AGES1014 Contemporary Approaches in Aged Care

Global population ageing and longer life expectancy will bring an increasing demand for quality aged care and consequently, a growth in employment opportunities worldwide. Aged care is an Australian term for daily living and nursing care services provided to older people who either need some help at home or can no longer live independently. Such support is offered in all developed countries to varying degrees, but in developing countries, aged care is largely informal, provided by family members. Students will explore and analyse contemporary issues related to the context of community-based and residential aged care that can impact on the ability of service providers to meet the needs of both staff and older people. A particular focus will be on the analysis of both traditional and innovative models of aged care from around the world to provide insight into current directions for person-centred living for older people into the future.

This topic aims to introduce students to contemporary issues in aged care, the global culture change trends and the importance of finding improved practices to deliver appropriate support and care environments that are more responsive to the clinical, social and psychological needs of older people.

1. Examine current challenges in community and residential aged care settings
2. Evaluate the differences between traditional and innovative approaches in aged care
3. Compare staff, families and older people’s experiences of aged care
4. Assess research evidence in relation to current policy directions, including consumer directed care
5. Describe and discuss the culture change movement in the aged care context
6. Recommend key components required to create a culturally responsive approach to aged care that will meet the needs of the future generations of older people