Aged Care Nursing Course

Lesson 1 • The Aging Process and Physiology

Covers biological changes across body systems during normal aging. Provides the physiological baseline needed to distinguish normal aging from pathology.

Lesson 2 • Roles and Responsibilities of the Aged Care Nurse

Defines the scope of practice and professional accountability of aged care nurses. Clarifies interdisciplinary boundaries and documentation obligations.

Lesson 3 • Principles of Person-Centered Care

Defines person-centered care and its application in aged care settings. Links individual dignity and autonomy to improved resident outcomes.

Lesson 4 • Communication in Aged Care

Develops verbal and nonverbal communication skills tailored to older adults. Effective communication underpins every care interaction and care planning process.

Lesson 1 • Developing Individualised Care Plans

Guides construction of SMART goal-based care plans from assessment data. Connects resident preferences and clinical findings to measurable care objectives.

Lesson 2 • Monitoring and Reviewing Care Plans

Establishes processes for ongoing evaluation and revision of care plans. Regular review ensures plans remain responsive to changing resident conditions.

Lesson 3 • Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment

Introduces structured tools for assessing physical, cognitive, and psychosocial function. Comprehensive assessment drives accurate care plan development.

Lesson 1 • Infection Prevention and Control

Covers standard and transmission-based precautions essential in aged care facilities. Consistent infection control reduces morbidity and mortality in vulnerable residents.

Lesson 2 • Falls Prevention and Management

Applies multifactorial falls prevention strategies and post-fall assessment protocols. Falls are the leading cause of injury in aged care and require systematic prevention.

Lesson 3 • Incident Reporting and Quality Improvement

Establishes processes for incident documentation, root cause analysis, and quality cycles. Systematic reporting drives continuous improvement in resident safety.

Lesson 4 • Restraint Minimisation and Safe Use

Examines ethical and clinical frameworks for restraint minimisation in aged care. Least-restrictive alternatives are explored before any restraint is considered.

Lesson 1 • Genitourinary and Gastrointestinal Conditions

Reviews urinary incontinence, constipation, and renal impairment common in older adults. Interventions address comfort, dignity, and complication prevention.

Lesson 2 • Cardiovascular and Respiratory Conditions

Covers heart failure, hypertension, COPD, and pneumonia in the aged care context. Nurses apply condition-specific monitoring and intervention strategies.

Lesson 3 • Musculoskeletal and Metabolic Conditions

Addresses osteoporosis, arthritis, and diabetes management in older residents. Nursing interventions focus on mobility preservation and metabolic stability.

Lesson 4 • Skin and Wound Conditions

Focuses on pressure injuries, skin tears, and chronic wounds prevalent in aged care. Evidence-based wound assessment and management are applied.

Lesson 1 • Polypharmacy and Medication Review

Addresses risks of multiple concurrent medications and systematic review processes. Nurses identify inappropriate prescribing and advocate for deprescribing.

Lesson 2 • Safe Medication Administration

Reinforces the rights of medication administration and aged care-specific safety checks. Correct technique prevents errors and adverse events.

Lesson 3 • Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics in Aging

Explains how aging alters drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. These changes directly inform safe dosing decisions in older residents.

Lesson 1 • Communication Strategies for Dementia Care

Adapts communication techniques to cognitive impairment levels across dementia stages. Effective communication reduces distress and supports resident engagement.

Lesson 2 • Understanding Dementia Progression

Details the stages and trajectory of major dementia types across the care continuum. Stage-specific knowledge guides appropriate intervention selection.

Lesson 3 • Dementia-Friendly Environment Design

Applies environmental modification principles to reduce confusion and promote safety. Physical environment directly influences behavioural and functional outcomes.

Lesson 4 • Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms

Examines agitation, wandering, aggression, and sleep disturbance in dementia. Non-pharmacological approaches are prioritised before medication consideration.

Lesson 1 • Recognising and Caring for the Dying Resident

Identifies clinical signs of imminent death and adjusts care accordingly. Nurses provide physical and emotional comfort in the final hours of life.

Lesson 2 • Grief, Bereavement, and Staff Support

Addresses grief responses in families and staff following resident death. Structured bereavement support sustains team wellbeing and care quality.

Lesson 3 • Principles of Palliative Care in Aged Settings

Defines palliative philosophy and its integration into aged care nursing practice. Palliative principles apply from diagnosis of life-limiting illness through death.

Lesson 4 • Advance Care Planning

Guides nurses through advance care planning documentation and resident goal-setting. Documented preferences ensure care aligns with resident wishes at end of life.

Lesson 1 • Resident Rights and Advocacy

Defines resident rights frameworks and the nurse's role as a resident advocate. Advocacy ensures residents receive equitable, respectful, and safe care.

Lesson 2 • Clinical Leadership in Aged Care

Builds leadership competencies relevant to aged care nursing roles and team dynamics. Effective clinical leaders improve staff performance and resident outcomes.

Lesson 3 • Quality Standards and Accreditation

Introduces aged care quality standards and the accreditation audit process. Compliance with quality standards is a regulatory and ethical obligation.

Lesson 4 • Strategic Planning and Service Improvement

Applies strategic thinking to aged care service design and improvement initiatives. Nurses contribute to organisational goals that enhance resident and community outcomes.