Abstract

The Bachelor of Science in Gerontology (BScG) Programme is a 2-year fulltime undergraduate programme aiming to develop students with a variety of knowledge and skills in aged care settings. However, prior to admission, students may not always have the experience of interacting with older adults in the community hence affecting their understanding of the needs from older adults and their perceptions towards the older population. Therefore, it would be important for the programme to provide meaningful opportunities across the curriculum for students in their first year of study to undergo experiential learning.

This proposed project is based on ground works of the preceding year by engaging students in direct contact with a dyad of caregiver-care recipient, who were referred by our community partners in Tai Po, Shatin, and Kwun Tong. Thirty students will be paired-up and be assigned to a dyad of caregiver-care recipient for a 1-year engagement with scheduled activities. The specific goals are to (a) promote social engagement of local communities; and (b) provide students with opportunities to learn from and interact with older adults.

In the Nethersole School of Nursing, the vision of the School is to serve the community with “Compassionate Care”. It is anticipated that students will gain additional insights by participating in reflective activities in class discussions; through writing assignments; and in meetings with teachers, other students, and professional staff members who provide support and services to the older adults at service-learning sites.