This unit of study supports the development of advanced nursing knowledge and skills to deliver person-centred, culturally responsive, and evidence-informed care to people living with dementia. Guided by Dementia Australia’s principles of quality dementia care, the unit emphasises enhancing dignity, autonomy, and quality of life through holistic and inclusive approaches.
Students will critically examine the types and progression of dementia, behavioural and psychological symptoms, and therapeutic strategies to support holistic well-being. Inclusive care considerations are explored for special populations, including younger people with dementia, First Nations peoples, those from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, and individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and intersex (LGBTQI). Legal, ethical, and cultural issues in palliative and end-of-life care are also addressed.
| Dementia Care | |
| Unit of study code | 064 |
| Availability | Graduate Certificate in Aged Care Nursing
GC single unit of study |
| Term | JANUARY, JULY |
| Pre-requisite | N/A |
| EFTSL | 0.125 FTE |
| Credit points | 6 |
| Mode of study | Online |
| Hours of study | 150 |
| Fee* | Tier 2 |
| Recommended texts | There are no prescribed textbooks for this unit. However, the following is recommended as useful resources on the topic.
Roberts, K. (2021). Mind your brain: The essential Australian guide to dementia. UQP. |
| Co-ordinated by | Elizabeth Moran e: elizabeth.moran@acn.edu.au |
| Content | Intended learning outcomes for this unit/program
After completing this unit, the learner will be able to:- |
Assessment Tasks | ||
| Type of assessment
Note the completed assessment item (e.g. Assessment 1: Online discussion) |
Weighting
(% of total marks) |
When assessed – academic week
(e.g. Week 8) |
||
| Theme 1: Understanding cognitive impairment and different types | a) critically analyse the causes and progression of degenerative and cognitive impairments in dementia care, including current evidence-based therapeutic approaches | Assessment 1: Quiz | 5% | 2 |
| Theme 2: Exploring dementia | b) demonstrate advanced understanding of the professional, cultural, and ethical considerations in delivering inclusive, person-centred care to people living with dementia | Assessment 2a: Concept map | 10% | 4 |
| Theme 3: Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) | c) evaluate how evidence-informed, holistic nursing practices enhance quality of life and well-being for people living with dementia across diverse care settings | Assessment 2b: Essay | 40% | 6 |
| Theme 4: Therapeutic approaches to dementia care | d) critically reflect on the nurse’s role in delivering culturally safe, ethical, and person-centred palliative and end-of-life care for people living with dementia. | Assessment 3: Analysis of care | 45% | 10 |
| Theme 5: Palliative and end-of-life care (EoLC) for people living with dementia | ||||
Dementia Care (064) is a Tier 2 unit.
| Tiers | 2025 Member price (10% discount) | 2025 Non-member price | 2026 Member price (10% discount) | 2026 Non-member price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $2,403.00 | $2,670.00 | $2,460.60 | $2,734.00 |
| Tier 2 | $2,740.50 | $3,045.00 | $2,806.20 | $3,118.00 |
| Tier 3 | $3,539.00 | $3,932.00 | $3,623.80 | $4,026.00 |
| Tier 4 | $4,166.00 | $4,628.50 | $4,266.00 | $4,740.00 |
| *Graduate certificate / single unit of study fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change without notice | ||||
*Fees are subject to change without notice.
