Singapore University of Social Sciences

This course provides students with the knowledge of aging-related issues such as physical, psychological and social changes which will affect their well-being in their late life. In addition, students will be equipped with essential knowledge on common psychiatric disorders such as depression and dementia, which are not uncommon in old age. It will present the different counselling approaches that can be used on older persons, as well as discussions on the type of approaches for older persons who receive different types of care services. Examples include Reminiscence Therapy and Group Therapy, which will benefit older adults residing in institutions, and the ECADIT model, based on the problem-solving approach, will benefit those older adults attending day-care programmes. This course will also equip students with the use of appropriate comprehensive assessment tools when counselling older adults. This will help students to gain a better understanding of the challenges older persons face, and thus help to develop an appropriate intervention or care plan for them. Topic on Self-awareness will provide opportunities for students to examine and reflect on their attitudes and values/beliefs, when providing counselling for the older persons.