Course Syllabus

Caring for a senior or elderly relative or friend or client at home may be one of the most gratifying and rewarding experiences of a lifetime, but is one that may also be filled with frustration, physical and mental weariness, and at times, resentment. Understanding the challenges and responsibilities of elder care, learning how to deal with day-to-day challenges and providing a safe and senior-friendly environment to loved ones is essential in the caregiving process. Encouraging seniors to stick to medication schedules, preventing dehydration and providing proper hygiene are essential in long-term care scenarios.

Learning how to safely transfer seniors in a variety of scenarios while at the same time protecting the caregiver are essential, as is learning how to deal with security and safety in the home of a senior diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Caring for seniors in a home environment also means providing care for the caregiver. Time-outs, support, dealing with difficult family members as well as the emotional, physical and mental strains of caregiving are addressed in this course.

Dealing with behavior problems such as aggression is also discussed, as are recognizing and preventing situations of senior abuse. Learning how to identify the warning signs of senior abuse and dealing with feelings of anger, resentment and stress are addressed in this course, and are as important for caregivers as they are for all  family members.