Gerontology

Subject 513-404 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 4 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Year Long, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Equivalent of 60 hours throughout fourth year, 24 hours lectures and tutorials and self-directed learning, four weeks (28 hours per week) clinical placement
Total Time Commitment: Students will need to allow time for self-directed learning. The following hours are given as minimum requirements: 1 hour pre/post reading for lectures, 2 hours per hour of tutorial sessions and 2 hours extra per week for practical classes. Fourth year students will need to spend approximately 2 hours per day in study and at least 2 extra hours per week practising clinical skills.
Prerequisites: This subject is not available as a single subject. Students must be currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Physiotherapy to undertake this subject.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Mrs Kathryn Therese Gould, Prof Meg Morris
Subject Overview:

This subject will provide knowledge, skills and evidence about the multiple co-morbidities that can occur with advanced age, inter-professional teams, evaluation of physiotherapy servies in aged care. Knowledge of the role of physiotherapists and other health team members in management, agencies delivering aged care services and sources of specialised equipment is developed. The tutorial program includes topics on falls and gait disorders, dementia, incontinence, aged care policy and pain.
Objectives:
  • To gain knowledge on ageing in health and disease and the role of physiotherapy in gerentological teams.
  • To understand how aged care services are provided within the Australian healthcare system.
  • To be effective at providing physiotherapy services tailored to the needs of older adults.
Assessment:

Clinic: continuous clinical assessment (60%). Theory: case presentation (15%), and a written assignment of no more than 1,500 words (25%).

Students must pass the clinical component in order to pass the subject.
Prescribed Texts:
  • Physiotherapy Practice in Residential Aged Care (Nitz, Jennifer C & Hourigan, Susan R), Butterworth-Heinemann, 2004
Recommended Texts:
  • Health Care for an Ageing Population, (Jamison JR), London, Churchill Livingstone, 2007
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On completion of the subject students will:

  • Understand usual changes that occur with ageing in health and
  • Understand the Australian healthcare context in which gerontological services are provided
  • Safely apply knowledge and skills of physiotherapy practice with new information about the assessment and treatment of older adults
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills with older adults, families, carers and staff
  • Participate effectively in inter-professional teams by understanding the roles of other members, in particular those of older adults, families and other health professionals

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