Principles of Supportive Care for People With Dementia unit (CAD104)

Online

Introduction

This unit provides an overview of the journey through dementia from the perspective of people with dementia and those who provide care and support to them. Students will learn about ways to identify and respond to needs that arise on this trajectory. The unit introduces students to evidence-based approaches to supportive care, with the goal of enhancing the wellbeing of the person with dementia. Care transitions on the dementia trajectory and the effects of caregiving are also explored. Several models of supportive care are examined, along with some of the issues that may arise in supportive care approaches.

Summary

Unit name	Principles of Supportive Care for People With Dementia
Unit code	CAD104
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Health Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre
Discipline	Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre
Coordinator	Doctor Melissa Abela
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Introductory

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Online	Semester 1

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	22/2/2026	16/3/2026	19/4/2026	13/6/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Describe how different transition points in the trajectory of dementia influence the care needs of individuals experiencing cognitive decline
• Demonstrate an understanding of evidence-based supportive care models in the delivery of holistic dementia care
• Apply supportive care models along the dementia trajectory which acknowledges individual differences
• Discuss how environments can influence the experience of care delivery and enablement

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
060301	$592.00	$592.00	not applicable	$1,458.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Online Learning - approx. 10 hours per week.
Assessment	Interactive Oral Assessment (10%)|Quizzes (10%)|Narrated presentation (35%)|Essay (45%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.