This course builds on content from other courses to assist students to explore concepts and caregiving approaches that will allow them to work effectively with individuals experiencing cognitive or mental challenges. Emphasis is on supporting clients with dementia, recognizing responsive behaviours and identifying person-centered intervention strategies.
Hours: 60 (Lecture Hours: 60)
Prerequisites:
None
Non-Course Prerequisites:
None
Co-requisites:
HCAT 110, HCAT 111, HCAT 112, HCAT 113, HCAT 123, and HCAT 124
Course Content:
1. 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.
- Myths and stigmas associated with dementia.
- Cultural differences in perceptions of dementia.
- Effective communication strategies for clients with dementia.
- Responsive behaviours – factors precipitating behaviours.
- 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.
- Assessing situations and individuals.
- Responding to or preventing responsive behaviours, including client to client behaviour.
- Knowing when to exit a potentially unsafe situation.
- Supporting family members experiencing grief and loss.
- Caregiver needs and support.
2. Abuse
- Types of abuse:
- Physical, sexual, financial, emotional, neglect.
- Self-neglect.
- Abusive relationships:
- Caregiver/Client.
- Client/Client.
- Cycle of abuse
- Responding to or preventing abuse.
- Recognizing and reporting signs of abuse.
3. 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.
- Myths and stigmas 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-centred care.
- When and what to report.
- Implications of Involuntary Admission under the Mental Health Act.
- Alteration of client's right to leave the care setting or refuse treatment.
- Suicide risks and prevention.
Learning Outcomes:
1. Describe ways to organize, administer and evaluate person-centered care and assistance for clients/residents experiencing cognitive health challenges (dementia):
- 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 experiencing mental health challenges (other than dementia):
- 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 is 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.
- Know when to exit a potentially unsafe or abusive situation.
Grading System: Percentage
Passing Grade: 75%
Text Books:
Textbooks are subject to change. Please contact the bookstore at your local campus for current book lists.