Best Practice in Older People's Mental Health

Course aim

To advance the knowledge, skills and attitudes of health professionals to achieve evidence based best practice in assessing and supporting older people’s mental health.

Course content

Philosophies of relationship/person centred and compassionate care; values-based approach to health care; partnership approach to care; biological theories of ageing and implications for mental health; trauma informed and recovery focused care; de-escalation techniques; behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD); pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies in mental health practice; quality use of medicines; differentiating between normal age-related changes, complex and chronic mental health conditions and delirium; identifying vulnerable groups / adults; ageism and stigma; comprehensive mental health assessment; functional health assessment; mental health risk assessment; contemporary mental health assessment tools; mental state examination; mental health care coordination; the implications of place on the mental health outcomes of older people; codes, ethics, standards, guidelines, legislation and reform agendas in mental health practice; quality improvement and best practice in mental health care; health promotion; healthy ageing; clinical supervision models; strategies to promote resilience; the role of leadership in the support optimal mental health care.

Textbook(s)

Procter, N, Hamer, HP, McGarry, D, Wilson, RL, & Froggatt, T (eds) 2017, Mental Health: A person-centred approach, 2nd, Cambridge University Press, Melbourne

Prerequisite(s)

Nil

Corequisite(s)

Nil

Teaching method

Note: These components may or may not be scheduled in every study period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Assessment

Case study, Online activities, Portfolio

Fees

EFTSL*: 0.250
Commonwealth Supported program (Band 1)
To determine the fee for this course as part of a Commonwealth Supported program, go to:
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Fee-paying program for domestic and international students
International students and students undertaking this course as part of a postgraduate fee paying program must refer to the relevant program home page to determine the cost for undertaking this course.

Non-award enrolment
Non-award tuition fees are set by the university. To determine the cost of this course, go to:
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* Equivalent Full Time Study Load. Please note: all EFTSL values are published and calculated at ten decimal places. Values are displayed to three decimal places for ease of interpretation.