Overview

Topics may include:

• Perspectives on quality dementia care
• Theoretical models of dementia and their historical development: biomedical, psychological, sociological, disability and critical theory
• Disciplinary perspectives in dementia care; psychiatry, neuroscience, medicine, nursing, psychology, social work, occupational therapy, social welfare
• Understanding the lived experience of dementia and its cultural, social and linguistic influences
• Philosophical perspectives relevant to dementia: philosophy of mind; mind/body dualism; philosophy of science
• Macro-perspectives: the political and economic context of dementia care
• Changing perspectives in dementia care: challenges of interdisciplinary and multi-agency working in the 21st century
• Analysis of the complex interplay between physical and mental health, social and physical environment, personality and biography and neurological impairment in the lived experience of dementia for both people with dementia and their families and carers.
• Needs of people with dementia and their carers: their expression and assessment using appropriate tools, their administration, analysis and interpretation.
• Ethical issues and ethical reasoning in practice with reference to potential for abuse: empowerment, autonomy and right

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Threshold Basic understanding of the facts and principles specific to the topics covered in this module. Basic understanding of professional accountability issues. Students will be required to achieve a minimum of C- grade in the assignment to in order to pass the theory component of the module. -good -Good Good understanding of the facts and principles specific to the topics covered in this module. Good understanding of professional accountability issues. This equates to a minimum mark of Grade B- in the Grading Criteria. -excellent -Excellent Very good understanding of the facts and principles specific to the topics covered in this module and evidence of additional evidence gained by the student. Very good understanding of professional accountability issues. This equates to a minimum mark of Grade A- in the Grading Criteria

Learning Outcomes

• Critically analyse issues of dignity, choice and compassion in the process of engaging with people with dementia and/or their carers.

• Critically analyse theoretical models and differing perspectives of dementia to inform an independent evaluation of research.

• Evaluate the unique experiences, problems and needs of people affected by dementia and compare and contrast quality dementia care principles from user, practitioner and organisational perspectives.

• Synthesise dementia care approaches to critically appraise sensitive interactions with people affected by dementia.