Course Description
In this course students have the opportunity to consolidate their learning in Complex Care to gain further expertise and confidence with the role of the HCA within a continuing care facility. Students will also experience working with individuals with cognitive challenges in specialized dementia care units. As well, students will be provided with the opportunity to become familiar with the role of the HCA within a Home Support Agency and to gain abilities that will prepare them to assume the role of a Community Health Worker. The course experiences will also allow students to acquire familiarity with HCA practice in the Assisted Living setting.
Course Content
This course will be organized around application of the following concepts:
- Problem-solving and care planning using critical thinking skills
- Assessing
- Planning
- Implementing
- Evaluating care
- Promotion of independence
- Communication
- Caring
- Observing
- Reporting
- Recording
- Care-giving skills
- Safety
- Organization
- Comfort
- Dignity and respect
- Values, beliefs, and standards.
- Responsibility and accountability.
- Reflective practice.
Learning Activities
Practicum experiences
Group discussions
Student presentations/capstone
Means of Assessment
Course evaluation is consistent with Douglas College course evaluation policy. An evaluation schedule is presented at the beginning of the course.
This is a MASTERY course. Students will receive a detailed outline of performance expectations at the beginning of the course.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Provide care and assistance for residents experiencing complex health challenges, including cognitive challenges.
- Provide person-centered care and assistance that recognizes and respects the uniqueness of each individual resident.
- Perform personal care skills in an organized manner ensuring the comfort and appropriate independence of the client/resident.
- Use an informed problem-solving approach to provide care and assistance that promotes the physical, psychological, social, cognitive and spiritual well-being of residents and families.
- Successfully apply problem-solving and critical thinking skills to increasingly complex situations.
- Provide personal care and assistance competently in ways that maintain safety for self and others.
- Perform the care-giver role in a reflective, responsible, accountable and professional manner within the parameters of the HCA role.
- Communicate clearly, accurately and in sensitive ways with residents and families.
- Interact with other members of the healthcare team in ways which contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.
- Recognize and respond to own self-development, learning and health enhancement needs.
- Undertake the role of a HCA in a community or facility setting.
Textbook Materials
Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students:
A list of recommended textbooks and materials is provided to students at the beginning of the semester.