The overall objective of the course is for the student to acquire in-depth knowledge and abilities about care and nursing of the older person, and be able to translate this into nursing documents. The student will be able to discuss and present reasons for the importance of promoting a dignified life for the older person. After completing a course, the student will be able to meet aged people with complex nursing needs based on an ethical approach.

Curricular segment 1: Geriatric syndromes and treatment

Knowledge and understanding

After successfully completing the course, the student is expected to be able to:

• describe normal aging and how it affects the aged person during illness and treatment with medicine
• understand the importance of illness and treatment of the aged
• explain the underlying etiology and pathophysiology of dementia, dizziness, Parkinson’s disease, osteoporosis and confusion
• explain the examination for and treatment of common geriatric diseases and mental illness in the aged
• describe the dying process of the aged

Skill and abilities

After successfully completing the course, the student is expected to be able to:

• identify symptoms and understand complex symptom images in various syndromes in order to understand what patient checks should be done and when measures should be taken

Evaluation capability and approaches

After successfully completing the course, the student is expected to be able to:

• reflect on what multi-illness or multisymptom illness can mean for the aged patient and their immediate family
• reflect on what end-of-life care means for the elderly person and his or her immediate family

Curricular segment 2: Nursing in relation to the care of the aged

Knowledge and understanding

After successfully completing the course, the student is expected to be able to:

• understand and critically process theoretical perspectives on aging
• compare and evaluate various perspectives on the importance of aging
• motivate the importance of promoting a dignified life for the aged
• explain the needs of a healthy aged person and how good health can be promoted
• describe the importance of the immediate environment for the needs and resources of nursing for the aged
• understand the complexity of aged person’s needs, and be able to discuss and present reasons for supportive measures including how digital resources can be effectively utilized
• identify current research and motivate development work in the care of the aged
• understand the phenomenon of conscience stress and its implications in daily work

Evaluation capability and approaches

After successfully completing the course, the student is expected to be able to:

• reflect on intersectional aspects and the importance of care culture for dignified and equal care in the provision of medical services
• evaluate and motivate what characterizes dignified care and how dignity can be strengthened in the aged
• reflect on the risk and occurrence of violence in geriatric care and how this can be prevented and remedied
• reflect on the need for physical closeness and values ​​regarding sexuality in the aged

Curricular segment 3: Advanced study of theory and practice in relation to care and nursing of older persons

Knowledge and understanding

After successfully completing the course, the student is expected to be able to:

• understand the preconditions for the nurse’s leadership and justify its importance for the care of the aged
• identify and apply applicable statutes and regulations  

Skill and abilities

After successfully completing the course, the student is expected to be able to:

• apply and document all the steps of the nursing process
• be responsible for systematically leading, planning, prioritizing, distributing and coordinating nursing work in collaboration with other professional groups
• identify, initiate, implement and evaluate health promotion and preventive care measures for the aged with the support of the nursing process
• plan and conduct ordinary examinations, treatments and nursing measures in a patient-safe manner in accordance with science and proven experience
• plan and carry out conversations with the immediate family in order to promote participation and a trusting nursing relationship with the older person and their immediate family
• manage pharmaceutical medicines appropriately and be able to provide adapted information to the aged individual and his/her immediate relatives regarding the effects and side effects of the drugs
• lead the nursing work and propose improvements to promote the health of the aged

Evaluation capability and approaches

After successfully completing the course, the student is expected to be able to:

• critically reflect on the possibility of gender equality and equal access for older persons and their immediate family from a societal and public health perspective
• from a holistic point of view, nurture and create participation for the older person and their immediate family based on relevant social and ethical aspects, taking into account the values of fundamental rights
• identify and propose areas for improvement to promote a preventive approach with a view to strengthening the health of the aged
• evaluate and use evidence and experience-based knowledge
• reflect and develop their own self-awareness and empathic ability to promote the autonomy, integrity and dignity of the older person and their immediate family
• critically reflect on one’s own capability and identify the need for additional knowledge to continuously develop one’s expertise in care and nursing for the aged.

Curricular segment 1: Geriatric syndromes and treatment
Curricular segment 2: Nursing in relation to the care of the aged
Curricular segment 3: Advanced study of theory and practice in relation to nursing in the care of the aged

Curricular segment 1: Geriatric syndromes and treatment

Living with an aging body
Geriatric syndromes
Specific pharmacology
Treatment of geriatric syndromes
Mental illness in the aged
The normal death and care at the end of life

Curricular segment 2: Nursing in relation to the care of the aged

Theoretical perspectives on aging
Home healthcare
Worthy life
Equal care in the provision of medical services
Drug handling and drug calculation
Caring culture
Violence within care of the aged
Sexual health
Development work
Conscience stress  

Curricular segment 3: Advanced study of theory and practice in relation to nursing in the care of the aged

All phases of the nursing process
Management, planning and prioritization of care work Safe care
Statutes and regulations

A two-grade grading scale is used for grades: Pass (G) or Fail (U). The successful attainment of the objectives for the course is assessed via individual examinations, seminars plus an assessment of professional skills and expertise during the VFU. To receive a passing grade in the course for a full course, a passing grade is required for all parts and that the required curricular segments have been completed.

This course, which contains a curricular segment with a practicum/internship (VFU element), is encompassed within the Special Rules for practicum/internship placements according to the decision of the Head of Department at the Department of Health Sciences, Luleå University of Technology. Having attained an approved standard (passing grade) for this course constitutes a special prerequisite for courses containing VFU and the degree project.

Special prerequisite” means achieving a passing grade in all qualifying prerequisite courses. 

The study program and syllabus is in effect from the autumn term 2018 for the students who are then admitted to the educational program. Faculty program directors and heads of subject decide on individual study plans for students who have been admitted to a previous study program and who are resuming their studies, after a study break, according to the current study program and syllabus.

If a course is no longer given or has undergone major changes, the students must be offered two opportunities for examination in the first year after the change has taken place, and then once a year for another 2 years, based on the study plan applicable at registration.