Continuing Care Assistant

(Formerly Home Care/Special Care Aide)

Locations:	Estevan Whitewood
Length of Course:	30 weeks
Tuition:	$2575.00*
Books:	$400.00*
Start Date:	Estevan - October 15, 2008 Whitewood - October 6, 2008
Program Prerequisites:	- Grade 12 or GED. - Must have personal and physical suitability to perform activities in the practicum settings. - Student must have First Aid and CPR C prior to Practicum Placement. - Security clearance may be required for your practicums and clinical experiences.

Note: An interview with the program co-ordinator is required before acceptance.

(Information indicated with an * is an approximation and may be changed)

This is a SIAST - Kelsey Extension Program offered in cooperation with Southeast Regional College. Practicums for this program are carried out in Home Care Districts, Special Care Homes and volunteer agencies.

This course aims to prepare students to assist people to help themselves in their own homes and in special care facilities.

You will receive training in:

• Gerontology
• Dementia management strategies
• Applying the philosophy of long-term care in home care, special care and community settings
• Promoting independence in a safe environment
• Working with people from all cultures
• Working with individuals with different levels of physical and cognitive impairment
• Giving personal care
• Attending to individual psychosocial needs

 

30 hours
Students learn written and oral communication skills required in the work place. Modules cover basic medical terminology, telephone and intercom etiquette, observing and reporting on client's status, care and personal work plans and problem solving.

30 hours
Focus is on the process of communication, self concept, building positive relationships, non-verbal communication, listening, and resolving interpersonal conflicts.

45 hours
This course addresses behaviours of dementia, behaviour mapping, coping with and responding to behaviours.

16 hours
Focus is on prevention when working with aggressive clients.

20 hours
Safe, efficient methods of general household cleaning are learned with the specific aim of promoting the independence of the client and to create a safe, convenient and pleasant environment in the client's home. Tasks range from cleaning carpets to cleaning and operating kitchen appliances. Emergency procedures in cases of fires and disasters are learned. An introduction to WHMIS is included.

90 hours
You will have the opportunity to learn the theory and practice the skills needed to assist clients in meeting personal care needs. You will study body systems, infection control, body mechanics, oral care, skin care, lifting and transferring techniques and devices, exercise and positioning, specimen collection, mobility aids, simple treatments, assisting clients with medication and determining temperature, pulse and respiration. Upon successfully completing the course, you will receive a TLR certificate.

30 hours (this is a prerequisite to mid practicum/clinical)
Focus is on the goals and philosophy of home care and long-term care. Students learn how these are reflected in the activities in an agency/special care home and their role as a care giver. Organizational and team structure is learned. As well personal health and conduct are discussed.

90 hours
You will apply theory and skills in a special care setting. Pre-requisites are: SPCR 180, SPCR 182 and SPCR 192. You must achieve a mark of at least 60% in these classes.

45 hours
You will apply theory and skills in a home care setting. Pre-requisites are: SPCR 180, SPCR 182 and SPCR 192. You must achieve a mark of at least 60% in these classes.

24 hours
You will discuss and practice attending behaviours, empathy, respect, concreteness and summarization, and genuineness.

45 hours
You will learn how those with dementia are assessed and how to intervene in emergency situations. You will discuss environments and issues related to special care placement. You will also discuss current research and ethics.

30 hours
Students learn the stages of human development and with this knowledge, how to work effectively with all age groups. Special focus is on the older age group. Changes in role, responsibility and status which commonly occur in the process of normal aging are discussed.

30 hours
Students learn the basic nutritional needs of all age groups and practice menu planning. This subject covers wise purchase of food, preparation and serving of meals and theory and preparation of special diets. Students will also learn how to prepare people who need assistance for a meal, serve food in the dining room or on tray, help someone to eat and special emphasis on promoting adequate fluid intake.

9 hours
You will learn sanitary food handling techniques that reduce the risk of food poisoning. You will receive a Food Safe certificate from the Department of Health provided you receive a grade of 70% or higher.

30 hours
Theory and skills needed to assist clients in meeting their needs in the post acute care phase are covered. This may include surgery or other recent illnesses. (SPCR 182 with a mark of at least 60% is a prerequisite.)

45 hours
Basic needs and interventions of clients with disruptions in: sensory organs, cardiovascular functions, musculo-skeletal function, neurological function, endocrine function, genital-urinary function and gastro-intestinal function.

45 hours
Basic needs and interventions of clients with: infectious processes, cancer, altered mental abilities, disruption in mental health, palliative care and alcohol and drug dependency.

45 hours
You will apply theory and skills in a home care setting.

105 hours
You will apply theory and skills in a special care setting.