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences:
At the end of the module/unit, the learner will be able to:
- Navigate through the online learning platform to find assignments, discussion boards, literature, tutorials, etc.