Programs

Course Detail

Course Code: HCAT 125

Calendar Description:
This course builds on content from other courses to assist students to explore concepts and care-giving approaches that will allow them to work effectively with individuals experiencing cognitive or mental challenges. Emphasis is on recognizing behaviours and identifying person-centred intervention strategies.

Date First Offered: 2010-07-01

Hours:

• Total Hours: 60
• Lecture Hours: 60

Total Weeks: 9

This course is offered online: No

Pre-Requisites: None

Non-Course Pre-Requisites: None

Co-Requisites:

• HCAT 110 Healing 1: Caring for Individuals Experiencing Common Health Challenges
• HCAT 111 Health 2: Lifestyle and Choices
• HCAT 112 Health 1: Interpersonal Communications
• HCAT 113 Health Care Assistant: Introduction to Practice
• HCAT 123 Healing 1: Caring for Individuals Experiencing Common Health Challenges
• HCAT 124 Healing 3: Personal Care and Assistance
• HCAT 126 Practice Experience in Home Support and/or Assisted Living
• HCAT 127 Practice Experience in Multi-Level and/or Complex Care

Rearticulation Submission: No

Course Content:

Cognitive Challenges in Older Adulthood:

• Confusion and dementia
• Common causes of reversible changes in mental functioning
• Primary forms of irreversible dementia:
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Other dementias
• Forms and causes of various dementias – pathology, processes and characteristics
• Philosophies and models of care
• Importance of life review in care of individuals with dementia
• Stages of dementia and common behavioural manifestations and unique responses
• Responsive behaviours – factors influencing behaviours (e.g. “triggers”)
• Importance of environment in relation to behaviours
• Strategies for working with individuals exhibiting responsive behaviours
• Appropriate activities for individuals experiencing differing levels of dementia
• Working effectively with individuals experiencing early, moderate or severe dementia
• Supporting family members
• Caregiver needs and support

Abuse:

• Types of abuse/abusive relationships
• Cycle of abuse
• Recognizing signs of abuse
• Assessing situations and individuals
• Responding to or preventing abuse, disruptive or out-of-control behaviour
• Knowing when to exit a potentially unsafe situation

Mental Health Challenges:

• Causes and common treatment of mental health challenges
• Common mental health disorders:
• Anxiety disorders
• Affective or mood disorders
• Schizophrenia
• Personality disorders
• Substance abuse disorders
• Dual or multi-diagnoses
• Stigma associated with mental health challenges
• Cultural differences in perceptions of mental health challenges
• Caring for the person and family:
• Principles and approaches used to plan and implement effective care
• Person-centered care
• When and what to report
• Suicide risks and prevention

Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, the learners will be able to:

1. Describe ways to organize, administer and evaluate person-centred care and assistance for clients/residents experiencing cognitive health challenges:

• Use an informed problem-solving process when caring for individuals experiencing cognitive health challenges
• Base choices and actions on a sound understanding of the physical, cognitive and psycho-social processes of various kinds of dementia
• Base choices and actions on an understanding of environmental influences on behaviours

     2. Describe ways to organize, administer and evaluate person-centered care and assistance  
         for clients/residents experiencing mental health challenges:

• Use an informed problem-solving process when caring for or providing assistance for individuals experiencing mental health challenges
• Identify factors that influence the mental health and well-being of individuals
• Tailor interactions and responses based on an understanding of common mental health challenges
• Cope constructively with unanticipated or unusual situations

     3. Demonstrate an understanding of effective approaches to disruptive or abusive behaviours:

• Describe types of abuse/abusive relationships and the cycle of abuse
• Identify behavioural indicators that an individual or group are becoming disruptive, abusive or out-of-control
• Utilize calming non-verbal techniques to prevent or de-escalate disruptive or out-of-control behaviours
• Utilize appropriate verbal techniques to prevent or de-escalate disruptive or out-of-control behaviours
• Identify and describe potentially unsafe situations

Grading System:  Percentage

Passing Grade:  75%

Grading Weight:

• Final Exam: 30 %
• Midterm Exam: 30 %
• Quizzes and Tests: 20 %
• Assignments: 10 %
• Participation: 10 %

Number of Assignments:  1

Nature of Participation:

• Attendance
• Active participation in classroom activities and discussions

Writing Assignments:  Case study

Percentage of Individual Work:  90

Percentage of Group Work:  10

Course Offered in Other Programs:  No

Additional Comments:

• The courses in this program run concurrently.
• Some course materials must be accessed on the NLC D2L server.
• A tutorial will be provided.
• Internet access is needed.
• Basic computer skills are recommended.
• Some travel may be required.
• Attendance schedules may vary.

Text Books:

• Required - S. Sorrentino, 2009, Mosby's Canada Textbook for The Support Worker, 2nd Canadian Edition (Elsevier). Chapters Covered: Selections
• Optional - N/A, Handouts provided by Instructor