*Course Objectives* 

1. Develop expertise in addressing the unique physical, emotional, and social needs of elderly patients. 

2. Train nurses to manage age-related chronic illnesses, cognitive impairments, and end-of-life care. 

3. Promote safe, ethical, and person-centred care for geriatric populations. 

4. Equip students with skills to collaborate with interdisciplinary healthcare teams. 

 

*Course Modules* 

 

*1. Fundamentals of Geriatric Care* 

- Aging processes: biological, psychological, and social changes 

- Myths and stereotypes about aging 

- Healthy aging and preventive care strategies 

 

 *2. Common Geriatric Health Conditions* 

- Chronic diseases: hypertension, diabetes, COPD, osteoporosis 

- Cognitive disorders: Alzheimer’s, dementia, delirium 

- Mobility issues: arthritis, falls, frailty syndrome 

- Sensory impairments (vision/hearing loss) 

 

*3. Geriatric Assessment Tools* 

- Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) 

- ADLs and IADLs evaluation (Activities of Daily Living) 

- Cognitive screening tools (MMSE, MoCA) 

- Pain assessment in non-verbal patients 

 

*4. Pharmacology and Medication Management* 

- Polypharmacy risks and management 

- Age-related pharmacokinetic changes 

- Common drug interactions and side effects 

- Medication adherence strategies 

 

 *5. Mental Health and Emotional Well-being* 

- Depression, anxiety, and loneliness in the elderly 

- Behavioural interventions for agitation/aggression 

- Therapeutic communication techniques 

 

*6. Palliative and End-of-Life Care* 

- Principles of palliative care and symptom management 

- Advance care planning (living wills, DNR orders) 

- Supporting families during grief and bereavement 

 

 *7. Ethical and Legal Issues* 

- Informed consent and decision-making capacity 

- Elder abuse prevention and reporting 

- Ethical dilemmas in geriatric care (e.g., autonomy vs. safety) 

 

*8. Safety and Risk Management* 

- Fall prevention strategies 

- Pressure ulcer prevention and wound care 

- Infection control in long-term care settings 

 

 *9. Rehabilitation and Healthy Aging* 

- Physical therapy and mobility aids 

- Nutrition and hydration for elderly patients 

- Promoting social engagement and independence 

 

*10. Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration* 

- Role of nurses in geriatric care teams 

- Working with physicians, social workers, and therapists 

- Care coordination and discharge planning 

 

*11. Clinical Practicum* 

- Hands-on training in hospitals, nursing homes, or hospice care 

- Supervised practice in geriatric assessments, medication administration, and patient education 

- Case studies and reflective practice 

 

*Assessment Methods* 

- *Exams*: Multiple-choice and scenario-based questions on geriatric care principles. 

- *Skills Demonstrations*: Competency in assessments, wound care, and safe patient handling. 

- *Case Studies*: Develop care plans for patients with complex geriatric needs. 

- *Clinical Evaluation*: Performance during practicum (mentor assessment). 

 

*Certification Requirements* 

- Complete all modules and pass assessments with a minimum grade (e.g., 70%). 

- Finish *120–180 clinical practicum hours* in a geriatric care setting.