Singapore University of Social Sciences

GER515 End of Life Policies, Issues and Care examines the issues and challenges in the design and delivery of end of life care in the context of an ageing population. The course explores the meaning and purpose of palliative care, tracing the history and development of this discipline both in the global as well as in the Singapore context. The medical, social, psychological and spiritual dimensions are examined with due recognition of the role of the informal e.g. family and friends, and the formal e.g. hospice, geriatric wards of hospitals, settings. Values and beliefs about death, afterlife, and superstitions will be also discussed. Concepts and theories related to bereavement, grieving and mourning in different cultural contexts are emphasised and applied to the local Asian context. Skills development and explorations of suitable programme interventions for bereaved older adults and their families conclude the course.