Introduction to Elderly Care
6 Credits (ECTS)
Introduction to Elderly Care
Get 70% back via Tax Credit
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 learn how to respect patient values, consider patient safety and appreciate psychosocial needs of elders.
This module focuses on the Maltese legislations related to the sector.
Entry Requirements
Candidates who apply for this course must possess one of the following:
- Possess a minimum qualification at MQF Level 4 (or comparable as per MQRIC) in Nursing.
Upon completion of this programme the candidate will have obtained a total of 4600 hours, half of which will be clinical hours and one third theory as per EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
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.
Please ensure that you have all requirements in place, as stipulated on the website of the Council of Nurses and Midwives.
Target Audience
This course is targeted at:
- Nurses who are in possession of an MQF Level 4 (or comparable as per MQRIC) in Nursing, who need to upgrade their knowledge, skills, and competences in order to apply for registration with the Maltese Council of Nurses and Midwives as first level nurses.
- Non-EU trained nurses who are in possession of a minimum MQF Level 5 (or comparable as per MQRIC) in Nursing, seeking a bridging course to enable them to a
Career Paths
The programme aims to get nurses who are non-EU nationals adequately trained so that they can register as first level nurses in Malta.
How you’ll be assessed
The course comprises:
- Evening classes for part-time courses.
- Classes held throughout the day for full-time courses.
- Guided learning, presentations, comprising synchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos.
- Self-study hours comprising research, reading and assignment work.
Assessment
Assessment is carried out via two mandatory components:
- Modular Assessment
- Summative Assessment
- Work Placement Clinical Practices
The programme includes different forms of assessment which allow for and promote students’ critical engagement. The formative and summative assessment tasks may include an in-class assignment and/or a home-based written assignment using diverse assessment tools which may take the form of online and in-class discussions, examinations, case studies, reports, proposals, essays, and presentations, etc., as applicable to the diverse modules.
Additional Info
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be eligible for a 70% refund of the cost through the ‘Get Qualified’ scheme.**
Due to the modular structure of the course, you may also opt to take individual modules as stand-alone. The entry requirements still apply.***
*Prices are applicable to students who reside in Malta at the time of applying.
**Terms and conditions apply.
*** For the price of individual modules, please contact the IDEA College team.
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-centered, 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:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have been exposed to the following:
- 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:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:
- 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 specialties 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-centered 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.