Course Fee: $459 (Canadian currency)
This course is designed to expand your understanding of this growing demographic in society today. Its focus is the challenges this age group faces, and how to meet their needs in an appropriate way – so you gain the trust of seniors and their families.
Specifically, this course will explore the following: an understanding of aging and the elderly; identifying decline, and the need to intervene; assuming the role of a carer; understanding and identifying elder abuse; insights into caregiver stress; and facing and embracing death. This will enhance your knowledge of the human condition and assist with your professional development.
There is no prior knowledge or experience required to embark on this rewarding certificate course. You are free to commence at a time that suits your schedule – and continue at your pace for a period of six months. Full tutor support is provided for this course.
Note: The Online Counselling College uses a person-centred approach, and Egan’s The Skilled Helper Model.
SYLLABUS
Module 1: An Introduction to Aging and the Elderly
Topics Studied
• What is the Definition of an old or elderly person?
• Life expectancy
• Marks of old age
• Attitudes towards aging
• Theories of old age
• What elderly people want
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• Suggest ways of defining old age
• Summarise the four theories of old age
• Outline how elderly people wish to be treated
Module 2: Identifying Decline, and Being a Carer
Topics Studied
• What is normal in the elderly?
• Age-related losses and declines
• Red flags and warning signs
• Getting the conversation started (discussing the need for more support)
• Implementing change in a loving, caring way
• Making it possible to still remain at home
• Partners as caregivers
• The pros and cons of being a caregiver
• Caregiving and sibling relationships
• Some tips for living with an elderly person
• Dealing with guilt feelings
• How to communicate effectively with an elderly person
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• Critique age-related losses and declines
• Specify the pros and cons of being a caregiver
• List tips for living with an elderly person
Module 3: Assisted Living Facilities, Nursing Homes and Hospices
Topics Studied
• Assisted living facilities
• Choosing the right place
• Making the transition as smooth as possible
• What about the cost?
• Nursing homes
• Hospices
• Respecting the elderly person’s wishes
• Are you ready to confront the reality of death?
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• Describe what is provided in assisted living facilities
• Provide guidelines for choosing a facility that best suits the needs of the elderly person
• List some advantages of using a hospice
Module 4: Common Illnesses Affecting the Elderly
Topics Studied
• Heart disease
• Cerebovascular diseases (Strokes)
• Cancer
• Parkinson’s disease
• Depression
• Alzheimer’s disease
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• Outline steps for managing heart failure
• List causes of depression in the elderly
• Describe the disease course of Alzheimer’s disease
Module 5: Understanding and Identifying Elder Abuse, and Insights into Caregiver Stress
Topics Studied
• Different types of elder abuse
• Symptoms and signs of elder abuse
• What are the risk factors for elder abuse?
• Preventing elder abuse
• Understanding caregiver stress and burnout
• The need for self care
• Tips for dealing with caregiver stress and burnout
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• List the symptoms and signs of elder abuse
• Outline the risk factors for elder abuse
• Suggest tips for dealing with caregiver stress and burnout
Module 6: Crossing the Rubicon
Topics Studied
• Confronting death
• Supporting the dying
• Don’t miss the signs!
• Kubler-Ross’ stages model
• Murray-Parkers’ cyclical model
• Worden’s task-oriented model
• Seven fears of the dying
• Four specific needs of the dying
• Some suggestions and guidelines for the helper or carer
• Anticipatory grief
• The mourner’s bill of rights
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• Apply Kubler-Ross’, Murray-Parkes’ and Worden’s models to the experience of grief and loss
• Summarise the seven fears of the dying
• Describe the four specific needs of the dying
Suggested textbook for the course (to be purchased by the student)
Robnett, R., Brossoie, N., & Chop, W. (2018). Gerontology for the health care professional. (4th Ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.