(Also see Basic Nurse Assistant Training, Medical Assistant, and Nursing)
The goal of the Person-Centered Elder Support certificate is to give students the tools to effectively work with elders in the home setting as an in-home support worker or family caregiver. The curriculum offers a basic study of educational concepts and practices for the care and safety of elders experiencing normal aging. Sensory, physical, and psycho-social changes of aging, normal aging, myths of aging, and culture change will be discussed.
Courses focus on effective person-centered communication techniques that promote quality relationships between caregivers and elders, and emphasize adaptive services as the elder experiences changes in his or her health or abilities. A dementia component is included which covers concepts and practices for the care and safety of elders experiencing various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.
Students are required to complete a fingerprint criminal background check and have no disqualifying convictions in order to be awarded a Person-Centered Elder Support Certificate.
Admission Requirements: Students should have a desire to learn about assisting elders with their needs in the home setting.
Person-Centered Elder Support Certificate
3 Semester Credit Hours; Curriculum: 0034
This certificate can be completed in one semester.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses for a Certificate | ||
| ECS 101 | The World of the Elder | 1 |
| ECS 102 | Person-Centered Communication | 1 |
| ECS 103 | Dementia Care of the Elder | 1 |
| Total Hours | 3 | |
Program Learning Outcomes
- Describe techniques and practices to promote elder independence and safety while caring for elders as they experience normal aging.
- Demonstrate communication techniques necessary to build a relationship with an elder in need of care.
- Apply effective strategies and techniques for care of an elder with dementia.
Elder Care Support Courses
The first of three courses required for a Person-Centered Elder Support certificate, which is designed to prepare the student for a caregiver role with elders. Content will focus on educational concepts and practices for the care and safety of elders experiencing normal aging. Sensory, physical and psychosocial changes of aging, normal aging, myths of aging, and culture change will be discussed.
Fee: $40
Course will focus on effective person-centered communication techniques to promote quality relationships between caregivers and elders. Content focuses on promoting holistic approaches and respect for the individual, and emphasizes adaptive services as the elder experiences changes in his or her health or abilities. This approach empowers both caregiver and elder by offering positive, well-defined strategies to enhance the elder’s quality of life.
Course focuses on educational concepts and practices for the care and safety of elders experiencing dementia. Topics include signs, symptoms, and causes of dementia, as well as caregiver strategies for persons with dementia. Alzheimer’s disease will be studied, including stages, symptom progression, and behaviors. Focus will be on understanding the disease and meeting the persons needs using person-centered concepts, techniques, and strategies. Caregiver support and community resources will be explored.