Explain the role of aging in the twenty-first century. Recognize examples of ageism. Determine how the five senses change with age. Identify the age-related physical changes that impact the care of older adults.

This class will explore the role of aging in the twenty-first century, and explain how ageism impacts older adults. Caregivers will learn how age and illness affect the sensory and motor functions of the older adult, and how to adapt care for an older client’s needs.

Define communication. Demonstrate good communication skills including verbal and non-verbal approaches. Utilize problem-solving skills for dealing with conflicts. Define culture and how it influences an individual's worldview. Recognize cultural differences through behaviors or beliefs. Communicate effectively with those whose language background differs from yours.

This class explores the importance of communication and problem-solving skills for professional caregivers. You will learn to recognize cultural differences and identify strategies for communicating effectively with those whose language and cultural background differ from yours.

Define the meaning of cultural competency and its role in health care and the impact of assumptions and myths on marginalized groups Identify examples of discriminatory language, behavior, implicit bias, and microaggressions Recognize examples of indirect discrimination.

This class helps caregivers recognize what cultural competency is and its role in health care. Caregivers will also learn about how assumptions and myths impact commonly marginalized groups. They will learn how to identify discriminatory language, behavior, implicit bias, and microaggressions. They will also learn how to apply strategies to address possible personal biases.

Describe the benefits of providing person-centered care for clients. Explain how to provide person-centered care on a daily basis to respect the client’s individuality.

This class demonstrates how to practice person-centered care when assisting clients. Caregivers will learn the importance of getting to know their clients, fostering their independence, maintaining a least restrictive environment, and treating them with respect and dignity.

Recognize the laws on privacy and confidentiality of client information (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA). Apply your knowledge of client’s rights when caring for an older adult. Identify the different signs of elder abuse. Apply strategies for preventing elder abuse. Report elder abuse based on the legal requirements for your state. Describe ethical behavior as it relates to being a caregiver. Identify signs of domestic abuse and child abuse. 

In this class, we discuss clients' privacy, security (confidentiality), and related rights. We discuss elder abuse and neglect, including how to prevent it and how to report it if it does occur. Forms of abuse include verbal, physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse. The class also discusses ethical behavior as it relates to being a caregiver.

Describe the five vital signs and why vital signs are important. Explain the importance of monitoring a client’s body temperature. Explain the importance of monitoring a client’s pulse. Explain the importance of monitoring a client’s respiration. Explain the importance of monitoring a client’s blood pressure. Explain the importance of monitoring a client’s pain.

In this class, caregivers will learn the role of vital signs in assessing a client’s health, and the importance of accurately measuring vital signs. Caregivers will learn when to measure temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure, and the normal ranges for each. The course will also cover how to monitor a client’s pain. 

Demonstrate how to measure a client’s body temperature. Demonstrate how to measure a client’s pulse. Demonstrate how to measure a client’s respiration. Demonstrate how to measure a client’s blood pressure. Determine how to assess a client’s pain.

This class teaches caregivers the techniques for measuring vital signs: temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and pain. Caregivers will learn when to measure temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure, the normal ranges for each, and what to do when measurements are outside normal ranges.

Identify body parts most prone to injury as a caregiver and proper body mechanics
Identify proper body mechanics when performing common tasks and assisting with ADLs.

This class covers an overview of ergonomics, body mechanics, and body parts most prone to caregiver injury (strains, sprains, tears, soreness). It also covers proper body mechanics to use when performing ADLs to avoid common caregiver injuries.

Define activities of daily living and the importance of personal care. Describe the strategies for assisting with personal hygiene. Describe the best practices to be followed while assisting older adults for transferring, bathing, dressing, toileting, and eating.

In this class on activities of daily living (ADLs), we touch upon how to assist older adults with activities such as transferring, bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, and eating.

Bathe an older adult. Implement strategies for safe and dignified bathing. Solve conflicts in bathing an older adult.

This class will teach caregivers how to bathe an older adult. After understanding the importance of bathing, caregivers will be instructed on how to make bathing safe and dignified.

Explain reasons for bowel and bladder control and elimination problems in older adults. Identify the steps for assisting an older adult in using the toilet. Identify the steps for assisting an older adult in using a bedpan. Identify the steps for assisting an older adult in using a urinal. Describe the purpose and use of urinary catheters in older adults.

This class will teach caregivers the reasons for bowel and bladder control and elimination problems in older adults. Caregivers will learn techniques for using appropriate equipment when assisting clients with elimination.

Describe features of the mouth. Recognize symptoms of mouth problems. Identify oral health problems caused by common medical conditions and medications. Determine caregiving techniques for clients who have dental pain.

This class will teach caregivers how to assist clients with oral care. Caregivers will learn how to inspect the mouth for signs of problems, and how to provide care for clients with dental pain. 

Identify different types of mobility equipment and their use. Explain how to safely transfer an older adult using a gait belt, slide board, or mobility device. Describe how to use a Hoyer lift to transfer an older adult. Determine how to use bed rails, monitors, and alarms to keep an older adult safe in bed.

This class will teach caregivers how to safely use lifts and mobility equipment with an older adult, as well as ways in which bed rails and alarms can be used to increase nighttime safety. 

Describe the anatomy of joints. Explain how muscles help joints to move. Demonstrate how to perform active range of motion exercises for the older adult’s upper and lower body. Demonstrate how to perform passive range of motion exercises for older adults who are bedridden.

This class will discuss how joints and muscles work together, and their role in mobility. Caregivers will learn how to safely perform active and passive range of motion exercises with an older adult.  

Determine appropriate responses to the emotions experienced by an older adult at the end of life. Recommend strategies for caring for the physical needs of an older adult at the end of life. Explain nutritional considerations for older adults at the end of life. Recommend ways to support family members of an older adult at the end of life. Identify signs that an older adult is in the last moments of life. Describe appropriate actions after death.

This class will teach caregivers how to care for the physical and emotional needs of clients at the end of life and how to support the client’s family members during this time. Caregivers will also learn how to support the client in the final hours of life and care for a body after death.

Identify the conditions that cause changes in older adults’ skin. Describe ways of taking care of the older adult’s skin. Explain techniques for preventing wounds in older adults.

This class will teach caregivers how to inspect and protect their clients’ skin. Caregivers will identify the conditions that cause changes to the skin of older adults, and learn techniques to prevent wounds and protect the skin.

Describe the correct procedure for performing routine care for clients with indwelling catheters.  Describe the correct procedure for emptying a urinary catheter drainage bag. Describe the correct procedure for changing and cleaning a urinary catheter drainage bag.

This class will teach caregivers how to care for clients with indwelling urinary catheters. Caregivers will learn procedures for providing daily catheter care, emptying the catheter drainage bag, and changing and cleaning the catheter drainage bag.

Define the term ostomy and conditions that may require ostomies. Describe the procedures for emptying and changing ostomy pouches. Describe what to observe, document, and report when assisting a client with an ostomy. Identify the physical and emotional needs of clients with ostomies.

This class will teach caregivers how to care for clients with ileostomies and colostomies. Caregivers will learn the meaning and purpose of different types of ostomies. They will also see how empty and change ostomy appliances, and assist with related care.

Explain why older adults may require tube feeding. Describe common types of tube feeding. Describe the procedures a nurse follows for delivering nutrition via feeding tube. Describe the procedure a nurse follows for caring for the gastrostomy site. Recognize common issues and complications that clients with feeding tubes may experience.

In this class, you will learn how a nurse performs routine care for clients who require tube feeding, also known as enteral nutrition. You will learn why a client may require tube feeding, how a nurse performs maintenance activities, and the complications nurses look for while providing care. Note: CareAcademy does not endorse the performance of tube feeding care by unauthorized direct care workers. Only your nurse supervisor and agency administrator can assign these tasks. Please do not perform these tasks without their express consent and authorization.

Identify different ways that infections can be transmitted, including bloodborne pathogens. Define infection control and explain its importance. Demonstrate appropriate practices for controlling infection. Apply strategies for cleaning and disinfecting a client's home to prevent the spread of infection.

In this class, caregivers learn how to maintain a clean and healthy environment for the older adults in their lives. Topics discussed include standard precautions (also known as universal precautions), including hand hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment, and how to dispose of sharps and other contaminated materials and equipment. Also covered are methods of transmission, bloodborne pathogens and airborne diseases, transmission-based precautions, and techniques for cleaning and disinfection for infection control.

Describe the procedure for providing basic first aid to a client who is experiencing: common sudden illness; choking; shock; a seizure; heat-related illnesses and cold-related emergencies; head, neck, and spinal injuries; bone or joint injuries; severe allergic reaction; burns; severe bleeding; and poisoning.

This class covers the correct procedures for providing basic first aid for your client for the most common medical emergencies until Emergency Medical Services arrives. Note: Completing this class will provide the learner with an understanding of basic first aid.

Describe the importance of being prepared for emergency situations; Describe how to ensure you and your client are prepared to respond in the event of an emergency; Describe how to properly respond in the event of common weather-related emergencies; Describe how to properly respond in the event of common natural disasters; Describe common causes of fire-related emergencies; Describe how to prevent a fire-related emergency

This class discusses emergency preparedness and procedures to follow in the event of disasters such as severe weather, floods, earthquakes, and other emergency situations. It explores how direct care workers can prepare for these types of emergencies, and how best to care for their clients and themselves should a disaster occur. It also reviews standard fire prevention and safety tips.

Define the difference between empathy and sympathy. Describe the importance of empathy for caregivers. Understand when it is difficult for caregivers to empathize with clients. Use strategies for showing empathy with clients.

This class introduces the concept of empathy and its importance when providing care to older adults. Participants will identify common situations that make it challenging to be empathetic, and review techniques to help build an empathetic approach. Participants will be able to describe the benefits of practicing empathy for both the client and the caregiver.

Define mental illness. Identify common mental illnesses in older adults. Describe treatment options for older adults with mental illnesses. Determine strategies for managing the behaviors of older adults with mental illness.

This class will teach caregivers the basics of mental illness in older adults. Caregivers will learn to identify common mental illnesses, their causes, and common treatments. Caregivers will also learn strategies for coping with the challenging behaviors of older adults with mental illnesses, and what to do if those behaviors become inappropriate.

Define dementia. Identify common symptoms of dementia. Describe stages of Alzheimer’s disease and the symptoms experienced at each stage. Recognize dementia-related behaviors. Understand the importance of the care plan for older adults living with dementia. Recognize the impacts of dementia on the client’s family. Determine how to care for an older adult in the final stage of Alzheimer’s disease. Recognize types of non-medicinal therapies for dementia. Suggest environmental changes to support a client living with dementia.

This class was created for professional caregivers to understand dementia and apply recommended care strategies for supporting a client living with dementia in the client's own home. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia impact many aspects of care. The caregiver’s ability to modify care, recognize and work through challenges, and support themself and the family are all vital in providing care to those with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Define early stage dementia and identify positive communication strategies for older adults in this stage Describe middle stage dementia and identify positive communication strategies for older adults in this stage Describe late stage dementia and identify positive communication strategies for older adults in this stage Determine methods of communicating with clients living with dementia who exhibit dementia-related behaviors.

This class will teach caregivers about the different stages of dementia and discuss ways to communicate with the older adult living with dementia through each stage. The goal of this class is to give caregivers more tools and confidence around effective styles of communication with older adults with memory problems.

Recognize causes of agitation or aggressive behavior in older adults with dementia. Identify the aggressive behaviors associated with dementia in older adults. Determine strategies for preventing agitation and aggressive behaviors in older adults with dementia. Describe tactics for managing agitated and aggressive behaviors of an older adult with dementia.

This class will help caregivers recognize agitation and aggressive behaviors in older adults living with dementia, and will provide strategies for preventing and addressing agitation and aggression. 

Apply person-centered strategies for assisting older adults living with dementia with bathing. Describe tactics for adapting the client’s bathing environment. Recognize best practices for ensuring the client’s dignity, independence, and choice before, during, and after bathing.

This class covers how to apply person-centered care when assisting clients living with dementia with bathing. Caregivers will learn how to adapt the client’s home environment for bathing, ensure the client’s dignity and independence, and techniques for assisting the client during the bathing process.

Apply person-centered care strategies for assisting older adults living with dementia with grooming, including haircare, shaving, skin and nail care. Recognize best practices for supporting the client’s dignity, independence, and choice during the grooming process.

This class covers how to assist clients living with dementia with grooming, including haircare, shaving, skin and nail care. Caregivers will learn how to support the client during the process of grooming to ensure the client’s dignity, independence, and choice.

Apply person-centered care strategies for assisting older adults living with dementia with dressing. Describe tactics for adapting the client’s home environment for dressing. Recognize best practices for maintaining the client’s dignity, independence, and choice while dressing.

This class covers how to apply person-centered care when assisting clients living with dementia with dressing. Caregivers will learn how to adapt the client’s home environment for dressing, and how to ensure the client’s dignity, independence and choice during the dressing process.

Apply person-centered strategies for assisting older adults living with dementia with toileting. Describe tactics for adapting the client’s home environment to support toileting. Recognize best practices for ensuring the client’s dignity, independence, and choice before, during, and after toileting.

This class covers how to apply person-centered care when assisting clients living with dementia with toileting. Caregivers will learn how to adapt the client’s home environment, and how to support the client’s dignity, independence, and choice during the toileting process. Health considerations and adaptive equipment for toileting are also covered.

Explain the steps to transfer a client to a wheelchair using a gait belt.

This video shows how to assist an older adult to transfer to a wheelchair using a gait belt.

2.50 Minutes

Demonstrate how to perform active range of motion exercises for a client's upper body.

This video shows a caregiver assisting a client with active range of motion exercises for the upper body.

3.12 Minutes

Describe when, how, and to whom to report suspected elder abuse. 

This video shows caregivers when and how to report suspected elder abuse.

2.01 Minutes

Demonstrate how to assist a client to transfer using a mobility device.

This video demonstrates the steps in assisting clients to transfer to a wheelchair using a walker.

2.15 Minutes

Describe the steps to assist a client to transfer using a slide board.

This video demonstrates the steps involved in assisting a client to transfer to a wheelchair using a slide board.

2.09 Minutes

Demonstrate how to assist clients with active range of motion exercises for the lower body.

This video shows caregivers how to assist clients to perform active range of motion exercises for the legs.

2.02 Minutes

Demonstrate how to assist clients with passive range of motion exercises.

This video shows caregivers how to assist clients who are unable to move their bodies independently with passive range of motion exercises.

3.27 Minutes

Describe common causes of wounds in older adults.  Describe techniques for preventing wounds.

This video covers techniques for preventing wounds in older adults.

3.59 Minutes

Explain the steps to transfer a client to a wheelchair using a gait belt.

This video shows how to assist an older adult to transfer to a wheelchair using a gait belt.