Best Practice in Older People's Mental Health

Postgraduate | 2026

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Mode icon
Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
NURS 5033
Course ID icon
Course ID
204414
Campus icon
Campus
Online
Level of study
Level of study
Postgraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
12
Course owner
Course owner
Sch of Nursing and Midwifery
Course coordinator
Course coordinator
Paul Cooper
Course level icon
Course level
5
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
No
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
No
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
No

Course overview

The aim of this course is to advance the knowledge, skills and attitudes of health professionals to achieve evidence based best practice in assessing and supporting older people's mental health. Philosophies of relationship/person centred and compassionate care; values-based approach to health care; partnership approach to care; biological theories of ageing and implications for mental health; trauma informed and recovery focused care; de-escalation techniques; behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD); pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies in mental health practice; quality use of medicines; differentiating between normal age-related changes, complex and chronic mental health conditions and delirium; identifying vulnerable groups / adults; ageism and stigma; comprehensive mental health assessment; functional health assessment; mental health risk assessment; contemporary mental health assessment tools; mental state examination; mental health care coordination; the implications of place on the mental health outcomes of older people; codes, ethics, standards, guidelines, legislation and reform agendas in mental health practice; quality improvement and best practice in mental health care; health promotion; healthy ageing; clinical supervision models; strategies to promote resilience; the role of leadership in the support optimal mental health care.

Course learning outcomes

  • Critically appraise and apply contemporary theories, principles and care frameworks to promote holistic evidence based mental health care of older people.
  • Demonstrate an applied understanding of the ethical, legislative, regulatory and policy obligations of health professionals to support and promote the mental health care of older people.
  • Conduct a comprehensive, evidence-based health assessment of an older person with a focus on mental health.
  • Plan, implement and evaluate holistic, person-centred mental health care with a healthy ageing focus.
  • Critically reflect on and challenge, own and the practice of others to lead and promote best practice in older people's mental health.

Availability

Census date Icon
Census date
Fri 27/03/2026
Enrol by date
Enrol by date
Fri 13/03/2026
Last day to W
Last day to W
Fri 10/04/2026
Last day to WF
Last day to WF
Fri 08/05/2026

Class details

Online

Class number
Class number 20103
Section
Section 01OL
Size
Size 100
Available
Available 98
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
- Online ,

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

  • must not have completed NURS5165 Best Practice in Older People's Mental Health at the University of South Australia

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Study Abroad student tuition fees are available here.

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The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.