Care of the Older Person Autumn 2026

Overview of the course

This course is designed to introduce the principles of care and management of the older person.

The aim of this course is to provide the participant with the knowledge, skills and attitude to care for the older person both safely, effectively and holistically. Care of the older person encompasses safe, professional, and ethical care incorporating effective organisation and management.

On completion of this course, you will be able to demonstrate your role in relation to patient-centeredness, patient safety, professional accountability, and the need for accurate communication with all members of the multidisciplinary team, residents/patients, and their families.

CPD credits:  10 ECTS, accredited by UCD

Who this course is for

This course is open to all healthcare professionals working in an older person service, once you are registered with a relevant professional body such as the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI), CORU, or The Irish Medical Council.

Topics will include

On completion of this course you will be able to:

1. Examine the normal physiological factors of aging and their relationship with altered health in the context of patient care.

2. Identify and support the needs of the older person presenting with delirium, dementia and depression using validated screening tools to implement person-centred, evidence-based care.

3. Outline and provide appropriate, ethical, and safe nursing care for the frail older adult with sensory and/or cognitive impairment and general functional decline.

4. Organise a comprehensive, integrated approach in dealing with the age-related issues of co-morbidities; end of life-care; responsive behaviours and appropriate polypharmacy.

5. Implement nurse facilitated discharge planning for long term residential care, rehabilitation, or community-based care in conjunction with the Care of the Older Person MDT.

How will you learn

This is a blended learning programme, delivered both online and in the classroom.

Dates

The next course will run from 9 September to 16 December 2026.

The in-person dates are:

• Wednesday 23 September 2026
• Wednesday 14 October 2026
• Wednesday 16 December 2026