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Don Grant

Care workers are occasionally lauded as “heroes” of society, but the special challenges they face are not fully understood. This course examines how the organization of care has changed in modern times and the dilemmas those developments pose to helping professionals. Among the questions it engages are: How does the meaning of care change when it is performed outside the family? Do bureaucratic systems discourage individuals from taking responsibility for others’ suffering? How do care professionals manage their emotions and those of their clients? Can and should care work be rehumanized? In addition to helping learners develop informed responses to these pressing issues, The Challenges of Modern Caregiving will give students the chance to learn a method that identifies gaps in existing care systems.

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What's inside

Syllabus

How has the organization of care changed in modern times?
In this module, you will learn how the provision of care has recently been restructured.
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Is there a care deficit?
In this module, you will learn about the demand for vs. supply of care.
How does the meaning of care change when it is performed outside the family?
In this module, you will learn how our understanding of care changes when provided by strangers.
How do care workers manage their emotions and those of their clients?
In this module, you will learn about the emotional challenges of professional care work.
Choose Your Controversy
In this module, you will learn about two controversies concerning the impersonal nature of modern care systems.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Examines the changes in the organization of care in modern times, including the shift to professional caregiving outside the family
Explores the challenges faced by care workers, including emotional management and the balance between professional and personal responsibilities
Provides tools for evaluating existing care systems and identifying areas of improvement

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Reviews summary

Informative overview of modern caregiving

According to students, this course offers a helpful overview of the challenges of modern caregiving. They say that the course provides support and useful information for those in caregiving roles.

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 The Challenges of Modern Caregiving with these activities:
Compile a list of resources and support groups for caregivers
Gather and organize resources and support groups that provide information and assistance to caregivers, enhancing access to valuable support systems.
Browse courses on Caregiver Support
Show steps
  • Research and identify resources and support groups for caregivers.
  • Create a comprehensive list of resources and support groups.
Review organizational theory
Refresh your knowledge of key concepts and theories in organizational theory to better understand the material covered in this course.
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Show steps
  • Read key texts on organizational theory
  • Take practice quizzes or tests
Read and review 'The Art of Empathy: A Guide to Understanding and Connecting with Others'
Read and reflect on a book that explores the concept of empathy and its importance in the field of caregiving, fostering emotional intelligence and understanding.
Show steps
  • Read the book.
  • Write a book review that summarizes the key points and reflects on how they apply to caregiving.
Nine other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 12 activities
Practice active listening exercises
Engage in active listening exercises to improve communication and empathy skills, enhancing the ability to listen attentively and respond appropriately in caregiving situations.
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Show steps
  • Find a partner to practice active listening exercises with.
  • Take turns speaking and listening.
  • Practice active listening techniques, such as summarizing, reflecting, and asking clarifying questions.
Practice motivational interviewing techniques
Review and practice active listening and reflective listening to enhance understanding and application of motivational interviewing techniques.
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  • Review the principles and techniques of motivational interviewing.
  • Practice active listening and reflective listening.
  • Role-play motivational interviewing conversations.
Participate in a discussion group with other caregivers
Engage in discussions with peers to share experiences, learn from others, and support one another, fostering a sense of community and professional development.
Show steps
  • Find a discussion group or support group for caregivers.
  • Attend meetings and participate in discussions.
  • Share your experiences and insights with others.
Find tutorials on specific aspects of modern caregiving
Seek out tutorials to enhance your knowledge of modern caregiving practices, covering topics such as emotional management or care planning.
Show steps
  • Search for online tutorials or workshops on caregiving
  • Follow the tutorials, taking notes and practicing techniques
Volunteer at a local care facility
Gain practical experience in providing care and support to individuals in need, enhancing empathy and understanding of real-world caregiving challenges.
Show steps
  • Identify a local care facility to volunteer at.
  • Complete the volunteer application and training.
  • Provide assistance to clients in accordance with the facility's policies.
Organize a discussion group on modern caregiving challenges
Connect with fellow learners and engage in meaningful discussions about current issues and challenges in modern caregiving, sharing insights and experiences.
Show steps
  • Reach out to classmates or other students
  • Set up a regular meeting time
  • Facilitate discussions on relevant topics
Write a blog post or article on a specific aspect of modern caregiving
Share your knowledge and insights on modern caregiving by writing an engaging blog post or article that explores a particular topic or issue.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific topic
  • Research and gather information
  • Write and edit your blog post or article
  • Publish and promote your writing
Create a presentation on the ethical dilemmas of modern caregiving
Research and present on ethical challenges faced by caregivers, fostering critical thinking and analysis of ethical decision-making in caregiving contexts.
Browse courses on Ethical Dilemmas
Show steps
  • Research the ethical dilemmas faced by caregivers.
  • Develop a presentation that outlines the ethical issues and potential solutions.
  • Present the findings to a group of peers or professionals in the field.
Develop a care plan for a specific scenario
Apply your understanding of modern caregiving by creating a comprehensive care plan that addresses the needs of a specific care recipient, considering their physical, emotional, and social well-being.
Show steps
  • Identify a caregiving scenario
  • Research and gather information
  • Develop a comprehensive care plan
  • Present or discuss your care plan

Career center

Learners who complete The Challenges of Modern Caregiving will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Case Manager
Case Managers coordinate care for individuals with complex needs, ensuring that they receive the appropriate services and support. The Challenges of Modern Caregiving can help Case Managers understand the changing landscape of care and develop strategies to address the challenges faced by clients. The course's focus on the emotional challenges of care work can also help Case Managers develop the skills they need to support clients and their families.
Social Worker
Social Workers provide support and counseling to people in need. The Challenges of Modern Caregiving can help Social Workers understand the unique challenges faced by caregivers and their families. The course's focus on the emotional challenges of care work can also help Social Workers develop the skills they need to support clients and their families.
Psychologist
Psychologists provide therapy and counseling to help people with mental health issues. The Challenges of Modern Caregiving can help Psychologists understand the unique challenges faced by caregivers and their families. The course's focus on the emotional challenges of care work can also help Psychologists develop the skills they need to support clients and their families.
Geriatric Social Worker
Geriatric Social Workers provide support and counseling to older adults and their families. The Challenges of Modern Caregiving can help Geriatric Social Workers understand the unique challenges faced by older adults and their caregivers. The course's focus on the emotional challenges of care work can also help Geriatric Social Workers develop the skills they need to support clients and their families.
Hospice Nurse
Hospice Nurses provide care and support to patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families. The Challenges of Modern Caregiving can help Hospice Nurses understand the unique challenges faced by patients and their families. The course's focus on the emotional challenges of care work can also help Hospice Nurses develop the skills they need to support clients and their families.
Transitional Care Nurse
Transitional Care Nurses help patients transition from one care setting to another. The Challenges of Modern Caregiving can help Transitional Care Nurses understand the unique challenges faced by patients and their families. The course's focus on the emotional challenges of care work can also help Transitional Care Nurses develop the skills they need to support clients and their families.
Rehabilitation Counselor
Rehabilitation Counselors help people with disabilities live independently. The Challenges of Modern Caregiving can help Rehabilitation Counselors understand the unique challenges faced by people with disabilities and their families. The course's focus on the emotional challenges of care work can also help Rehabilitation Counselors develop the skills they need to support clients and their families.
Health Care Administrator
Health Care Administrators oversee the operations of healthcare facilities. The Challenges of Modern Caregiving can help Health Care Administrators understand the changing landscape of care and develop strategies to improve the quality of care. The course's focus on the emotional challenges of care work can also help Health Care Administrators develop the skills they need to support staff and patients.
Wound Care Nurse
Wound Care Nurses provide care and support to patients with wounds. The Challenges of Modern Caregiving can help Wound Care Nurses understand the unique challenges faced by patients and their families. The course's focus on the emotional challenges of care work can also help Wound Care Nurses develop the skills they need to support clients and their families.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathologists help people with communication and swallowing disorders. The Challenges of Modern Caregiving can help Speech-Language Pathologists understand the unique challenges faced by patients and their families. The course's focus on the emotional challenges of care work can also help Speech-Language Pathologists develop the skills they need to support clients and their families.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapists help people recover from injuries or illnesses and improve their ability to perform everyday activities. The Challenges of Modern Caregiving can help Occupational Therapists understand the unique challenges faced by patients and their families. The course's focus on the emotional challenges of care work can also help Occupational Therapists develop the skills they need to support clients and their families.
Nurse
Nurses provide care and support to patients in a variety of settings. The Challenges of Modern Caregiving can help Nurses understand the changing landscape of care and develop strategies to improve the quality of care. The course's focus on the emotional challenges of care work can also help Nurses develop the skills they need to support patients and their families.
Physician Assistant
Physician Assistants provide medical care under the supervision of a physician. The Challenges of Modern Caregiving can help Physician Assistants understand the changing landscape of care and develop strategies to improve the quality of care. The course's focus on the emotional challenges of care work can also help Physician Assistants develop the skills they need to support patients and their families.
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurses provide care and support to patients in a variety of settings. The Challenges of Modern Caregiving can help Registered Nurses understand the changing landscape of care and develop strategies to improve the quality of care. The course's focus on the emotional challenges of care work can also help Registered Nurses develop the skills they need to support patients and their families.
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapists help people recover from injuries or illnesses and improve their ability to perform everyday activities. The Challenges of Modern Caregiving can help Physical Therapists understand the unique challenges faced by patients and their families. The course's focus on the emotional challenges of care work can also help Physical Therapists develop the skills they need to support clients and their families.

Reading list

We've selected seven 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 The Challenges of Modern Caregiving.
Presents a theoretical framework for understanding the ethics of care, exploring its implications for personal relationships, social policy, and global justice.
Analyzes the challenges facing the healthcare system in the United States, arguing for a fundamental restructuring to address the growing demand for care.
Provides a comprehensive overview of caregiving, covering topics such as care planning, communication, legal issues, and end-of-life care.
Examines the nature of pain and its impact on language, communication, and human relationships, providing insights into the experiences of care recipients.
An anthology of essays that provide an overview of key concepts and debates in disability studies, offering a broader understanding of the social and cultural context of caregiving.
Provides a critical perspective on the role of social work in society, exploring the challenges and opportunities for social workers in addressing issues related to caregiving.
Examines caregiving from a philosophical standpoint, exploring its moral, epistemological, and ontological implications.

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