Dementia, Palliative Care and End-of-Life-Care: Integration, Reflection and Advanced Practice (DP9029W)

Content

This unit theologically explores the nature and practice of pastoral care in the context of dementia, palliative care and end-of-life care. Focused theological input, case study analysis, peer reflection and practitioner insight will engage participants as they review their own practice and develop their own theological frameworks. The unit will consider the social determinants of health in Australia today and critique individual and corporate pastoral care responses. Drawing on recent theological, spiritual care and healthcare literature, participants will consider what promotes health and spiritual wellbeing in the context of dementia and palliative care. This theoretical and practical exploration will assume a multidisciplinary and multi-faith environment of ethical care.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

This unit is an elective, building on the skills introduced in Foundational units of Pastoral Care. There is a pre-requisite 24 points in Field D.

Pedagogy

This unit encourages students to engage with theoretical materials applying their theological understanding to lived experience. They are prompted to reflect weekly upon their readings, and to develop a link between a mini example and their theological frameworks. Through content delivery, theological reflection methods, case studies, practice exercises and assessment tools, learning opportunities will be offered.

Indicative Bibliography

• Cobb, M, C. Puchalski, and B. Rumbold (eds.). Oxford Textbook of Spirituality in Health Care Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2012.
• Evans, A. Is God Still at the Bedside? The Medical, Ethical, and Pastoral Issues of Death and Dying, Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2011.
• Gott, E & C. Ingleton. Living with Ageing and Dying. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011.
• Kellehear, A. Compassionate Cities: Public Health and End of Life Care. London: Routledge, 2005.
• Liamputtong, P, R. Fanny, and G. Verrinder (eds.). Health, Illness and Well-Being: Perspectives and Determinants. Melbourne: Oxford University Press, 2012.
• MacKinlay, E. The Spiritual Dimension of Ageing London: Jessica Kingsley, 2017.
• MacKinlay, E. & C. Trevitt. Finding Meaning in the Experience of Dementia. London: Kingsley, 2012.
• Musgrave, B, and N. McGettigan (eds.). Spiritual and Psychological Aspects of Illness: Dealing with Sickness, Loss, Dying and Death. New York: Paulist, 2010.
• Patton, J. Pastoral Care: An Essential Guide. Nashville: Abingdon, 2005.
• Puchalski, C. Making Healthcare Whole: Integrating Spirituality into Healthcare, W. Conschocken: Templeton Press, 2010.
• Shamy, E. A Guide to the Spiritual Dimension of Care for People with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia. London: Kingsley Publishers, 2003.
• Swinton, J. Dementia: Living in the Memories of God. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2012.

Assessment