Working with Older People

Learners will be able to assess the physical, social, psychological, cultural and spiritual needs of older people, recognise the impact of ageism and elder abuse on health and wellbeing, and evaluate issues associated with balancing autonomy and risk. The course will also consider social work practices to empower and to promote the independence, health and wellbeing of older people.

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to

• Analyse the implications of social and demographic changes for the health and wellbeing of older people in Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Critically review contemporary developments in social and health care policy for older people.
• Assess the physical, social, psychological, cultural and spiritual needs of an older person(s) and the impact of ageism and elder abuse on their health and wellbeing.
• Propose and evaluate social work practices that empower and promote the independence, health and wellbeing of older people while balancing autonomy and managing risk

Course content includes

• Older people in Aotearoa New Zealand – including contemporary social and demographic changes; cultural diversity and different family formations; key social and health care policy issues.
• The nature of ageing – including psychological; biological and physical changes; transition and coping strategies.
• Health and wellbeing issues in old age – including psychological health; managing chronic disease; living with disability; dementia; dying, death and dignity.
• Ageism – societal attitudes, challenging prejudice and discrimination.
• Carers, communities and older people – including balancing needs and rights; informal care; gender, sexual identity and orientation issues; social support networks; care in rural and remote areas.
• Out of home care ¬– hospitals, respite and residential care.
• Elder abuse – financial abuse, psychological abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse
• Cultural diversity and spirituality.
• Balancing rights and risks and promoting autonomy.
• Advocacy and campaigning approaches to promoting change
• Mental health issues – depression and dementia.
• Community and home-based support services – independent living services, assistive technology and telecare.
• Skills to analyse, organise and apply research findings

Assessment

100% internal assessment 

Textbooks

No textbooks are required for this course

Computer and internet requirements

This course is delivered online, so you will access the course and do your study online, which generally includes reading and doing activities, watching videos, downloading content, and writing and submitting assessments online.

For online learning you need:

• Access to a laptop or desktop computer
• Reliable broadband internet and a data plan

Find out more about online learning

If you are unsure if your current computer or internet access will allow you to study online please contact us.