Senior Care Specialist

As the elderly population continues to grow, so does the demand for individuals who can provide competent and compassionate care to the aging population.

With senior care jobs on the rise and limited training opportunities, Stratford’s home study course is an ideal way to further your knowledge and prepare you for a rewarding new career.

Not everyone has a senior care plan, so when the need arises for in home senior care, many people aren’t sure what to do. This is a where an individual or agency with at-home senior care training and services can truly be a life saver.

What is a Senior Care Specialist?

As a Senior Care Specialist, you can expect to help provide vital living assistance by preparing meals, developing activity programs, managing prescribed medications, and most importantly, acting as an advocate for the elderly.

Senior care professionals also continually observe the physical, mental, and emotional conditions of older adults and report these to family members and designated medical staff.

What will I study?

The Senior Care Specialist curriculum provides instruction on communication skills, nutrition, physical activity and a proactive approach to dementia and memory loss. Additionally, students will learn the fundamentals of operating a home-based senior care business.

Why Study with Stratford?

Stratford’s course is for anyone looking for further their education in senior care services. Whether you need to care for a family member or friend or have a desire to work in elder care, Stratford’s comprehensive course is an excellent place to start to expand your knowledge and skills.

Convenient
Our guided, self-paced instructional courses allow you to study when YOU have time. Everything you need to complete the course is provided with our all-inclusive tuition. And if you do need help, Stratford instructors and student service professionals are only a call or email away.

Affordable
All you need to get started is a low, down payment and you can make interest-free monthly payments as you go.

Worthwhile
We have been in business for more than 30 years and more than one million students worldwide have enrolled with us!

Now is better time than ever to get the education you desire at a price you can afford. Why wait? Get started toward your brighter future today!

Module 1 – Communication with Seniors
•How the Aging Process Affects Communication
•The Need for Control; Legacy: The Need to be Remembered
•The Myth of Diminished Capacity
•The Communication Habits of the Elderly
•The Predictable Dilemmas of Getting Old
•Strategies for Communicating with Older Adults
•Expectations, Progress and Setbacks in Building Relationships with the Elderly
•Figuring out the Right Signals: Hidden Communication Challenges in Everyday Living
•Returning Control to its Rightful Owner
•Discovering Organic Legacy

Module 2 – Dementia & Cognitive Decline
•Further Understanding Dementia
•Evaluation of the Person with Suspected Dementia
•Medical Treatment and Management of Dementia
•Combativeness
•Loss of Coordination
•Loss of Sense of Time
•Problems in Independent Living
•Mild Cognitive Impairment
•Managing early Stages of Dementia
•Problems Arising in Daily Care
•Medical Problems
•Managing the Behavioral and Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Dementia
•Symptoms Associated with Mood Change
•Getting Outside Help
•Understanding Family Conflicts
•The Personal Aspects of Caregiving
•Caring for Yourself
•Financial and Legal Issues
•Long-Term Care Arrangements
•Preventing and Delaying Cognitive Decline
•Brain Disorders and Causes of Dementia
•Research in Dementia

Module 3 – Activities for Older People
•The Importance of Activities
•How to Assess a Resident for Activities
•Care Planning Activity
•The Value of Timetables
•Sensory Activity
•Environment and Reality Orientation
•Budgeting and Money Stretching
•Practical and Realistic Activities
•Art, Books, Cooking and Crafts
•Daily Living
•Exercise
•Games
•Gardening
•Linking with the Community
•Music
•Reminiscence
•Sensory
•Spiritual and Religious
•Theme Days
•Trips Out

Module 4 – Nutrition for Older Adults
•Introduction to Nutrition and Aging
•The Physiology of Aging
•Macronutrients
•Water, Vitamin and Mineral Requirements for the Older Adult
•Health Promotion and Disease Prevention in the Older Adult
•Nutrition Screening and Assessment of the Older Adult
•Nutritional Implications of Gastrointestinal Disorders, Cardiovascular and Respiratory Disease, Renal and Genitourinary Disease, Endocrine and Metabolic Change, Cognitive Disorders, Oral Health, Wound Healing, Skeletal Health, Obesity and Malnutrition
•Pharmacology
•Nutritional Support and End-of-life Considerations for the Older Adult

Module 5 – How To Start a Home-Based Senior Care Business
•Starting a Senior Care Business
•The Significance of Being Self-Employed
•Skills, Experience, Education and Attitude
•Blending the Roles of Practitioner and Manager
•Education Credentials and Certifications
•Identifying your Target Client
•Marketing Materials and Internet Presence
•The Business Plan
•Financial Planning
•Financial Management
•Taxes and Record Keeping
•Ethical and Legal Considerations
•Marketing your Senior Care Business
•Virtual Marketing
•Staffing Considerations

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This educational program is an introductory course designed to help students gain knowledge necessary for the vocational application of this subject. Completion of this program does not fulfill the legal requirements of particular provincial licenses or certifications, which may require additional training or apprenticeships. One or more of the course subjects/textbooks may vary as courses are updated.