Minimum Course Hours: 30

Course Description

Learners focus on health promotion as it relates to the aging process, and study health promotion activities aimed at supporting older adults in maintaining their physical and mental health. The concepts of health promotion, typical changes associated with aging, and continued independence are examined. Learners explore chronic disease management, end-of-life care, abuse of older adults, and community resources as well as trauma-informed practice, cultural safety, and cultural humility in health promotion for older adults.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of all Level 1 courses and Consolidated Practice Experience 1

Corequisites: Professional Communication 2; Integrated Nursing Practice 2; Professional Practice 2; Variations in Health 2; Pharmacology 2

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

1. Explore health promotion and health strategies for the care of older adults in complex care settings, including those with mental health conditions.
   • 1.1 Describe various theories of aging and the demographics of aging.
   • 1.2 Discuss appropriate teaching and learning strategies for health promotion activities with older adults.
   • 1.3 Explain the principles of chronic disease management.
   • 1.4 Discuss health promotion strategies for older adults living with mental and/or physical chronic illness.
   • 1.5 Discuss risk management in the care of older adults.
2. Explain the connection between the determinants of health and healthy living for older adults, including mental health and wellness.
   • 2.1 Discuss the importance of cultural safety and the harmful effects of Indigenous-specific racism on Indigenous people accessing the health care system and its disproportionate impact on Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+^[1] individuals.
   • 2.2. Explore the prevalence of chronic diseases among Indigenous Peoples and examine the connection to determinants of health.
   • 2.3 Discuss 2SLGBTQIA+ care for older adults.
3. Explore the different types of advocacy a nurse may engage in when providing care for older adults, including those with chronic illnesses and/or mental health conditions.
   • 3.1 Discuss, using specific examples, what it means to be a client navigator, particularly when assisting older adults, including those with chronic illnesses and/or mental health conditions.
   • 3.2 Identify local community resources that support and promote mental and physical health in older adults, their families, and caregivers.
   • 3.3 Discuss the importance of these community resources in promoting health.
4. Describe risk factors for and examples of abuse with older adults.
   • 4.1 Discuss assessment strategies used to identify abuse in the older adult.
   • 4.2 Identify strategies and interventions to reduce the risk of abuse.
   • 4.3 Discuss how culture might impact perceptions of abuse.
5. Discuss end-of-life issues for older adults.
   • 5.1 Explore cultural differences in approaches to dying.
   • 5.2 Discuss common reactions and experiences as people approach death.
   • 5.3 Analyze the impact and implications of the Medical Order for Scope of Treatment (MOST) document on nursing practice.
6. Explore the concepts and principles of harm reduction and recovery-oriented care as they relate to older adults.
   • 6.1 Discuss informed consent and the right to live at risk as it relates to health promotion in older adults.
   • 6.2 Describe the principles of recovery-oriented care.

Course Concepts

Course outcomes will be met through examination and exploration of the following:

• Theories of aging
• Typical process of aging
• Demographics of aging
• Family caregiving, caregiver burnout, caregiver benefits, and self-care
• Risk management and promoting safety with older adults
• Rehabilitation
• Principles of chronic disease management
• Living with chronic disease (physical and/or mental): self-management
• Regular health screening
• Community resources and social supports
• Client advocacy and navigation
• Teaching and learning in health promotion for older adults
• End-of-life planning
• Harm reduction and recovery-oriented care
• Trauma-informed practice with older adults
• Abuse of older adults
• Cultural safety and cultural humility in health and healing, including end-of-life practices
• Indigenous-specific racism and access to care
• 2SLGBTQIA+ care for older adults