The focus of this module is on a mix of independent as well as directed study.

Contact Hours (14) on this module means your on-screen hours engaging with the online study materials contained within the 'Course Information', 'Course Documents' 'Communication' and 'Assignments' sections of the module virtual learning environment (VLE).

Independent Study (136) means on-line and off-line activity including working on tasks/exercises/activities and participation within the discussion forums, relevant background/supplementary reading, and assessment preparation and completion.

This module will be delivered by the use of a VLE.

The VLE will provide a structured environment for progressing through this module. The 'Course Information' section contains essential module information, the award handbook, the module descriptor and a section, which contains the aims and objectives of the module. The 'Course Documents' section contains all the study material necessary to complete the module, together with activities associated with this material. Within the 'Communications' section there are a number of forums, which will enable interactive, asynchronous discussion, which supports student learning and allows for formative assessment of individual progress.

Participants are encouraged to communicate with the tutor and their fellow students using email, telephone and the discussion forums and to do so if there are matters needing assistance and support.

Web-based material will be utilised to support all aspects of the module, providing links to latest Government information and latest case law and legislation.

As this is a distance learning award, participants will need to adopt a disciplined approach to study and work for example by ensuring that activities, tasks and assignments are completed within specified time limits and that discussion with others takes place.

In order for you to demonstrate your achievement of the learning outcomes (1,2 and 3): choose a person with whom you have had contact in practice.
Through a written assignment, demonstrate consideration of the person's mental health needs in the light of contemporary models of well being. Critically evaluate the appropriateness of the therapeutic interventions applied to this person in the context of their individual needs and circumstances. Identify, compare and contrast and evaluate factors in the individual's personal, social and material environment that influenced the therapeutic process and outcomes. As a result of your evaluation, consider the effectiveness of the intervention and if appropriate, justify an alternative therapeutic approach.

Formative Assessment:
Students complete weblogs as part of the formative assessment process on the issues discussed each week working towards the end assignment and students will feedback on each others work providing peer feedback. Lecturer feedback and guidance given as part of this process.

The module will give candidates the opportunity to explore psychotherapeutic interventions aiming to help older people living with mental health problems optimise their well being: Ageing Culture, Assessment, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Interventions for Grief and Loss, Motivational Interventions, Family Behavioural Therapy, User Empowerment and Advocacy, Consent and Partnership, Interventions for People Affected by Cognitive Impairment, Purposeful Activity and Physical Exercise, Using the Experience of Service Users, The Arts as Therapeutic Intervention.

All elements are set within the context of Government targeted Health and Social Care strategies and the Clinical Governance framework.

Module Leader, Specialist Lecturers, Peers, Personal Tutor, Classroom, Access to PC/CD Rom with internet and email capability, Library, IT support advisors, PowerPoint, TV and Video, Staffordshire University Skills Website, Access to Study Skills Handbook (online)
This module will be delivered via BLACKBOARD and Web logs.

Hepple, J., Pearce, J. and Wilkinson, P. (2002) Psychological Therapies with Older People: Developing treatments for Effective Practice, Brunner-Routledge, London. ISBN: 1583911375

Laidlaw, K., Thompson, L. W., Gallagher-Thompson, D. and Dick-Siskin, L. (2003) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with Older People, Wiley, Chichester. ISBN: 0471487104

Ovretveit, J. (2002) Evaluating Health Interventions, Open University Press, Buckingham. ISBN: 033519964

Woods, R. T. (1999) Psychological Problems of Ageing: Assessment Treatment and Care, Wiley, Chichester. ISBN: 047197434