Effective Communication for Dementia Care unit (CAD117)

Online

Introduction

This unit addresses the importance of communicating effectively and positively with people who have cognitive impairment and/or a diagnosis of dementia, and with those who provide support and care. You will learn about how the changes associated with dementia affect communication and how to incorporate theories and strategies to maximise effective communication. You will learn about the process of reflection and develop your reflective skills. You will develop knowledge about contextual (e.g. environmental and social) issues that affect communication in dementia care. You will learn to acknowledge the importance of all communication partners, including people living with dementia, family members, and others providing support and care.

Summary

Unit name	Effective Communication for Dementia Care
Unit code	CAD117
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Health Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre
Discipline	Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre
Coordinator	Doctor Hoang Nguyen
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Introductory

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	21/2/2027	15/3/2027	18/4/2027	12/6/2027

* 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 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Describe contemporary communication theories in the context of dementia care
• Discuss factors that affect communication for people with dementia
• Analyse and apply strategies to support communicating with people living with dementia, their family members, and others involved in care
• Apply principles of reflective practice to communication with people living with dementia

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Requisites

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

CAD002

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Online Learning - approx. 10 hours per week.
Assessment	Reflection (30%)|Essay (35%)|Presentation (35%)
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.