Course syllabus for Health in the Elderly
Äldres hälsa
Essential data
Specific entry requirements
A Bachelor's degree or a professional degree worth at least 120 credits in healthcare. Or a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. And proficiency in Swedish and English equivalent to Swedish B and English A.
Outcomes
On completion of the course, the student should:
- demonstrate an understanding of economical and political conditions for health and quality of life in elderly days, both in a national and global perspective
- show advanced understanding of the importance of the cooperation between different staff categories and in-depth knowledge of teamwork
- be able to distinguish and analyse different interdisciplinary perspectives on preventive and rehabilitating actions for elderly people
- show deeper understanding of the complexity in the rehabilitation of elderly patients
- be able to, independently, evaluate motion and disabilities on the basis of knowledge about the normal aging as well as about somatic and psychiatric diseases
- be able to plan and account for work specific measures for health promotion, function preserving and rehabilitating purposes
- show skills in delegating tasks and in guiding other staff in approaches to rehabilitation
Content
Focus is set on the normal aging from a biological, psychological and social point of view, as well as on the conditions of the elderly from a public health perspective. The importance of health promotion is illustrated.
Commonly occurring diseases in the aging human and consequent functional disabilities are studied, where strong emphasis is placed on the complexity that often occurs when an individual is affected by several health problems. Different evaluation instruments are analysed, and their fields of use are discussed. Preventive and rehabilitating measures are penetrated, as well as specific rehabilitation programmes.
Cooperation between different professional groups is emphasised, and forms of cooperation between health care and social service are illustrated.
Mental problems such as depression are brought up and strong emphasis is placed on how to approach individuals with dementia. The relatives' role as care providers is discussed.
Teaching methods
The course includes different types of working methods such as lectures, seminars, task based work, literature search and report writing.
All course components included are based on a problem-oriented and collaborative approach to learning in which forms of work provide opportunities for the student to take active responsibility for their learning.
Examination
The examination of the course consists of a written group assignment that is presented and reviewed in seminars. Active participation in the work of the group, and individual responsibility for the presentation at the seminar, are required for the Pass grade.
Further, approved presentation of other study assignments is required. Compulsory attendance applies to all seminars. In case of absence, an extra written assignment is carried out, as agreed with the course coordinator.
Students who do not pass a regular examination are entitled to re-sit the examination on five more occasions. If the student has failed six examinations/tests, no more examination is given. Each occasion the student participates in the same test counts as an examination. If a student is registered for an examination but does not attend, this is not regarded as an examination.
Transitional provisions
Examination will be provided during a period of two years after a close-down of the course. Examination may take place according to a previous reading list during a period of one year after the date of the renewal of the reading list.
Other directives
Language of instruction: Swedish.
Literature and other teaching aids
- Dehlin, Ove, Gerontologi :b åldrandet i ett biologiskt, psykologiskt och socialt perspektiv, Stockholm : Natur och kultur, 2000 - 313, [1] s. ISBN: 91-27-06613-4 (inb.), LIBRIS-ID: 8348366, *
- Gurner, Ulla; Thorslund, Mats, Dirigent saknas i vård och omsorg för äldre: om nödvändigheten av samordning, Stockholm : Natur och kultur, 2003 - 191, [1] s. ISBN: 91-27-07397-1 (inb.), LIBRIS-ID: 9160284, *
- Oddy, Rosemary, Aktivitet vid demenssjukdom: en praktisk vägledning, 1. uppl. : Stockholm : Liber, 2013 - 167 s. ISBN: 9789147114030, LIBRIS-ID: 14677097, *
- Socialgerontologi, Andersson, Lars, Lund : Studentlitteratur, 2002 - 377 s. ISBN: 91-44-01452-X, LIBRIS-ID: 8352948, *