Content

This unit provides a theoretical framework (lifecycle, developmental, and end-of-life) for the challenges of ageing, dementia and end-of-life experience. Psychosocial and cultural study of ageing within Australian society will complement broader theories on dementia, palliative care and spiritual care. Students will have the opportunity for theological, ethical and spiritual reflection on the meaning of ageing and the tasks of compassion and companioning as spiritual care. Students will learn about the elements of spirituality that are common to the later stages of life and will apply the critical and reflective methods of pastoral theology to the task of articulating an informed and reflective practice of spiritual care to those who are ageing and to those on the palliative journey.

Unit code: DP3770S

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 3

Unit discipline: Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies

Delivery Mode: Online

Proposing College: Stirling College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Describe and illustrate a spiritual care response to the philosophical and theological challenges to personhood of dementia and end-of-life experience in a palliative setting.

2.

Draw upon Scripture and theology to develop a theology of ageing and illustrate this in the context of spiritual care practice that addresses the meaning attached to growing old by contemporary society through culture, the arts, and the media.

3.

Critically reflect upon current research in dementia and end-of-life studies to develop a pastoral and spiritual care rationale for care within a multi-disciplinary context.

4.

Describe, reflect theologically on, and critically examine the socio-political implications of the ways in which ageing, disability and chronic illness affect our understanding of wellbeing.

Unit sequence

Three foundational units

Pedagogy

Weekly online lectures provided by a variety of experienced spiritual care practitioners. Weekly online reading/reflection forum.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Borowski, A., Encel, S. & Ozanne, E. (Eds) (2007) Longevity and social change in Australia, Sydney, UNSW Press.
  • Doka, K. & Tucci, A. Eds. (2015) The longest loss: Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Washington, DC: Hospice Foundation of America
  • Erber, J. (2013) *Aging and older adulthood. Chichester, UK: Wiley-Blackwell.
  • Evans, A. (2011) Is God still at the bedside? The medical, ethical, and pastoral issues of death and dying. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.
  • Gilbert, P. Ed. (2013). Spirituality and end-of-life care: A handbook for service users, carers and staff wishing to bring a spiritual dimension to palliative care. Hove, Sussex: Pavilion Publishing and Media Ltd.
  • Hudson, R & O’Connor, M (2007). Palliative care and aged care. Ausmed Publications: Melbourne.
  • Kelleher, R. & Yastrubetskaya, O. (2011) A voice at the table: an integrated model for pastoral care in aged mental health. Mulgrave, Vic: John Garratt Publishing.
  • Kenyon, G. Bohlmeijer, E. & Randall, W. Eds. (2011) Storying later life: issues, investigations, and interventions in narrative gerontology. New York: Oxford University Press.
  • Mackinlay, E. (2012) Palliative care, ageing and spirituality: A guide for older people, carers and families. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
  • MacKinlay, E. (2010) Ageing and spirituality across faiths and cultures. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
  • MacKinlay, E. & Trevitt, C. (2012) Finding meaning in the experience of dementia: The place of spiritual reminiscence work. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
  • McFadden, S. & McFadden, J. (2011) Aging together: dementia, friendship, and flourishing communities, Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press.
  • Meilaender, G (2013) Should we live forever? The ethical ambiguities of aging. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company.
  • Musgrave, B., & McGettigan, N. (2010) Spiritual and psychological aspects of illness: Dealing with sickness, loss, dying and death. New York, Mahwah: Paulist Press.
  • Nolan, S. (2011). Spiritual care at the end of life: The chaplain as a ‘hopeful presence'. London: UK: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
  • Sugar, J., Riekse, R., Holstege, H. & Faber, M. Eds. (2014) Introduction to aging: a positive, interdisciplinary approach. New York: Springer.
  • Swinton, J. (2012). Dementia: living in the memories of God. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.
  • Thane, P. (Ed) (2005) The long history of old age. London: Thames and Hudson.
  • Tornstam, L. (2005) Gerotranscendence: A developmental theory of positive ageing. New York: Springer.
  • Weber, R., & Orsborne, C. (2015) The spirituality of age. Rochester, Vermont: Park Street Press.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Report

Document Report (1000 words)

1000 20.0
Essay

Essay (2000 words)

2000 50.0
Forum

Weekly Reading Reflection Forum (2000 words)

2000 30.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 31 Dec, 2017

Unit record last updated: 2022-10-31 18:03:18 +1100