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Erin O'Hara-Leslie,
Andrea C. Wade, Ph.D.,
Kimberly B. McLain, Ph.D.,
and
Tera Doty-Blance
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.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/8efw4b/foundations
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What's inside
Syllabus
Course Information Documents
Contains the syllabus, grading and logistics, and references
Module 1 - Introduction to Home Health Care
Introduction to Home Health Care
Read more
Syllabus
Course Information Documents
Contains the syllabus, grading and logistics, and references
Module 1 - Introduction to Home Health Care
Introduction to Home Health Care
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
This course prepares learners for professions where human and social skills are needed, such as Personal Care Aide or Home Health Aide
Also, this course prepares students for a National Certification Exam
Furthermore, the 12 modules teach fundamental aspects regarding working with different categories of people such as children, elderly, individuals with mental illness, or developmental disabilities
Lastly, the course is structured in self-paced study modules, which may allow learners to take the course at their own pace
Save this course
Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
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Reviews summary
Foundations for home care careers
According to learners, this course provides a comprehensive overview of the foundational knowledge needed for a career in assisting in home care. It covers working with various client populations and introduces essential practical care skills required in the field. While serving as a good starting point for career exploration and offering a flexible self-study format, students indicate it may lack sufficient depth or hands-on components for immediate job readiness, potentially requiring supplemental training.
Designed for independent learning.
"This is a self-paced course, which was convenient for me."
"I could study on my own schedule."
"Great for exploring the field at my own speed."
Useful modules on daily care tasks.
"The sections on food, budgeting, and home care seem very practical."
"Learning about personal care and safety is essential for the job."
"These modules provide concrete knowledge for assisting clients daily."
Covers many different client needs.
"I appreciate learning about working with different groups like the elderly and children."
"The modules on mental and physical disabilities were very helpful."
"Understanding diverse needs is key in this field."
Good overview for career exploration.
"This course gave me a really broad introduction to home care."
"I learned about many different aspects of assisting clients."
"It's a good starting point if you're thinking about this job."
Suitable for beginners, limited depth.
"It's a good intro, but I'll need more in-depth training."
"Covers many topics but not in great detail."
"Useful foundation, but don't expect expert-level knowledge."
May require supplemental practical training.
"While the reading is good, it doesn't replace hands-on experience."
"I felt I needed more practical examples or demos."
"This course is theoretical; real-world skills need practice elsewhere."
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 Foundations for Assisting in Home Care with these
activities:
Review caregiving skills
Show steps
Reviewing caregiving skills can strengthen your foundational knowledge and prepare you for the course materials.
Show steps
-
Review notes from previous caregiving courses or materials.
-
Practice basic caregiving techniques, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding.
Volunteer at a local nursing home or assisted living facility
Show steps
Volunteering at a local nursing home or assisted living facility will provide you with hands-on experience and the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals.
Show steps
-
Contact a local nursing home or assisted living facility and ask if they have any volunteer opportunities.
-
Complete the necessary paperwork and attend the orientation.
-
Show up for your volunteer shift on time and prepared to work.
Review the Guide to Home Care Nursing by Judith Cullen
Show steps
Reviewing this book will provide you with valuable insights and information to perform basic nursing tasks at home.
View
Nursing Research in Canada - E-Book
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the chapter on the role of the home health aide.
-
Review the chapter on providing personal care.
-
Practice taking vital signs.
Eight other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 11 activities
Practice taking vital signs on a friend or family member
Show steps
Practicing taking vital signs will give you the opportunity to develop the skills you need to perform this task accurately in the field.
Browse courses on
Vital Signs
Show steps
-
Find a friend or family member who is willing to let you practice taking their vital signs.
-
Gather the necessary equipment.
-
Take the person's vital signs.
-
Record the vital signs.
Take practice quizzes on the course material
Show steps
Taking practice quizzes will help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Browse courses on
Quizzes
Show steps
-
Find practice quizzes on the course material.
-
Take the quizzes and review your answers.
Attend a workshop on communication skills for caregivers
Show steps
Attending a workshop on communication skills for caregivers can enhance your understanding of effective communication techniques and strategies for interacting with clients.
Browse courses on
Communication Skills
Show steps
-
Research and identify workshops in your area.
-
Register for a workshop that aligns with your schedule and interests.
-
Actively participate in the workshop and take notes.
-
Apply the techniques and strategies learned in the workshop to your interactions with clients.
Join a study group with other students in the course
Show steps
Joining a study group will allow you to collaborate with other students and learn from each other.
Browse courses on
Collaboration
Show steps
-
Find other students who are interested in forming a study group.
-
Decide on a meeting time and location.
-
Prepare for each meeting by reading the assigned material and completing any homework.
Write a blog post on the importance of communication in home health care
Show steps
Creating a blog post will help you reinforce your understanding of the importance of communication in home health care by allowing you to explain the concepts in your own words.
Browse courses on
Communication
Show steps
-
Research the importance of communication in home health care.
-
Write an outline for your blog post.
-
Write the first draft of your blog post.
-
Edit and revise your blog post.
Develop a care plan for a patient with a specific medical condition
Show steps
Developing a care plan will allow you to apply your knowledge of home health care to a specific patient.
Browse courses on
Medical Conditions
Show steps
-
Gather information about the patient's medical condition.
-
Identify the patient's needs.
-
Develop a plan of care that meets the patient's needs.
Create a study guide that summarizes the key concepts from the course
Show steps
Creating a study guide will help you to identify the key concepts in the course.
Show steps
-
Read through your notes and identify the key concepts.
-
Organize the key concepts into a logical order.
-
Write a summary of each key concept.
Contribute to an open-source project related to home health care
Show steps
Contributing to an open-source project will allow you to apply your skills and knowledge to a real-world project.
Show steps
-
Find an open-source project related to home health care.
-
Read the project documentation and familiarize yourself with the codebase.
-
Make a contribution to the project.
Review caregiving skills
Show steps
Reviewing caregiving skills can strengthen your foundational knowledge and prepare you for the course materials.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review notes from previous caregiving courses or materials.
- Practice basic caregiving techniques, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding.
Volunteer at a local nursing home or assisted living facility
Show steps
Volunteering at a local nursing home or assisted living facility will provide you with hands-on experience and the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Contact a local nursing home or assisted living facility and ask if they have any volunteer opportunities.
- Complete the necessary paperwork and attend the orientation.
- Show up for your volunteer shift on time and prepared to work.
Review the Guide to Home Care Nursing by Judith Cullen
Show steps
Reviewing this book will provide you with valuable insights and information to perform basic nursing tasks at home.
View
Nursing Research in Canada - E-Book
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the chapter on the role of the home health aide.
- Review the chapter on providing personal care.
- Practice taking vital signs.
Eight other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 11 activities
Practice taking vital signs on a friend or family member
Show steps
Practicing taking vital signs will give you the opportunity to develop the skills you need to perform this task accurately in the field.
Browse courses on
Vital Signs
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a friend or family member who is willing to let you practice taking their vital signs.
- Gather the necessary equipment.
- Take the person's vital signs.
- Record the vital signs.
Take practice quizzes on the course material
Show steps
Taking practice quizzes will help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Browse courses on
Quizzes
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find practice quizzes on the course material.
- Take the quizzes and review your answers.
Attend a workshop on communication skills for caregivers
Show steps
Attending a workshop on communication skills for caregivers can enhance your understanding of effective communication techniques and strategies for interacting with clients.
Browse courses on
Communication Skills
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and identify workshops in your area.
- Register for a workshop that aligns with your schedule and interests.
- Actively participate in the workshop and take notes.
- Apply the techniques and strategies learned in the workshop to your interactions with clients.
Join a study group with other students in the course
Show steps
Joining a study group will allow you to collaborate with other students and learn from each other.
Browse courses on
Collaboration
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find other students who are interested in forming a study group.
- Decide on a meeting time and location.
- Prepare for each meeting by reading the assigned material and completing any homework.
Write a blog post on the importance of communication in home health care
Show steps
Creating a blog post will help you reinforce your understanding of the importance of communication in home health care by allowing you to explain the concepts in your own words.
Browse courses on
Communication
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research the importance of communication in home health care.
- Write an outline for your blog post.
- Write the first draft of your blog post.
- Edit and revise your blog post.
Develop a care plan for a patient with a specific medical condition
Show steps
Developing a care plan will allow you to apply your knowledge of home health care to a specific patient.
Browse courses on
Medical Conditions
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather information about the patient's medical condition.
- Identify the patient's needs.
- Develop a plan of care that meets the patient's needs.
Create a study guide that summarizes the key concepts from the course
Show steps
Creating a study guide will help you to identify the key concepts in the course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read through your notes and identify the key concepts.
- Organize the key concepts into a logical order.
- Write a summary of each key concept.
Contribute to an open-source project related to home health care
Show steps
Contributing to an open-source project will allow you to apply your skills and knowledge to a real-world project.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find an open-source project related to home health care.
- Read the project documentation and familiarize yourself with the codebase.
- Make a contribution to the project.
Career center
Learners who complete Foundations for Assisting in Home Care will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Home Health Aide
Home Health Aide
This course can help you build a foundation for becoming a Home Health Aide by providing you with the basic knowledge and skills you need to provide care to patients in their homes. The course covers topics such as human needs, culture and diversity, communication skills, developing a therapeutic relationship, and patients' rights.
Personal Care Aide
Personal Care Aide
This course can help you prepare for a career as a Personal Care Aide by teaching you how to provide basic care to clients in their homes. You will learn about topics such as assisting with activities of daily living, medication management, and providing emotional support.
Developmental Disability Support Professional
Developmental Disability Support Professional
The course includes a dedicated module on working with people with developmental disabilities, covering topics like understanding their unique needs and providing appropriate support. This knowledge can be valuable in a career as a Developmental Disability Support Professional.
Caregiver
Caregiver
This course can help build a foundation for those considering a career as a Caregiver by providing a comprehensive overview of providing care to individuals in their homes. The course covers essential topics such as assisting with daily living activities, maintaining a clean and safe environment, and providing emotional support.
Geriatric Care Manager
Geriatric Care Manager
The course covers important topics such as working effectively with elderly clients, their specific needs, and how to provide appropriate care. This knowledge can be valuable for those interested in a career as a Geriatric Care Manager.
Childcare Provider
Childcare Provider
The course includes a module on working with children, which can be beneficial for those interested in becoming a Childcare Provider. The module covers topics such as child development, safety, and nutrition, which are essential for providing quality care to children.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Certified Nursing Assistant
This course may be helpful for those interested in becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). The course covers topics such as providing basic nursing care, assisting with medical procedures, and maintaining a clean and safe environment.
Physical Therapist Aide
Physical Therapist Aide
The course includes a module on working with people with physical disabilities, covering topics such as assisting with mobility and rehabilitation exercises. This knowledge can be helpful for those interested in a career as a Physical Therapist Aide.
Mental Health Support Worker
Mental Health Support Worker
The course includes a module on working with people with mental illness and covers topics like recognizing and responding to mental health issues. This knowledge can be valuable for those interested in a career as a Mental Health Support Worker.
Patient Care Technician
Patient Care Technician
This course may also be beneficial for individuals looking to become a Patient Care Technician (PCT). The course provides an overview of basic patient care skills, such as taking vital signs, assisting with bathing and dressing, and providing emotional support.
Dietitian's Assistant
Dietitian's Assistant
The course covers topics such as food, nutrition, and meal preparation. This knowledge can be beneficial for individuals interested in becoming a Dietitian's Assistant.
Housekeeper
Housekeeper
The course covers topics such as care of the home and personal belongings, which can be beneficial for individuals looking to work as a Housekeeper. The course provides an understanding of maintaining a clean and organized living space.
Safety Inspector
Safety Inspector
The course includes a module on safety and injury prevention, covering topics such as identifying and mitigating hazards in the home. This knowledge can be valuable for those interested in a career as a Safety Inspector.
Home Organizer
Home Organizer
The course covers topics such as family spending and budgeting, which can be helpful for those interested in becoming a Home Organizer. The course provides an understanding of managing finances and creating a more organized and efficient home environment.
Social Worker
Social Worker
While the course does not directly focus on social work, the module on working with people who are mentally ill provides valuable insights into mental health issues and support strategies. This knowledge can be beneficial for individuals interested in a career as a Social Worker.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/8efw4b/foundations
Reading list
We've selected ten books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Foundations for Assisting in Home Care.
This comprehensive textbook provides an in-depth examination of geriatric nursing principles and practices. It offers valuable insights and practical guidance for working with elderly clients in home care settings.
This comprehensive guide offers practical advice on nutrition and meal planning for individuals with disabilities, including those receiving home care services. It addresses specific nutritional needs and provides recipes and meal plans.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the care of older adults. It covers topics such as geriatric assessment, common health problems, and end-of-life care.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the care of people with disabilities. It covers topics such as rehabilitation assessment, common disabilities, and treatment.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the care of the child. It covers topics such as feeding, bathing, and diapering.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of mental illness in the elderly. It covers topics such as assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
Provides a comprehensive overview of developmental disabilities in children and adolescents. It covers topics such as assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
Provides a comprehensive overview of physical disabilities in adults. It covers topics such as assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
Provides a comprehensive overview of home management and maintenance. It covers topics such as cleaning, repairs, and safety.
Provides a comprehensive overview of family financial planning. It covers topics such as budgeting, saving, investing, and retirement planning.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/8efw4b/foundations
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Effort
13 weeks of study, 3-6 hours/week
Via
Coursera
Institution
The State University of New York
Instructors
Erin O'Hara-Leslie
Andrea C. Wade, Ph.D.
Kimberly B. McLain, Ph.D.
Tera Doty-Blance
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
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中文
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हिंदी
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Bahasa Indonesia
ไทย
қазақша
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