Elderly Care

People are getting older and older, life expectancy keeps on rising. High-quality care for the elderly means providing professional care as well as acting preventively and proactively. Nurses play a central role in this, which requires a high level of expertise on their part. Leuven University College aims to meet this demand by offering the postgraduate certificate in Elderly Care.

Is this programme right for you?

Are you a nurse (with a bachelor degree) and do you want to specialise further in care for the elderly? Do you relish the challenge of passing on the knowledge and ability you have acquired to other professionals? Then this course offers you a great opportunity to combine working and studying.

What will you learn?

First of all, you gain some insight into the field of gerontology. You then acquire expertise in care for the elderly/geriatrics, gaining extensive knowledge of physiology and pathology. But you are also trained in psychology and group dynamics. After completing this course, you are equipped with numerous technical and psychosocial skills and attitudes.

Where can you work?

In any setting where elderly people are cared for, as a nurse. Nurses who work in an acute geriatrics department for at least two years can apply for the special professional title 'nurse specialising in geriatrics' after completing this postgraduate certificate. (Royal Decree of 19/04/2007, regarding the criteria for obtaining the ‘special professional title of nurse specialising in geriatrics’). This is a transitional measure in place until 2010.

Study programme

The study programme comprises 20 lesson days, spread over one academic year. These lesson days are divided into two modules.
The first module (11 ECTS Credits) is primarily clinical in nature, with the following topics offered: frailty, polypharmacy, falls and fixation, pain and palliation among elderly people, psychogeriatrics, rehabilitation.
The second module (9 ECTS Credits) focuses more on the organisation and management of care for the elderly, with topics including group dynamics, ethical dilemmas in care for the elderly, modernised care concepts, contextual assistance.

Enrolment info

This course is run in collaboration with KHLim (Limburg Catholic University College), Katho Roeselare and U.Z.Leuven. The lessons are held at Leuven University College, Health and Technology department, Herestraat 49 in Leuven, with the exception of a few days at U.Z.Leuven and U.Z.Pellenberg.
The cost is € 750 for the complete programme of lessons. Training cheques are accepted.
The number of participants is limited to a maximum of 20. Your enrolment is not deemed valid until the enrolment fee has been paid.
For more information, e-mail astrid.paenhuys@khleuven.be.