3 Units
This course aims at providing fundamental knowledge and practical skills in delivering psychosocial assessment and evidence-based brief interventions for problems or challenges faced by older adults and/or their family caregivers. Apart from learning the theoretical concepts or clinical frameworks of the different assessment and intervention approaches introduced, students are expected to develop understanding and competency to utilize specific assessment and screening tools, as well as to acquire practice knowledge of evidence-based psychosocial interventions, such as Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Problem-solving Therapy (PST), Reminiscence Therapy (RT), non-pharmacological interventions for Behavioral & Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD); and manualized caregiver support programs, through lectures, role-plays and course assignments.
The course will further examine the issues of cultural appropriateness of the assessment and interventions introduced; and the macro-level service delivery implication, such as, advance-care planning; and system-wide support for family and caregivers. Special attention will also be paid to the specific social context of Hong Kong.