Knowledge and Skills for Dementia Care: the SSLD Approach from Coursera

This course is designed and produced by Professor Ka Tat Tsang of the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work in collaboration with the Institute for Life Course and Aging at the University of Toronto.

This course aims to inform learners about dementia and dementia care from an SSLD perspective, including, community care, in-home support, and long-term care. This course will cover the continuum of senior services and support across different settings, including, private caregiving, community services, and institutionalized residential care. Course components are designed to equip learners with practical knowledge regarding dementia and dementia care. This course also features top-notch researchers and practitioners who will be sharing their expertise and experience on recent research developments about dementia and other related topics, including, advance care planning, elder abuse, management of behavioural and psychological symptoms associated with dementia, sexuality and intimacy, consent and capacity, legal issues, principles of designed space and aging-in-place, substance use and addiction in older adults with dementia, senior care models, etc.

Upon the completion of this course, learners will possess a holistic understanding of the needs and characteristics of older adults living with dementia, and will also be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to enhance their competency in providing care.

What's inside

Syllabus

Overview and Course Introduction

This course aims to inform learners about the continuum of senior services and support, from community care to in-home support to long-term care across various contexts, including, private caregiving community services, and institutionalized residential care. Course components are designed to equip learners with a conceptual foundation regarding dementia and dementia care. Upon the completion of this course, learners will possess a holistic understanding of the needs of older adults living with dementia, and will also be equipped with the knowledge and skills to enhance their competency in performing dementia care.

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Develops an understanding of the continuum of senior services and support across various settings, equipping learners with conceptual foundations

Harnessing knowledge from top experts in the field, learners gain valuable insights into dementia care

Provides practical knowledge through a focus on the principles of SSLD, helping learners apply concepts directly to dementia care

Examines relevant issues in dementia care, including mental health, psychosocial challenges, and legal dimensions, enhancing learners' holistic understanding

Emphasizes the significance of caregivers' well-being and explores strategies for self-care

Reviews summary

Holistic dementia care: ssld & practical skills

According to learners, this course provides a comprehensive and practical understanding of dementia care, particularly through the unique SSLD approach. Many found the content highly relevant and applicable to both professional practice and personal caregiving. The inclusion of expert researchers and practitioners was widely praised for offering valuable insights. Students highlighted the course's ability to foster a holistic view of the needs of older adults living with dementia, covering sensitive topics like intimacy and legal issues effectively. While generally well-received, some indicated a desire for deeper dives into certain complex areas, but overall, it's considered a strong foundation.

Provides a solid foundation, but some desired more advanced exploration.

"It's an excellent introduction, but I would have liked more in-depth coverage on very specific clinical interventions."

"While comprehensive, some topics felt a bit introductory and could benefit from more advanced case studies."

"I found the course to be a strong overview, perfect for establishing a foundation, but maybe not for advanced specialists."

The course content is logically organized and easy to follow.

"The course structure was very clear and the modules flowed logically, making it easy to absorb the information."

"I found the segmentation into modules like 'Mental Health' and 'Organizational Development' very helpful."

"The progression from conceptual foundations to applications in daily life felt very natural and effective."

Features contributions from leading researchers and experienced practitioners.

"The guest speakers were top-notch; their expertise and real-world experience truly enriched the learning."

"I appreciated hearing directly from practitioners about advance care planning and elder abuse."

"The diverse perspectives from researchers and clinicians made the content very credible and engaging."

Offers a broad, integrated view of dementia care and related complex issues.

"This course provided a holistic understanding of dementia, going beyond medical aspects to psychosocial and legal issues."

"I valued the modules on intimacy, sexuality, and LGBTQ+ issues, which are often overlooked in other programs."

"The content spans community, in-home, and long-term care, giving a complete picture of senior services."

Delivers actionable knowledge directly applicable in real-world settings.

"I learned practical strategies that I could immediately apply in my work with seniors living with dementia."

"The modules on managing responsive behaviors and designing living spaces were incredibly useful."

"This course equipped me with the knowledge and skills needed to enhance my competency in providing care effectively."

Introduces a distinctive and valuable framework for dementia care.

"The SSLD approach is a truly innovative framework that changed my perspective on dementia care."

"I found the N3C-6D formulation particularly insightful; it provided practical tools for everyday caregiving."

"The course's focus on the SSLD method sets it apart and equips you with a unique understanding of care."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Knowledge and Skills for Dementia Care: the SSLD Approach with these activities:

Review the concepts of SSLD

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Start by reviewing the core principles of SSLD. This will give you a solid foundation for the rest of the course.

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Read the course overview and introduction materials.
Review your notes or textbooks from previous courses on related topics.
Participate in online discussions or forums to connect with other students and discuss the topic.

Read 'The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for Persons with Alzheimer Disease, Other Dementias, and Memory Loss'

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Gain practical guidance and emotional support by reading a comprehensive and widely acclaimed book on dementia care, offering valuable insights and strategies for family caregivers.

View The 36-Hour Day on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow the book.
Read and reflect on the content.
Highlight or note key points and strategies.

Show all two activities

Career center

Learners who complete Knowledge and Skills for Dementia Care: the SSLD Approach will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

介護福祉士

介護福祉士は、高齢者の心身の状況や生活環境を総合的に評価し、適切なケアプランを作成・実施し、高齢者とその家族を支援します。ＳＳＬＤアプローチは、高齢者のニーズに合わせた個別的なケアを重視しており、介護福祉士にとって不可欠な要素です。このコースでは、認知症のケア、メンタルヘルス、心理社会的介入などの介護福祉士の業務に関連するトピックを網羅しています。

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介護士

介護士は、高齢者に食事介助、入浴介助、排泄介助など、日常生活動作（ＡＤＬ）の支援を行います。ＳＳＬＤアプローチは高齢者に対する共感と愛情に基づくケアを重視しており、介護士にとって不可欠な要素です。このコースでは、認知症のケア、メンタルヘルス、心理社会的介入などの介護士の業務に関連するトピックを網羅しています。

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Geriatric Care Manager

Geriatric Care Managers help older adults to age in place by providing a range of services, including care coordination, financial management, and advocacy. The SSLD Approach emphasizes the importance of person-centered care, which is essential for Geriatric Care Managers. The course also covers topics such as dementia care, elder abuse, and legal issues, which are all relevant to the work of a Geriatric Care Manager.

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作業療法士

作業療法士は、身体的・精神的な障害や制約のある人に対して、日常生活動作（ＡＤＬ）や社会参加を支援するためのリハビリテーションを行います。ＳＳＬＤアプローチは、高齢者の機能回復と向上を重視しており、作業療法士にとって不可欠な要素です。このコースでは、認知症のケア、メンタルヘルス、心理社会的介入などの作業療法士の業務に関連するトピックを網羅しています。

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Nurse

Nurses provide a range of care to older adults, including medical care, wound care, and medication management. The SSLD Approach emphasizes the importance of person-centered care, which is essential for Nurses. The course also covers topics such as dementia care, mental health, and psychosocial interventions, which are all relevant to the work of a Nurse.

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精神保健福祉士

精神保健福祉士は、精神疾患や障害のある人とその家族に、相談や支援などのサービスを提供します。ＳＳＬＤアプローチは、精神疾患や障害のある高齢者への寄り添い方を重視しており、精神保健福祉士にとって不可欠な要素です。このコースでは、認知症のケア、メンタルヘルス、心理社会的介入などの精神保健福祉士の業務に関連するトピックを網羅しています。

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Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapists work with older adults to improve their functional abilities and independence. The SSLD Approach emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive environment for older adults, which is essential for Occupational Therapists. The course also covers topics such as dementia care, mental health, and psychosocial interventions, which are all relevant to the work of an Occupational Therapist.

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Recreation Therapist

Recreation Therapists use recreation and leisure activities to improve the physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being of older adults. The SSLD Approach emphasizes the importance of engagement and socialization for older adults, which is essential for Recreation Therapists. The course also covers topics such as dementia care, mental health, and psychosocial interventions, which are all relevant to the work of a Recreation Therapist.

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Activity Director

Activity Directors plan and lead activities for older adults in a variety of settings, including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and adult day care centers. The SSLD Approach emphasizes the importance of engagement and socialization for older adults, which is essential for Activity Directors. The course also covers topics such as dementia care, mental health, and psychosocial interventions, which are all relevant to the work of an Activity Director.

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Physical Therapist

Physical Therapists work with older adults to improve their mobility, strength, and balance. The SSLD Approach emphasizes the importance of physical activity for older adults, which is essential for Physical Therapists. The course also covers topics such as dementia care, mental health, and psychosocial interventions, which are all relevant to the work of a Physical Therapist.

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Home Health Aide

Home Health Aides provide a range of care to older adults in their homes, including personal care, meal preparation, and light housekeeping. The SSLD Approach emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive environment for older adults, which is essential for Home Health Aides. The course also covers topics such as dementia care, mental health, and psychosocial interventions, which are all relevant to the work of a Home Health Aide.

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Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-Language Pathologists work with older adults to improve their communication and swallowing abilities. The SSLD Approach emphasizes the importance of communication for older adults, which is essential for Speech-Language Pathologists. The course also covers topics such as dementia care, mental health, and psychosocial interventions, which are all relevant to the work of a Speech-Language Pathologist.

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Chaplain

Chaplains provide spiritual care to older adults, including counseling, support, and end-of-life care. The SSLD Approach emphasizes the importance of spirituality in aging, which is essential for Chaplains. The course also covers topics such as dementia care, mental health, and psychosocial interventions, which are all relevant to the work of a Chaplain.

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Social Worker

Social Workers work with the elderly and their families to identify and access resources, provide emotional support, and advocate for their rights. While this course does not focus specifically on social work, it does emphasize the role of collaboration and support in dementia care. The course also covers topics such as elder abuse, legal issues, and advance care planning, which are all relevant to the work of a Social Worker.

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Certified Nursing Assistant

Certified Nursing Assistants provide basic care to older adults, including bathing, dressing, and feeding. The SSLD Approach emphasizes the importance of compassion and empathy in caregiving, which is essential for Certified Nursing Assistants. The course also covers topics such as dementia care, mental health, and psychosocial interventions, which are all relevant to the work of a Certified Nursing Assistant.

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