Health in the Elderly, 15 credits

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.

On completion of the course, the student should:
- demonstrate an understanding of economical and political conditions for health and quality of life in old age, 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 interventions for elderly people
- show a deeper understanding of the complexity in the rehabilitation of elderly patients
- be capable of, independently, evaluating movement- and activity restrictions based on knowledge about normal aging as well about somatic and psychiatric diseases
- be capable of planning and accounting for profession specific measures for health promotion, preservation of function and rehabilitating purposes
- show competence in delegating tasks and in guiding other staff in approaches to rehabilitation

Focus is set on normal aging from a biological, psychological and social point of view, as well as on the conditions of elderly people from a public health perspective. The importance of health promotion is illustrated.

Common diseases and functional disabilities in old age are studied, with particular emphasis on the complexity that often arises when an individual suffers from multiple 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 highlighted and strong emphasis is placed on how to approach people with dementia. The relatives' role as care providers is discussed.

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.
 

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.

The course has been cancelled and was offered for the last time in the spring semester of 2016. Examination will be provided until the spring of 2018 for students who have not completed the course. 

Language of instruction: Swedish.