Comprehensive Approaches to Ageing and Dementia Care

This module explores the complex interplay of ageing and dementia, equipping professionals with the knowledge and skills to deliver compassionate, person-centred care that promotes dignity, independence, and wellbeing.  

With ageing populations and increasing prevalence of dementia, there is a growing need for professionals across health and social care to understand the multifaceted nature of ageing and dementia.  This module supports learners to critically engage with biopsychosocial, ethical, and rights-based approaches to care, enabling them to respond effectively to the needs of older individuals in diverse settings.

This module is suitable for professionals across health, social care, and housing sectors who work with older adults, including those living with dementia.  It is relevant for practitioners at all levels seeking to deepen their understanding and enhance their practice.

Over the weeks of learning, applicants can expect to cover: 

• Biological, psychological, and social aspects of ageing and dementia
• Human rights, ethics, and values-based care
• Person-centred and relationship-centred approaches
• Diagnosis, transitions, and end-of-life care
• Strategies to address stigma, discrimination, and promote inclusion

At the end of this module the student will be able to:

• Critically analyse the interplay between neurological, physiological, and medical aspects of ageing and dementia.
• Evaluate biopsychosocial, spiritual, and environmental approaches to support wellbeing.
• Debate ethical and rights-based approaches to care.
• Develop leadership strategies for compassionate, interdisciplinary care.

This is an SCQF Level 11 module and upon successful completion, participants will be awarded 20 credits.  Applicants must have completed academic study at SCQF Level 9 or above.  Experience working with older adults or individuals with dementia is recommended.

To view the module descriptor, please visit Programme Specifications and Module Descriptors 

 

Delivery 

This module runs for 14 weeks and is delivered on a Distance Learning basis.  Confirmed dates will be published in advance of course commencement.

The module is delivered via the virtual learning environment, Aula, with the materials being opened in chunks to allow students the opportunity to manage their workload.  This delivery is supported by some optional early evening academic support sessions which is delivered via MS Teams. 

 

Week	Topic
Week 1	Introduction to Ageing and Dementia
Week 2	Biological and Neurological Aspects of Ageing and Dementia
Week 3	Understanding Dementia: Diagnosis and Early Support
Week 4	Ethical and Rights-Based Approaches to Ageing and Dementia Care
Week 5	**Consolidation Week**
Week 6	Person-Centred and Relationship-Centred Care
Week 7	Social, Cultural and Environmental Influences
Week 8	Transitions in Care and End-of-Life Considerations
Week 9	**Consolidation Week**
Week 10	Tackling Stigma and Discrimination
Week 11	Community and Carer Support
Week 12	Reflective Practice and Case Study Preparation
Week 13	**Consolidation & Assignment Support**
Week 14	Assignment Submission Week

 

Course presenters

This module will be delivered by Dr Bryan Mitchell and Vinodhini Murugavel.

 

NOTE: This is a university module and upon approval of your application, you will be invited to register and then supported to complete enrolment.  To enrol on the university system, the first step involves security set-up using the Microsoft Authenticator app; you will need to ensure that you have a compatible smartphone.

Further enrolment information is available at the Student Information Portal.

To access this module via the CPD route, individuals should be ordinarily resident in Scotland.  

 

MSc Ageing and Frailty (With Dementia)

This module has been newly developed and is going to be part of the MSc Ageing and Frailty (With Dementia) programme. 

 

Any questions relating to course content should be directed to Bryan.Mitchell@uws.ac.uk

All general inquiries should be directed to cpd@uws.ac.uk