UNIT 2 - Mental Disorder and the Older Person

Description of unit
This unit looks at the major functional mental health disorders affecting older people with a particular emphasis on recognising clinical depression and anxiety among this client group. It will enable care staff to identify common mental disorders, demonstrate key interpersonal skills in caring for this client group, and will cover basic elements of pharmacology in relation to common drug treatments for older people, with an emphasis on recognising common side-effects and developing awareness of the relevant legislation pertinent to residential and community settings.

Learning Outcomes
To achieve this unit a student must:
1. Recognise the definition and symptoms of clinical depression and anxiety within the older population.
2. Identify relevant legislation regarding the administration and storage of medicines within residential and community settings.
3. Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills to help depressed and anxious older people.

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