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HE Unit Template
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Mental Health in the Older Person
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HEALA6404 - Mental Health in the Older Person
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20250200
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Course
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2.1
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2026-06-16
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2026-06-16
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Nursing
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Institute of Health and Wellbeing
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Nursing
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Postgraduate - Coursework
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15
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.125
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060311
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Aged Care Nursing
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<a href="http://www.federation.edu.au/locate/unit/heala6404">060311 - Aged Care Nursing</a>
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Graded (e.g. HD, D, C, etc)
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Bachelor Honours Degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma
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Intermediate
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<p>Mental health presentations occur across lifespan including older adults. This unit covers a broad range of content that relates to the mental health and wellbeing of older adults. The concept of mental health, mental illness, mental health wellbeing as a continuum will be explored. The unit will explore the biopsychosocial model of ageing and mental health and also cover common mental health disorders as well as severe mental illnesses that occurs among the elderly population. Systematic approach to mental health assessment which includes comprehensive mental health history, mental state examination, mini mental state examination, risk assessment will also be covered. Additionally, interventions and treatment approaches (including psychopharmacological and non-pharmacological) within a recovery-oriented framework will also be covered. The unit would also provide the learners with the available mental health and support services that promote the recovery of people with lived experience of mental illness and their carers.</p>
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<p>Topics may include:<br>
1. Introduction to mental health, illness and wellbeing<br>
2. Mental health of older adults<br>
3. Common mental health disorders<br>
4. Recovery oriented practice in mental health<br>
5. Mental health assessments for older adults<br>
6. Mental Health and Wellbeing Act<br>
7. Psychopharmacology for older adults<br>
8. Culturally Safe Mental Health Practice<br>
9. Mental Health Treatment and Support Services</p>
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<p>Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment.</p>
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2026
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2026
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HEALA6404 - Mental Health in the Older Person
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HEALA6404 - Mental Health in the Older Person
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Unit
Catalogue Term and Year
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Semester
Semester 1
Semester 2
Summer Semester
Year
2026
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Overview
Key information
Requisites
Learning outcomes
Assessment
Parent Region
Overview
Unit description
<p>Mental health presentations occur across lifespan including older adults. This unit covers a broad range of content that relates to the mental health and wellbeing of older adults. The concept of mental health, mental illness, mental health wellbeing as a continuum will be explored. The unit will explore the biopsychosocial model of ageing and mental health and also cover common mental health disorders as well as severe mental illnesses that occurs among the elderly population. Systematic approach to mental health assessment which includes comprehensive mental health history, mental state examination, mini mental state examination, risk assessment will also be covered. Additionally, interventions and treatment approaches (including psychopharmacological and non-pharmacological) within a recovery-oriented framework will also be covered. The unit would also provide the learners with the available mental health and support services that promote the recovery of people with lived experience of mental illness and their carers.</p>
Unit content
<p>Topics may include:<br> 1. Introduction to mental health, illness and wellbeing<br> 2. Mental health of older adults<br> 3. Common mental health disorders<br> 4. Recovery oriented practice in mental health<br> 5. Mental health assessments for older adults<br> 6. Mental Health and Wellbeing Act<br> 7. Psychopharmacology for older adults<br> 8. Culturally Safe Mental Health Practice<br> 9. Mental Health Treatment and Support Services</p>
Key information
Institute / school:
Institute of Health and Wellbeing
Discipline:
Nursing
Study level:
Postgraduate - Coursework
Credit points:
15
EFTSL:
0.125
Field of education:
<a href="http://www.federation.edu.au/locate/unit/heala6404">060311 - Aged Care Nursing</a>
Offering:
<p><strong>Semester 2</strong><p>On-line Learning (Online)</p></p>
Grade scheme:
Graded (e.g. HD, D, C, etc)
Placement component:
No
Requisites
Prerequisite
None
Corequisite
None
Exclusion
None
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes
<p>On successful completion of this unit, students are expected to gain the following [K]nowledge, [S]kills and [A]pplication of knowledge & skills</p>
Learning Outcomes
Ref
Outcome
K1
<p>Discuss mental health, illness and wellness amongst older adults.</p>
K2
<p>Describe key models of mental health care approaches for older adults.</p>
K3
<p>Determine the role of the health professional in the provision of mental health care for older adults.</p>
K4
<p>Understand the principles of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act as it relates to the care of older adults living with a mental illness.</p>
K5
<p>Utilise the principles of a culturally sensitive approach when providing care to older adults living with mental illness.</p>
S1
<p>Demonstrate therapeutic communication skills to form a relationship with older adults requiring care from a mental health professional.</p>
S2
<p>Perform a mental health assessment including mental state examination and risk assessment.</p>
S3
<p>Critically analyse therapeutic interventions and psychopharmacology used in the care of older adults living with a mental illness.</p>
S4
<p>Use critical thinking and evaluation skills to analyse the complex mental health care needs of older people.</p>
A1
<p>Engage and develop therapeutic relationships with older adults experiencing mental health issues.</p>
A2
<p>Implement recovery care plans for older adults experiencing mental illness.</p>
A3
<p>Utilise evidence-based practice to deliver care to older adults living with a mental illness.</p>
Assessment
Learning Tasks and Assessment
Ref
Learning task
Assessment type
Weighting
Learning outcomes assessed
1
<p>Written Essay- this task will explore contemporary mental health issues in the older adult</p>
<p>Essay</p>
<p>40-60%</p>
K1, K2, K3, K4, K5
2
<p>Evidence based Mental Health Care plan for an older adult including a reflective practice element</p>
<p>Written task</p>
<p>40-60%</p>
K1, K2, K3, S1, S2, S3, S4, A1, A2, A3
Supplementary assessment available:
Yes
Supplimentary assessment information:
<p>Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment.</p>
Key information
Institute / school:
Institute of Health and Wellbeing
Discipline:
Nursing
Study level:
Postgraduate - Coursework
Credit points:
15
EFTSL:
0.125
Field of education:
<a href="http://www.federation.edu.au/locate/unit/heala6404">060311 - Aged Care Nursing</a>
Offering:
<p><strong>Semester 2</strong><p>On-line Learning (Online)</p></p>
Grade scheme:
Graded (e.g. HD, D, C, etc)
Placement component:
No
Disclaimer
<em>Information in the Federation Handbook is correct at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to alter any course, unit, procedure or fee.</em>
Additional information
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Internal reference: HEALA6404 - U2.1