This stand-alone professional development course offers you an advanced understanding of the medical care of older people. Our expert team will support you to develop your knowledge of the mechanisms of health and disease in older people encompassing physical, psychological and social perspectives. The course is aimed at health and social care professionals working in primary and secondary care and promotes shared learning experiences and multidisciplinary team working. Our experienced and knowledgeable team will compare and contrast health in older people and younger adults to help you understand why older people have specific and unique health needs, as well as how these needs can be met. You’ll investigate the changing demographics of the ageing population and consider how society must adapt for an increasing number of older people. Together, we’ll explore psychological decline in old age, with reference to social function and wellbeing, isolation and depression, ethical considerations and mental health legislation. You can expect to enhance your knowledge of contemporary models of understanding old age, frailty, and the factors involved in conducting a comprehensive geriatric assessment. Focusing on falls, immobility, incontinence and confusion, we’ll consider the atypical presentation of older people with an acute physical illness. We’ll also cover polypharmacy and practical procedures such as urinary catheterisation. The ultimate aim of this comprehensive and contemporary course is to support you to make more informed decisions that improve patient outcomes. We’ll explore the complex issues of healthcare in older people through case examples and facilitated class discussion. To benefit from studying this course, you should already a health professional with a basic understanding of healthcare in older people.