Foundations for Assisting in Home Care

Foundations for Assisting in Home Care

Instructors: Erin O'Hara-Leslie

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13 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

676 reviews

7 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

99%

Most learners liked this course

13 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

676 reviews

7 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

99%

Most learners liked this course

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Assessments

12 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 13 modules in this course

This course is intended as a self-study course for those interested in exploring a career as a Home Health Aide or Personal Care Aide.

Contains the syllabus, grading and logistics, and references

What's included

1 video8 readings

Introduction to Home Health Care

What's included

14 readings1 assignment

14 readingsTotal 140 minutes

Introduction10 minutes
What is Home Health Care?10 minutes
Who Receives Home Health Care Services?10 minutes
History of Home Health Care10 minutes
Who is Part of the Home Health Care Team10 minutes
Home Health Care Team Roles - Part 110 minutes
Home Health Care Team Roles - Part 210 minutes
Home Health Care Team Roles - Part 310 minutes
Home Health Care Team Roles - Part 410 minutes
Home Health Aide/Personal Care Aide Tasks10 minutes
Scope of Practice10 minutes
Chain of Command10 minutes
Qualities of Home Health Aides & Personal Care Aides10 minutes
Education & Training Requirements10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 1 Quiz30 minutes

Human Needs, Culture & Diversity, Communication Skills, Developing a Therapeutic Relationship, Patients' Rights

What's included

74 readings1 assignment

74 readingsTotal 740 minutes

Introduction10 minutes
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs10 minutes
Physical Needs10 minutes
Safety and Security Needs10 minutes
Need for Love and Belonging10 minutes
Need for Self-Esteem10 minutes
Need for Self-Actualization10 minutes
Culture10 minutes
Race versus Culture10 minutes
Ethnocentrism, Diversity, & Stereotypes10 minutes
Self-Awareness10 minutes
Cultural Awareness & Cultural Competence10 minutes
Introduction to Cultures10 minutes
African American10 minutes
Asians10 minutes
Latinos10 minutes
Middle East10 minutes
Introduction to Religions of the World10 minutes
Agnostics and Atheists10 minutes
Buddhism10 minutes
Christianity10 minutes
Hinduism10 minutes
Islam10 minutes
Judaism10 minutes
Introduction to Family & Diversity10 minutes
Supporting Family Members10 minutes
Communication10 minutes
Types of Communication10 minutes
Types of Communication - Summary10 minutes
Language Barriers10 minutes
Hearing Impairment10 minutes
Visual Impairment10 minutes
Aphasia/Speech Impairment10 minutes
Cognitive Impairment10 minutes
Yes/No Questions10 minutes
Asking "Why?"10 minutes
Use of Cliches10 minutes
Introduction to Active Listening10 minutes
How to Be a Good Listener - Part 110 minutes
How to Be a Good Listener - Part 210 minutes
How to Be a Good Listener - Part 310 minutes
Introduction to Therapeutic Relationship10 minutes
How to Establish a Therapeutic Relationship - Part 110 minutes
How to Establish a Therapeutic Relationship - Part 210 minutes
How to Establish a Therapeutic Relationship - Part 310 minutes
Terminating the Relationship10 minutes
Self Check for Boundaries10 minutes
Introduction to Documentation10 minutes
Use of Your Senses10 minutes
What Information to Include in Documentation10 minutes
How to Complete Documentation10 minutes
Confidentiality10 minutes
Sample Documentation10 minutes
Introduction to Communicating on the Telephone10 minutes
Sample Phone Call10 minutes
Sample Phone Message10 minutes
Introduction to Patient's Rights10 minutes
Physical Abuse10 minutes
Emotional Abuse10 minutes
Financial Abuse10 minutes
Sexual Abuse10 minutes
Domestic violence10 minutes
Neglect10 minutes
Reporting Abuse & Neglect10 minutes
Introduction to Patient's Rights10 minutes
Patient's Responsibilities10 minutes
How a Home Health Aide/Personal Care Aide Support a Patient's Rights10 minutes
Introduction to Advanced Directives10 minutes
Living Wills10 minutes
Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care (Health Care Proxy)10 minutes
Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR)10 minutes
Confidentiality10 minutes
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)10 minutes
Legal Ramifications for HIPAA Violations10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 2 Quiz30 minutes

Working with the Elderly

What's included

27 readings1 assignment

27 readingsTotal 270 minutes

Introduction10 minutes
Aging and the Individual10 minutes
Social Factors & Aging10 minutes
Observing & Reporting Changes10 minutes
Confidentiality10 minutes
Attitudes Toward Aging10 minutes
Myths of Aging10 minutes
Introduction10 minutes
Immune System10 minutes
Respiratory System10 minutes
Cardiovascular System10 minutes
Integumentary (Skin) System10 minutes
Musculoskeletal System10 minutes
Range of Motion Movements10 minutes
Sensory System10 minutes
Digestive System10 minutes
Urinary System10 minutes
Endocrine System10 minutes
Neurological System10 minutes
Female Reproductive System10 minutes
Male Reproductive System10 minutes
Introduction to Aging & the Mind10 minutes
Working with Patients Who Have Had a Stroke10 minutes
Working with Patients with Alzheimer's Disease10 minutes
Working with Patients with Parkinson's Disease10 minutes
Introduction to Stress10 minutes
How to Help a Patient Effectively Manage Stress10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 3 Quiz30 minutes

Working with Children

What's included

31 readings1 assignment

31 readingsTotal 310 minutes

Introduction to Working with Children10 minutes
Why Children May Need Home Care - Part 110 minutes
Why Children May Need Home Care - Part 210 minutes
Why Children May Need Home Care - Part 310 minutes
Introduction to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Applied to Children10 minutes
Physical Needs10 minutes
Safety and Security Needs10 minutes
Need for Love and Belonging10 minutes
Need for Self-Esteem10 minutes
Need for Self-Actualization10 minutes
Introduction to Child Growth and Development10 minutes
Sensorimotor Stage (birth to 2 years)10 minutes
Preoperational Stage (2 to 7 years)10 minutes
Concrete Operational Stage (7 to 11 years)10 minutes
Formal Operational Stage (11 years to adulthood)10 minutes
Infancy: Birth to 12 months10 minutes
Toddler: 1-3 years10 minutes
Preschool: 3-6 years10 minutes
School Age: 6-11 or 12 years10 minutes
Adolescent: 11 years to 19 years10 minutes
Types of Families10 minutes
Guidelines for Communicating with Children about Divorce10 minutes
Styles of Parenting10 minutes
Socioeconomic Status10 minutes
Domestic Violence10 minutes
Special Issues of Families: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Issues10 minutes
Signs of Substance Abuse10 minutes
Signs of Mental Illness10 minutes
Stress10 minutes
How to Help Children Cope with Stress10 minutes
Working Effectively to Strengthen Families10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 4 Quiz30 minutes

Working with People Who Are Mentally Ill

What's included

18 readings1 assignment

18 readingsTotal 180 minutes

Introduction10 minutes
What is Mental Health?10 minutes
Positive Coping Skills10 minutes
Negative Coping Skills10 minutes
Defense Mechanisms10 minutes
Unhealthy Coping Behaviors10 minutes
What is Mental Illness?10 minutes
Physical Factors10 minutes
Environmental Factors10 minutes
Genetic Factors10 minutes
Stress Factors10 minutes
Anxiety10 minutes
Depression10 minutes
Schizophrenia10 minutes
Treating Mental Illness10 minutes
Guidelines for Observing Behavior10 minutes
Role of the HHA/PHA with Mentally Ill Patients and their Families10 minutes
Maintain Safety10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 5 Quiz30 minutes

Working with People with Developmental Disabilities

What's included

30 readings1 assignment

30 readingsTotal 300 minutes

Introduction10 minutes
What is a Developmental Disability?10 minutes
How Does Having a Developmental Disability Affect Normal Development?10 minutes
Self-Care & Movement10 minutes
Financial Independence & Self-direction10 minutes
Communication & Social Situations10 minutes
Coping10 minutes
Types of Developmental Disabilities10 minutes
Intellectual Disabilities10 minutes
Cerebral Palsy10 minutes
Autism10 minutes
Neurologic Impairment10 minutes
Multiple Disabilities10 minutes
Effects of Developmental Disabilities on Growth and Development10 minutes
Causes of Developmental Disabilities10 minutes
How is a Developmental Disability Different from Mental Illness?10 minutes
Developmental Disabilities at Home10 minutes
Caring for a Child with a Developmental Disability10 minutes
Caring for an Adult with a Developmental Disability10 minutes
Expectations and Attitudes10 minutes
Address the Person, Not the Disability10 minutes
Focus on Independence, Productivity, and Integration10 minutes
Promote Self-Determination and Community Participation10 minutes
Care Needs10 minutes
Physical Needs10 minutes
Safety and Security Needs10 minutes
Love and Belonging Needs10 minutes
Self-Esteem and Self-Actualization Needs10 minutes
Role of the Home Health Aide/Personal Care Aide10 minutes
Performance Standards10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 6 Quiz30 minutes

Working with People with Physical Disabilities

What's included

12 readings1 assignment

12 readingsTotal 120 minutes

Introduction10 minutes
What is a Physical Disability?10 minutes
Causes of Physical Disabilities10 minutes
Permanent versus Temporary Disabilities10 minutes
Unique Attributes of Physical Disabilities10 minutes
Impact of a Physical Disability on Quality of Life10 minutes
Promoting Self-care and Independence10 minutes
Maintenance of Dignity and Self-Worth10 minutes
Preservation of Normal Life Style10 minutes
Role of the Home Health Aide/Personal Care Aide10 minutes
Social, Cultural and Environmental Influences in Caring for People with Disabilities10 minutes
Situations in Which People with Physical Disabilities May Require Home Care10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 7 Quiz30 minutes

What's included

1 video50 readings1 assignment

1 videoTotal 2 minutes

VIDEO - Food Preparation & Blender Use2 minutes

50 readingsTotal 500 minutes

Introduction10 minutes
The Major Nutrients10 minutes
Protein10 minutes
Carbohydrates10 minutes
Fats10 minutes
Vitamins10 minutes
Minerals10 minutes
Water10 minutes
Nutrients Work Together10 minutes
Well-balanced Diet10 minutes
Milk Group10 minutes
Protein Foods Group10 minutes
Fruit Group10 minutes
Vegetable Group10 minutes
Grain Group10 minutes
Oils10 minutes
Using ChooseMyPlate in Meal Planning10 minutes
Dietary Guidelines10 minutes
Cost of Food10 minutes
Food Preparation10 minutes
Patient Involvement10 minutes
Available Cooking Equipment10 minutes
Serve Quality Food10 minutes
Serving Meals10 minutes
Food Appearance, Texture, and Portion Size10 minutes
How to Save on Food Costs10 minutes
Food Storage10 minutes
Safe Food Handling10 minutes
Safe Microwave Defrosting and Cooking10 minutes
Safe Cooking Temperatures10 minutes
Food Money Procedures10 minutes
Being Specific When it Comes to the Diet10 minutes
The Meaning of "High" and "Low" Diet Orders10 minutes
Decreasing the Intake of Certain Foods10 minutes
Increasing the Intake of Certain Foods10 minutes
Types of Modified Diets10 minutes
Low Sodium/Low Salt Diets10 minutes
Fluid-Restricted Diets10 minutes
High and Low Potassium Diets10 minutes
Low Fat/Low Cholesterol Diets10 minutes
Bland Diets10 minutes
Gluten-Free Diet10 minutes
Vegetarian Diet10 minutes
Liquid Diets10 minutes
Soft Diets10 minutes
Mechanically Altered Diets10 minutes
Mechanical Soft Diet10 minutes
Pureed Diet10 minutes
Provide Nutritious and Attractive Mechanically Altered Food10 minutes
Follow Safe Food Preparation and Storage Guidelines10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 8 Quiz30 minutes

What's included

12 readings1 assignment

12 readingsTotal 120 minutes

Introduction10 minutes
The Role of the Home Health Aide/Personal Care Aide in Family Spending & Budgeting10 minutes
Income10 minutes
Debt & Stress10 minutes
Daily Expense Tracker10 minutes
Planning a Budget10 minutes
Determining Expenses10 minutes
Determining Income10 minutes
Introduction10 minutes
How to Save on Grocery Costs10 minutes
How to Save on Household Costs10 minutes
How to Save on Energy Costs10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 9 Quiz30 minutes

What's included

2 videos17 readings1 assignment

2 videosTotal 2 minutes

VIDEO - Household Cleaning Supplies1 minute
VIDEO - Vacuuming1 minute

17 readingsTotal 170 minutes

Introduction10 minutes
Introduction10 minutes
Introduction10 minutes
Introduction10 minutes
Time Management10 minutes
The ABC Method10 minutes
The 1-10 Method10 minutes
Tips for Efficient Use of Time10 minutes
Infection Control10 minutes
Basic Supplies and Equipment Needed10 minutes
Safety Tips for Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides Using Equipment and Supplies10 minutes
Kitchen Cleaning Tasks10 minutes
Bathroom Cleaning Tasks10 minutes
Living Room Cleaning Tasks10 minutes
Bedroom Cleaning Tasks10 minutes
Washing Floors10 minutes
Laundry10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 10 Quiz30 minutes

What's included

27 readings1 assignment

27 readingsTotal 270 minutes

Introduction10 minutes
Introduction10 minutes
Falls10 minutes
Burns10 minutes
Cuts10 minutes
Poisoning10 minutes
Choking10 minutes
Contributing Factors to Injuries10 minutes
Where Household Injuries Commonly Occur10 minutes
Role of the Home Care Worker in Injury Prevention10 minutes
Fire Safety10 minutes
Personal Safety10 minutes
Pets10 minutes
Transportation Safety10 minutes
Introduction10 minutes
First Aid Techniques for Falls10 minutes
First Aid Techniques for Bruises10 minutes
First Aid Techniques for Cuts and Scrapes10 minutes
First Aid Techniques for Dizziness/Fainting10 minutes
First Aid Techniques for Burns10 minutes
First Aid Techniques for Choking10 minutes
First Aid Techniques for Poisoning10 minutes
What to do in Serious Medical Emergencies10 minutes
Assessing the ABCs10 minutes
Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)10 minutes
Seizures10 minutes
Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke)10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 11 Quiz30 minutes

What's included

28 videos72 readings1 assignment

28 videosTotal 48 minutes

VIDEO - Hand Washing2 minutes
VIDEO - Donning and Removing Gloves1 minute
VIDEO - Bed Bath6 minutes
VIDEO - Washing Hair in Bed2 minutes
VIDEO - Assisting with Changing a Clean Dressing2 minutes
VIDEO - Assisting with Mouth Hygiene2 minutes
VIDEO - Denture Care1 minute
VIDEO - Mouth Care for the Unconscious Patient1 minute
VIDEO - Applying Elastic Compression Stockings1 minute
VIDEO - Shaving a Patient2 minutes
VIDEO - Changing a Bedpan3 minutes
VIDEO - Use of a Urinal2 minutes
VIDEO - Applying a Condom Catheter1 minute
VIDEO - Cleaning Catheter Tubing2 minutes
VIDEO - Applying an Incontinence Product1 minute
VIDEO - Measuring Output2 minutes
VIDEO - Measuring Intake1 minute
VIDEO - Assisting with Eating2 minutes
VIDEO - Proper Body Mechanics2 minutes
VIDEO - Turning the Patient in Bed2 minutes
VIDEO - Positioning a Patient on Their Side1 minute
VIDEO - Lifting a Patient in Bed1 minute
VIDEO - Transfer to a Wheelchair1 minute
VIDEO - Transfer from a Wheelchair to the Shower1 minute
VIDEO - Making an Occupied Bed4 minutes
VIDEO - Picking up the Infant1 minute
VIDEO - Feeding an Infant1 minute
VIDEO - Bathing an Infant2 minutes

72 readingsTotal 720 minutes

Introduction10 minutes
Introduction to Infection Control10 minutes
Procedure - Handwashing10 minutes
Use of Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer10 minutes
Procedure - Donning & Removing Gloves10 minutes
Introduction to Bathing, Back Rubs & Assisting with a Clean Dressing10 minutes
Procedure - Tub or Shower Bath10 minutes
Procedure - Bed Bath10 minutes
Procedure - Shampoo in Bed10 minutes
Procedure - Back Rub10 minutes
Procedure - Assisting with Changing a Clean (Non-sterile) Dressing10 minutes
Introduction to Mouth Hygiene10 minutes
Procedure - Patients Who Can Brush Their Own Teeth or Need Some Assistance10 minutes
Procedure - Patients Who are Unable to Perform Mouth Hygiene Independently, such as an Unconscious Patient10 minutes
Procedure - Denture Care10 minutes
Procedure - Flossing10 minutes
Introduction to Dressing and Grooming10 minutes
Procedure - Assisting with Dressing10 minutes
Procedure - Assisting with Dressing for Patients Who are Weak, Frail, or Paralyzed10 minutes
Procedure - Assisting with the use of Elastic Support Stockings10 minutes
Nail Care10 minutes
Procedure - Hand Care10 minutes
Procedure - Foot Care10 minutes
Procedure - Shaving the Patient10 minutes
Introduction to Assisting with Elimination10 minutes
Procedure - Use of a Bed Pan10 minutes
Procedure - Use of a Urinal10 minutes
Procedure - Assisting with the Use of a Condom Catheter10 minutes
Procedure - Assisting with Cleaning the Skin and Catheter Tubing10 minutes
Procedure - Assisting with Emptying of the Urinary Drainage Bag10 minutes
Procedure - Measuring Urinary Output10 minutes
Introduction to Assisting with Eating10 minutes
Procedure - Assisting with Eating10 minutes
Procedure - Measuring Intake10 minutes
Procedure: Proper Body Mechanics10 minutes
Procedure: Standing10 minutes
Procedure: Lifting10 minutes
Procedure: Using Proper Working Height10 minutes
Overview: Turning and Positioning the Patient10 minutes
Procedure: Turning the Patient in Bed10 minutes
Procedure: Positioning the Patient10 minutes
Overview: Assisting Patients to Transfer to and from Different Positions10 minutes
Procedure: Transfer to the Sitting Position in Bed10 minutes
Procedure: Helping the Patient to Sit at the Side of the Bed10 minutes
Procedure: Helping a Patient to Stand10 minutes
Procedure: Helping the Patient to Ambulate (Walk)10 minutes
Procedure: Transfer to a Wheelchair, Chair, or Commode10 minutes
Procedure: Positioning Patient in Chair or Wheelchair10 minutes
Procedure: Transfer from Wheelchair to Toilet10 minutes
Procedure: Transfer from Wheelchair to Shower and Assisting with Shower10 minutes
Procedure: Transfer from Wheelchair to Stool or Chair in Tub10 minutes
Introduction to The Patient's Environment10 minutes
Procedure: Making an Unoccupied Bed10 minutes
Procedure: Making an Occupied Bed10 minutes
Introduction to Special Equipment used by Home Care Patients10 minutes
Procedure: Weighing a Patient10 minutes
Procedure: Assisting with the Use of a Hydraulic Lift10 minutes
Procedure: Slide Board Transfer10 minutes
Procedure: Handling the Infant10 minutes
Procedure: Picking up the Infant10 minutes
Positioning the Infant for Feeding & Feeding the Infant10 minutes
Burping a Baby10 minutes
Changing a Diaper10 minutes
Documenting the Baby's Intake and Output10 minutes
Procedure: Infant Bath10 minutes
Introduction to Assisting with Self-administration of Medication10 minutes
Procedure: Checking the Right Person (Patient)10 minutes
Procedure: Checking the Right Medication10 minutes
Procedure: Checking the Right Dose10 minutes
Procedure: Checking the Right Time10 minutes
Procedure: Checking the Right Route10 minutes
End of Course Survey10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 12 Quiz30 minutes

Instructors

Instructor ratings

(300 ratings)

Erin O'Hara-Leslie

The State University of New York

1 Course32,993 learners

Andrea C. Wade, Ph.D.

The State University of New York

1 Course32,993 learners

Kimberly B. McLain, Ph.D.

The State University of New York

1 Course32,993 learners

Offered by

The State University of New York

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Reviewed on Feb 26, 2025

This course should be upgraded to "Advanced Diploma in Care Giver" because it is comprehensive, well detailed and insightful. It can make any learner to become a competent care giver.

Reviewed on Mar 28, 2020

Amazing course I have learned so much in these 13 weeks. I wold highly recommend this course to anyone looking to earn a degree or just get a good education in this field.

Reviewed on Aug 30, 2023

Enjoyed doing this course gain a lot of knowledge which will assist me taking care of my uncle and may use to turn into a career in the near future.

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