The purpose of this module is to develop students' knowledge and understanding of common mental health difficulties associated with the older person. The module aims to consider and discuss the most up to date evidence based assessment and treatment modalities in tandem with current health care policies so as to ensure quality, holistic, and safe nursing care for the older person experiencing mental health problems, and their families/carers across primary, secondary and tertiary health care settings.

Mental health and healthy aging, diversity, spirituality, sexuality. Mental health difficulties that affect the older person; functional and cognitive disorders. The role of the mental health nurse caring for older people with mental health difficulties living in a variety of settings. The statutory and voluntary services in the care of the older person. Person-centered care. Recovery approaches to older person assessment, planning, interventions and evaluation. Falls prevention. Supporting older persons for optimal emotional, psychological and physical wellbeing. Palliative and end of life care. The concept of recovery and older people's narratives. Elder abuse. Support mechanisms for family and carers. Pharmacological and non-parmachological interventions. National and international policies and strategies. Clinical Skills: Assessment (e.g. risk, nutritional, Mini-Mental State Examination) and care planning Meaningful person-centered activity planning for the older person Therapies for the older person: e.g. reminiscence therapy, validation and reality orientation, working with Life history End of Life care/ last offices

Discuss the role of the nurse in the management of older persons with a mental health problem/difficulty. Discuss the role of the nurse in the management of older persons with dementias. Analyse current health care and related policies pertaining to older persons' mental health.

Recognise the factors related to the development of positive mental health in older persons. Appreciate the qualities essential to the practice of person-centred care.

Demonstrate the skills to assess, plan, implement and evaluate care for older persons with mental health problems and their families.

Experience The teaching style will be interactive using contemporary educational strategies/technologies. Students will participate in the learning environment through engagement in teaching learning and assessment strategies for example, lectures, discussions, group work, self-directed learning, recommended reading, reflection, enquiry/problem-based learning and case scenarios, peer presentations, the use of the virtual learning environment, clinical labs and small group teaching. The most significant graduate attributes developed through participation in this module include; 'articulate', 'proactive', 'knowledgeable', collaborative and 'responsible'. Students will develop skills, knowledge and a responsible approach to working collaboratively with the older person and their families experiencing mental health difficulties and the multidisciplinary team. Students will develop the skills to articulate within the MDT in the formulation of a recovery plan for service users. The syllabus and assessment mechanisms will reflect the most recent developments in the field and will reflect research in the area of mental health nursing practice.