home care support worker
*This program does not require approval under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005.
At Elite College, we introduce our Home Care Support Worker Certificate program, designed for those pursuing a rewarding career in senior care. This program provides a pathway to develop the skills and knowledge needed to care for older adults, addressing their physical, emotional, and social needs.
The curriculum covers key areas of senior caregiving, including health, wellness, communication, safety, and age-related conditions. With a blend of theory and practical training, students will gain the skills to provide compassionate care in settings such as home care and assisted living facilities.
The program emphasizes empathy, critical thinking, and caregiving strategies, equipping students to tackle real-world challenges with confidence. This certificate provides the foundation necessary to succeed in today’s evolving senior care industry.
Upon completion, students will be prepared to provide high-quality care, improve seniors’ quality of life, and contribute to the growing elder care field.
Course Objectives
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical, practical, and ethical aspects of senior caregiving, adapting to the evolving needs of elderly individuals in various care settings.
- Develop effective caregiving techniques, alongside the ability to assess and respond to the physical, emotional, and social needs of seniors.
- Work independently and collaboratively within caregiving teams, solving real-world challenges and providing compassionate, personalized care solutions.
- Equip students with the essential knowledge and skills needed to pursue professional careers in the senior care industry, ensuring quality care and improved quality of life for older adults.
Modules in 16 weeks
| Week(s) | Module | Topics Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1-2 | Module 1: Role and Responsibilities of a Home Support Worker | – Overview of caregiver duties and expectations – Legal and ethical responsibilities – Communication skills in caregiving – Understanding the aging process – Introduction to the caregiving environment |
| Week 3-4 | Module 2: Health and Safety in Senior Care | – Infection control and hygiene practices – Personal protective equipment (PPE) – Safe mobility and transfer techniques – Preventing falls and accidents – Emergency response and first aid basics |
| Week 5-6 | Module 3: Basic Home Care Skills | – Bathing, grooming, and dressing – Oral hygiene and feeding assistance – Toileting and incontinence care – Medication reminders and assistance |
| Week 7-8 | Module 4: Understanding Senior Health Conditions | – Chronic illnesses (e.g., arthritis, diabetes, heart disease) – Cognitive disorders (e.g., dementia, Alzheimer’s) – Mental health concerns (e.g., depression, anxiety) – Mobility challenges and physical limitations |
| Week 9-10 | Module 5: Supporting Mental and Emotional Health | – Understanding and managing dementia & Alzheimer’s disease – Coping strategies for caregivers dealing with mental health – Offering emotional support and companionship – Dealing with challenging behaviors (e.g., aggression, confusion) |
| Week 11-12 | Module 6: Nutrition for Seniors | – Importance of balanced nutrition in aging – Special dietary needs and restrictions – Meal preparation and feeding assistance – Ensuring hydration and managing appetite loss |
| Week 13-14 | Module 7: Effective Communication with Seniors | – Verbal and non-verbal communication strategies – Understanding the impact of hearing or vision loss – Effective listening and responding to seniors’ needs – Managing family dynamics and caregiver-client relationships |
| Week 15 | Module 8: Legal and Ethical Issues in Caregiving | – Legal rights and responsibilities of caregivers – Ethical considerations in senior care – Understanding consent and autonomy in caregiving – Reporting abuse or neglect |
| Week 16 | Module 9: Preparing for Employment as a Home Care Support Worker | – Job search and interview preparation – Resume writing and professional references – Work-life balance and caregiver self-care – Continuing education and career development |
Note: The modules outlined in this program are subject to change based on industry developments and educational needs.
What are the Career Opportunities after Graduating from the Home Care Support Worker Program?
Graduates of the Home Care Support Worker Certificate Program will have a wide range of career opportunities in the growing field of senior care. You can pursue roles such as:
- Senior Caregiver
- Home Health Aide
- Personal Care Assistant
- Care Coordinator
- Assisted Living Caregiver
- Nursing Assistant
- Elderly Support Worker
- Memory Care Specialist
- Healthcare Assistant
- Senior Care Manager
- Health and Wellness Coordinator
- Caregiving Trainer or Educator
These roles can be found in various settings, including home care agencies, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, and hospice care organizations.
