Course Resources Archive
SWU303: The Vulnerable Older Person
| Module Title | The Vulnerable Older Person |
|---|---|
| Module Code | SWU303 |
| Module Tutor | Barbara Neale |
| School | Institute of Education and Public Services |
| CAT Points | 15 |
| Level of Study | 6 |
| Pre-requisites | Before taking this module you must pass SWU102 and pass SWU103 and pass SWU105 and pass SWU106 and pass SWU108 and pass SWU109 and pass SWU201 and pass SWU202 and pass SWU203 and pass SWU204 and pass SWU206 and pass SWU207 |
| Co-requisites | None |
| Restrictions | Restricted to students on BSc (Hons) Social Work and and Post-Qualifying Social Work Awards |
| Brief Description | This module, which utilises an enquiry and action learning approach, based on actual case materials, introduces students to the needs of vulnerable older people. Vulnerability is seen as comprising three elements — - as arising from deteriorating mental or physical health- as arising from social exclusion and economic disadvantage- as arising from deliberate harm or neglect The emphasis will be on empowerment and the maintenance of independence and choice. However statutory interventions to protect vulnerable older people are also carefully considered, including the relevant usage of the Mental Health Act 1983, The National Assistance Act 1946 and the Court of Protection. |
| Indicative Syllabus | The concept of the ‘vulnerable older person’. Constructed vulnerability. The nature and causes of mental and physical deterioration in old age. The experience of mental and physical deterioration. Treatment and care of people with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other degenerative conditions. Poverty and social exclusion amongst older people. Community based interventions to support socially excluded older people. Pensions, benefits and allowances. Housing needs and provision. Abuse amongst/against older people. Preventive and protective interventions. The usage of the Mental Health Acts/National Assistance Acts with vulnerable older people. The Court of Protection. Social work roles. |
| Learning Outcomes | i. Knowledge and Understanding By the end of the module students should be able to: a) Analyse and review the concept of ‘the vulnerable older person’ and understand its socially constructed nature b) Understand the nature and causes of mental and physical deterioration in old age and the relevant treatment and care options c) Analyse the causes of poverty and social exclusion amongst older people, describe how the pension and benefits system works and review community support strategies for older people d) Analyse the nature, extent and causes of abuse of older people and identify strategies for preventing abuse and protecting older persons. e) Review the statutory options available for the protection of adults through the Mental Health and National Assistance Acts f) Understand how the Court of Protection is used to protect the finances of vulnerable adults. ii. Skills There will be an emphasis on the development of skills in: a) Analysis and reflection b) Identification of support strategies, assessment and planning c) The usage of appropriate legal interventions |
| Learning and Teaching Activities | Staff/student contact circa 20% (to include visiting speakers, experiential learning, lectures, video, group work) Student independent study circa 80% (to include reading and assignment preparation, personal research and visits) |
| Assessment (For further details see the Module Guide) | 001: 50% Practical Exam: Oral Examination: Standard: Presentation 002: 50% Coursework: Standard: 2000 words or equivalent |
| Special Assessment Requirements | None |
| Indicative Resources | The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide. |
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