MA in Social Work and Social Administration

Course Details

Course Information Package

Course Unit TitlePROGRAMMES AND SERVICES FOR ELDERLY PERSONS
Course Unit CodeMSWB524
Course Unit Details
Number of ECTS credits allocated3
Learning Outcomes of the course unitBy the end of the course, the students should be able to:
  1. Understand the biological, psychological, social and spiritual changes and the challenges experienced by older people.
  2. Evaluate the real care needs and to be able assessment the vulnerability of the elderly and to select and propose the best interventions and programs to meet their needs.
  3. Plan effective support and relief actions for families who care elderly witch need intensive and long-term care.
  4. Describe and analyze national and international demographic tendencies and the phenomenon of demographic aging.
  5. Analyse the implemented social policy for elderly people and evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of elderly social care services and plan and propose the appropriate improvements.
  6. Describe the modern actions, programs and social services for elderly care and good practices and the roles of social worker.
  7. Analyse and evaluate their beliefs, attitudes and practice for the elderly people.
  8. Develop skills, coordination and administration in elderly social care services.
Mode of DeliveryFace-to-face
PrerequisitesNONECo-requisitesNONE
Recommended optional program componentsNONE
Course Contents ·  International and national demographic trends and the effect of aging.
·  Modern approaches for the biological, social and psychosocial needs of the elderly.
·  Skills collaboration with elderly people and techniques for assessment the appropriate interventions for effective and quality social care for elderly people and social support their families.
·  Basic theories on aging (identity, interpersonal relationships, family system, care, etc).
Retirement:

·  After - retirement age.
Preparing for continued active ageing, creative activity, social participation and time management to new dimensions.  
Converse of the traditional roles towards the retirement of the couple (when retirement time doesn’t concur).
Involvement of employment agencies and unions of employees in preparing for retirement.

·  Challenges for elderly people: social exclusion, poverty, health problems, mental health, abuse, neglect and financial exploitation, discriminations, risks, dependence, long-term care, etc.
·  How we grow old.
·  Current trends and policies for the elderly. Active and healthy aging: challenges and opportunities.
·  Intergeneration solidarity.
·  Social support and care services for elderly in Cyprus and abroad: Community programs, day-care, residential care, home care. Characteristics and good practices.
·  Supporting networks and family caregivers.
·  Ethical issues in the design and development programs and carry out research with this population group.

Recommended and/or required reading:
Textbooks
  • AGE Platform Europe (2011) How to promote Active Ageing in EU, Committee of the Regions, EU, Bruxelles.
  • Daphne III programme (2010) European Charter of the rights and responsibilities of older people in need of long-term care and assistance EUSTaCEA project.
  • European Commission (2012) Age friendly goods and services - an opportunity for social and economic development, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.
  • National Association of Social Workers (2003) Standards for Social Work Services in Long-Term Facilities, NASW, Washington, USA.
  • Kostoridou-Euclidou, Α. (Ed.) (2011). Issues Elderly Psychology and Gerontology, Pedio, Athens: 31-49, 71-107, 161-177, 317-331 & 433-473.
  • Parlalis, St. (Ed.) (2011) Practice of Social Work in Greece and Cyprus, Pedio, Athens: 99-120 & 255-269.
References
  • EUROFAMCARE (2006) Services for Supporting Family Carers of Elderly People in Europe: Characteristics, Coverage and Usage. Examples of good and innovative practices in supporting family carers in Europe, EUROFAMCARE-consortium, Hamburg, Germany.
  • Feldman, R. S. (2011). Developmental Psychology, Volume Α and Β. Gutenberg, Athens.
  • Johnson, T. (2008). Aging. From ancient to postmodern, Politropon, Athens Ulrike, Μ. (2009). Gerontology and Elderly Psychiatric. European Technology Publications, Athens.
  • Chatziantoniou, G. S. (2005). Psychopathology of elderly people, University Studio Press, Athens.
  • Christodoulou, C. (2000). The elderly people, Vita, Medical Publications Ιατρικές Εκδόσεις, Αθήνα.
Planned learning activities and teaching methodsThe course is delivered through lectures. The course notes and presentations will be uploaded and available on e-learning platform.
Assessment methods and criteria
Mid-term written examination 30%
Participation/Individual assignment20%
Final Exam50%
Language of instructionGreek
Work placement(s)NO

 Друк  E-mail