Course Objective

The primary objective of the Geriatric Care Assistant (GCA) program is to develop a skilled workforce capable of providing effective care for elderly individuals across the healthcare spectrum. This program aims to:

• Equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to care for elderly individuals effectively.
• Prepare professionals to support elderly patients and assist other healthcare providers.
• Focus on care delivery in home care, care homes, old age homes (including assisted living facilities), rehabilitation institutions, and hospitals.
• Provide a comprehensive understanding of the activities and diverse care interventions required by elderly patients.
• Foster patience, compassion, and a genuine desire to improve the quality of life for older adults.

Course Content & Description:

The Geriatric Care Assistant course offers a holistic learning experience encompassing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The curriculum includes the following key modules:

• Introduction to Geriatric Care: Understanding the unique aspects and challenges of caring for the elderly.
• Basic Structure and Function of the Human Body: Foundational knowledge of human anatomy and physiology relevant to geriatric care.
• Communication and Soft Skills: Developing effective communication techniques and interpersonal skills essential for interacting with elderly individuals and their families.
• Common Geriatric Health Problems and Their Management: Learning about prevalent health conditions in older adults and basic management strategies.
• Fundamentals of Nursing 1 & 2 (Personal Care and Hygiene): Providing essential personal care, maintaining hygiene, and ensuring comfort for elderly individuals.
• Medication Management: Understanding the principles of medication administration and adherence in the elderly.
• First Aid Management: Acquiring essential skills to respond effectively to emergency situations.
• Mobility and Fall Prevention: Implementing strategies to promote mobility and prevent falls in older adults.
• Nutrition and Meal Planning: Understanding the nutritional needs of the elderly and assisting with meal planning.
• Basic Life Support: Learning fundamental life-saving techniques.
• Pain and Palliative Management: Providing comfort and support to elderly individuals experiencing pain and those requiring palliative care.
• End of Life Care and Dignity: Understanding the principles of providing compassionate care and maintaining dignity at the end of life.
• Rehabilitation of Geriatrics: Assisting with rehabilitation plans to improve functional abilities in older adults.
• Ethical and Legal Considerations: Understanding the ethical and legal frameworks relevant to geriatric care.
• Basic Computer Knowledge: Developing essential computer skills for documentation and communication.
• Infection Control Practices: Implementing measures to prevent the spread of infections.
• Wound and Bed Sore Management and Prevention: Learning techniques for preventing and managing wounds and bedsores.

The course delivery includes interactive lectures led by experienced geriatric care professionals, practical hands-on training through simulated scenarios, case studies to apply knowledge, quizzes and assessments to reinforce learning, discussion forums for sharing experiences, and comprehensive learning resources.