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FutureLearn

How to Improve Care for the Elderly: Identifying Red Flags

University Of The West Indies via FutureLearn

Overview

Provide better elderly care in personal or professional settings

It’s estimated that by 2050, 30% of the population will be over 65. This means that more people will need to know how to properly care for the elderly.

Whether you provide care in a professional or personal context, this three-week course will arm you with the knowledge and tools to enhance your care for the elderly.

Throughout the course, you’ll develop your understanding of the different health issues the elderly face. What’s more, you’ll gain crucial skills to recognise the signs that indicate the need for urgent or emergency care.

Understand the considerations for caring for the ageing population

You’ll start by unpacking the physiology of ageing and the different care considerations for the elderly demographic.

Next, you’ll gain an introduction to the different signs and symptoms to be aware of, such as disorientation, weight loss, and the inability to take care of basic tasks.

Recognise the atypical presentations in caring for the elderly

Diseases can often present themselves differently in elderly people, making it challenging to identify the signs of a serious problem.

On the course, you’ll develop your understanding of atypical presentations of diseases as you learn how to identify risk factors that increase this likelihood.

This knowledge will help you become better equipped to recognise the need for urgent or emergency care.

Learn from the experts at The University of West Indies

Throughout the course, you’ll be guided by physician Dr Williams-Johnson and the specialists at The University of West Indies. With their expertise, you’ll finish with the knowledge and skills to improve your care for the elderly.

This course is designed for anyone who cares for elderly people including physicians, nurses, and those caring for elderly relatives at home.

No prior knowledge or experience is needed, although some understanding of basic medical care would be useful.

Syllabus

  • Healthy Ageing
    • Demographics of ageing
    • Physiology of ageing
    • Discussion and overview
  • Considerations for Care
    • Introduction to care considerations
    • Signs and symptoms
    • Care and decision making
    • Assessment and overview
  • Atypical Presentation
    • Atypical presentation explained
    • Discussion and assessment

Taught by

Jean Williams-Johnson

Reviews

4.2 rating at FutureLearn based on 11 ratings

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