PNUR 3403

Students will develop an understanding of the complexity, rewards and challenges of working with the older adult in the context of primary and secondary health care delivery systems. Theories of aging and expected developmental paths, along with de-mystification of long-held beliefs about aging will be examined. Students will develop an understanding of the challenges faced by older adults living in the community, as well as those residing in care facilities. In addition, students will acquire knowledge of treatment modalities and psychiatric nursing care related to mental health and physiological challenges facing the older adult with a focus on specific exemplars such as Alzheimer’s disease, delirium, depression, neglect abuse, and pharmacology. The student will understand the significance of the family and loved ones in planning care for the older adult. The role of the psychiatric nurse in providing care for the older adult at all levels of intervention/prevention will be explored within the context of the Douglas College Psychiatric Nursing Conceptual Framework for Nursing and psychosocial rehabilitation concepts. Ethical and legal implications will be discussed as well as issues of caregiver support and the needs of individuals, families, friends, and nurses working with older adult patients confronting end-of-life concerns.