(101) Introduction to Medical Terminology, Anatomy and Physiology

This course will provide students with an introduction to long-term care. Students will review and have an understanding of medical terminology and commonly used abbreviations in health care, anatomical terms, body systems, cells and organs.

(102) Personal Care Skills

Students will cover basic human needs incorporating multicultural influences. Students will review and practice the procedures relevant to providing personal hygiene care to their clients while maintaining the client's independence. At the completion of this module students will be able to demonstrate care-giving skills, such as bed-making, bath assists, incontinence management, bowel care, dressing and grooming.

(103) Communication Skills

This module provides students with development of self awareness and an understaning of the communication process. In this module students learn the importance of conflict management and how to communicate effectively with a diverse client population. Students will have an opportunity to practice effective communication skills.

(104) Infection Control and Standard Precautions

This module covers serious infectious diseases and how they are spread. It describes the chain of infection and the body's response. Students will develop an understanding of why elderly clients are at risk and how to practice standard precautions and isolation techniques.

(105) Major System Disorders

This module prepares students to care for clients with various major system disorders such as cardiovascular, endocrine, respiratory, reproductive, musculoskeletal and nervous system disorders. Upon completion the student will have an understanding of the changes in these systems as they relate to the aging process. They will develop an understanding of chronic disease management and be able to observe and report the signs and symptoms of clients experiencing changing health care. They will be able to follow a plan of care for each of the disorders.

(106) Developmental Disabilities

This module will provide the students with the characteristics present in developmental disabilities and common causes. This will include the difference between developmental disabilities and mental illness. The students will be able to demonstrate how to deal with clients with these disabilities.

(107) Major Mental Illnesses

This module introduces students to the major mental illnesses of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, organic mental disorders, personality disorder and dual diagnosis. Students will develop an understanding of the concepts of mental health and mental illness in the ageing process and will gain an understanding of the different treatment modalities with reference to the suicidal client. Students will be able to demonstrate how to appropriately deal with difficult behaviours.

(108) Spinal Cord Injury

This module provides students with the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding to provide specialised care to clients living with spinal cord injuries. Students will gain an understanding of the impact of injuries at various levels of the spinal cord and ways to provide safe and effective care to these clients while maintaining and promoting client independence.

(109) Alzheimers and Dementia

This module addresses the causes, stages and behaviours of dementia and interventions that promote optimum level of functioning. It will provide students with the skills, knowledge and understanding crucial to caring for and effectively supporting individuals with Alzheimer's or Dementia, and their families. Students will be able to develop a plan of care incorporating concepts presented.

(110a) Nutrition

This module covers the normal nutritional requirements based on Canada's Guidelines for healthy eating. Students will develop skills to enable meal planning, purchasing, preparing and serving meals. It will also provide the student with information on special diets and assisting clients to eat. Students will be provided with a Cooking for the Homebound Cookbook.

(110b) Food Safe

This course covers the basic Food Safe Sanitation Program for Food Handlers.

(111) Stress & Time Management (NOT offered in part-time program)

This module provides the student with an understanding of what stress is, including the signs and symptoms. Students will understand the causes of stress and demonstrate their ability to use stress management tools. Students wil develop a better understanding of how to take care of themselves and the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Students will assess their own time management style and develop time management skills to utilize in achieving their daily goals.

(112) Mobility, Emergencies, Safety

This module provides practical experience using a variety of transfer techniques. Students will be able to demonstrate safe body mechanics. Students will be able to demonstrate general guidelines to follow in various emergencies including falls, airway obstruction, haemorrhage, seizures and burns.

(113) Palliative Care

This module will provide students with the appropriate skills and understanding necessary to provide the complex emotional and physical care to clients who are terminally ill or palliative living in the community. Students will also be able to communicate effectively with a terminally ill client and their family.

(114) Alcohol and Substance Abuse (NOT offered in part-time prgram)

This module provides the student with knowledge of the nature of alcohol and drug abuse. Students will understand the effects of alcohol and drug use on the body and main reasons that people use these. Students will demonstrate skills learned to deal effectively with behaviours associated with alcohol and drug abuse.

(115) Reporting Guidelines/Care Plans

In this module students will learn observation techniques, the importance of documentation, and reporting formats and frequencies. The student will understand the role he/she plays in the development and on-going maintenance of the clients' files, care plans and front line position as liaison with the client's healthcare team. Legal and ethical implications of recording and documentation are also covered extensively.

(116) The Role Of The Live-in Worker

This module covers live-in home support guidelines, a review of effective communication strategies with client and family, issues unique to clients requiring live-in care, and activities of daily living, such as home maintenance, and social, intellectual and physical activities. Students will be taught how to access Community Resource information, to enhance the lives of their client's and to promote health and healing.

(117) Transfer of Functional Skills

This module provides each student with the competency to complete tasks assigned through personal assistance guidelines. The specific tasks that will be covered are: Medication Management, Urinary Drainage/Catheter Care, Colostomy Care, Mobility and Safety. Upon completion of this course, students will have enhanced expertise in these tasks.

(118) Clinical Practice

There will be three practicum placements for each student. These will be 1 week in intermediate care facility, 2 weeks in an extended care facility and 1 week with a home support agency. Through these, the students will have an opportunity to practice hands on the skills which they have learned. The instructor will supervise the students in these placements and provide a review and assessment of their demonstrated skills.

(119) Job Seeking Skills (NOT offered in part-time program)

This module will provide students with an opportunity to practice interviewing skills through role play. Each student will prepare a completed resume, job-finding techniques and the documentation checklist necessary to facilitate their job application process. Additional time will be spent conducting an entire program review prior to the final exam.