This unit of study is designed for nurses with a specific interest in or who provide care to people living with dementia. This unit of study reinforces that nursing care involves much more than just meeting the physical needs of people living with dementia. Using case studies, all themes focus on sustaining well-being and achieving and maintaining quality of life. Students will explore what is and isn’t dementia, the behavioural and psychological symptoms, and therapeutic approaches to holistic nursing care. Students will also analyse the specific needs of vulnerable populations such as younger people, First Nations people, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, and Intersex (LGBTQI). Students will also examine legal and ethical issues related to palliative and end-of-life care for people living with dementia.
| Dementia Care | |
| Unit of study code | 064 |
| Availability | Graduate Certificate in Aged Care Nursing
Graduate Certificate in Community and Primary Health Care Nursing GC single unit of study |
| Term | JANUARY, JULY |
| Pre-requisite | N/A |
| EFTSL | 0.125 FTE |
| Credit points | 6 |
| Mode of study | Online |
| Hours of study | 150 |
| Fee* | Tier 2 |
| Recommended texts | There are no prescribed textbooks for this subject. However, the following is recommended as useful resources on the topic.
Kailas Roberts. (2021). Mind your brain: the essential Australia guide to dementia. Uqp. |
| Co-ordinated by | Diva Madan e: diva.madan@acn.edu.au |
| Content | Intended learning outcomes for this unit/program
After completing this unit, the learner will be able to:- |
Assessment Tasks | ||
| Type of assessment
Note the completed assessment item (e.g. Assessment 1: Online discussion) |
Weighting
(% of total marks) |
When assessed – academic week
(e.g. Week 8) |
||
| Theme 1: Is it dementia? | a) critically analyse the causes of degenerative and cognitive impairment and the associated therapeutic approaches to nursing care | Assessment 1a: Multiple choice quiz
Assessment 1b: Online discussion: Understanding Cultures in dementia |
5%
5% |
2, 9 |
| Theme 2: What is dementia? | b) conceptualise the professional, and cultural issues involved with providing care to the person living with dementia | Assessment 2a: Concept map: dementia in older people.
Assessment 2b: Essay therapeutic approach to dementia care |
5%
40% |
4, 8 |
| Theme 3: Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) | c) evaluate how an evidence -based care environment supports the health and wellbeing of the person living with dementia | Assessment 3: Analysis of care: advanced dementia care | 45% | 10 |
| Theme 4: Therapeutic approaches of dementia care | d) illustrate how holistic nursing care improves the quality of life for all who live with dementia including vulnerable populations with dementia | |||
| Theme 5: Palliative and end-of-life care (EoLC) for people living with dementia | e) critically reflect on the role of the nurse in providing palliative and end-of-life care to the person living with dementia | |||
Dementia Care (064) is a Tier 2 unit.
| Tiers | 2025 Member price (10% discount) | 2025 Non-member price |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $2,403.00 | $2,670.00 |
| Tier 2 | $2,740.50 | $3,045.00 |
| Tier 3 | $3,539.00 | $3,932.00 |
| Tier 4 | $4,166.00 | $4,628.50 |
*Fees are subject to change without notice.
