Introduction to Elderly Care

Additional Info

Reading for the entire Diploma in Health Sciences – Nursing Studies as presented herein costs €5,000.*

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 Academy 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.