Dementia care (CACC 150)

CACC 150 is based on the course Cognitive and/or Mental Health Challenges in the BC Health Care Assistant Program Provincial Curriculum 2023. CACC 150 focuses only on the content related to cognitive challenges in older adulthood and abuse (See CACC 250 for mental health challenges content). The content is adapted for learners who are already Health Care Assistants or unregulated care providers in British Columbia or other jurisdictions.

This course is also suitable for anyone who wants to increase their knowledge of dementia and dementia care.

The emphasis in this course is on supporting clients with dementia, recognizing responsive behaviours, and identifying person-centred intervention strategies. 

By the end of this course, students will be able to

• describe ways to organize, provide, and administer and evaluate person-centered care and assistance for clients or residents experiencing cognitive health challenges; and
• describe effective approaches for responding to responsive and reactive behaviours; and
• describe effective approaches for recognizing, responding to, and preventing elder abuse.

Cognitive challenges in older adulthood:

• Confusion
• Neurocognitive disorders
  • Delirium
  • Dementia
• Reversible vs. irreversible causes
• Primary forms:  Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
• Pathology, processes, and characteristics
• Protective factors and risk factors
• Stages of dementia
• Person-centred and family-centred care for individuals with dementia.
  • Principles of person- and family-centred care.
  • Common person-centred care training programs for caregivers used in B.C.
  • Common person-centred care models for care facilities.
  • Stigma associated with cognitive challenges and stigmatizing language.
• Effective communication strategies for clients with dementia.
• Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).
  • Types of responsive behaviours.
  • Factors precipitating behaviours.
  • Strategies for preventing and responding to BPSD.
  • Knowing when to exit a potentially unsafe situation.
  • Importance of environment in relation to behaviours.
• Environmental design strategies: familiar, homelike, accessible, safe, comfortable, and navigable.
• Working with individuals experiencing early, moderate, or severe dementia.
  • Observing clients and situations.
  • Appropriate engagement and participation in care and activities for individuals experiencing differing levels of dementia.
  • Strategies for assisting with eating and drinking.
  • Non-pharmacological therapies (e.g., music, pets, art, multisensory, massage, bright light, aromatherapy, reminiscence, meaningful activities).
• Supporting family members experiencing grief and loss.
• Caregiver needs and support.

Abuse:

• Types of abuse (reportable incidents).
  • Physical, emotional, sexual, financial, neglect (as per Residential Care Regulation). ◦ Self-neglect.
  • Sign and symptoms of elder abuse, including physical injuries, changes in behaviour, emotional distress, financial manipulation, and neglect.
• Risk factors and causes of abuse, including ageism, caregiver stress, social isolation, and mental health challenges.
• Types of abusive relationships.
  • Caregiver/client
  • Family member/client
  • Client/client
• Four stages of the cycle of abuse.
• Strategies for preventing abuse, including promoting awareness, building social networks, and access to supportive services and resources.  
• Responding to and reporting signs of abuse

All required resources will be provided within the course.

The primary resource used is Sorrentino’s Canadian Textbook for the Support Worker (5^th Canadian Edition). It is available through the Douglas College Bookstore for anyone wishing to order a copy. It may also be available at public college libraries throughout BC where the Health Care Assistant Program is offered. This textbook is used by HCA programs throughout BC, and most of Canada. It is a good resource for anyone working as an HCA in BC.

Interactive online course in Blackboard

Due to the nature of an online delivery, the student will be expected be proficient in computer skills including email, adding attachments, navigating the internet etc. Resources for getting started with Blackboard are available online to help get the student comfortable in the Blackboard environment.

Minimum grade to pass is C+ (65%).

Successful course completion proven with official transcript request.

Registration is easy:

Simply call CE Registration at 604-527-5472

Quote CRN: 31290

Course Start:  Every Monday

Payment of the tuition fee must accompany registration.

Instructions on how to access your course materials will be emailed by the Program Assistant within five (5) business days prior to your chosen course start date.