Knowledge and Skills for Dementia Care: the SSLD Approach

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/dementia-healthcare

Introduction

**Course Review: Knowledge and Skills for Dementia Care: the SSLD Approach** In today’s rapidly aging population, understanding dementia and providing appropriate care is vital. Coursera's "Knowledge and Skills for Dementia Care: the SSLD Approach," designed by Professor Ka Tat Tsang in collaboration with the Institute for Life Course and Aging at the University of Toronto, is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in enhancing their knowledge and skills in dementia care. **Course Overview** This comprehensive course focuses on dementia care from an SSLD (Strengths-Based, Service-Learning, Lifeworld, and Developmental) perspective, covering an array of topics essential for offering effective support to individuals living with dementia. It is structured to cater to learners of all backgrounds, whether you're a healthcare professional, family caregiver, or simply someone wanting to understand this complex area of aging. The course spans several critical areas of dementia care, including community care options, in-home support strategies, and long-term care considerations. By the end of the program, participants will develop a holistic understanding of the needs of older adults with dementia and acquire practical skills to improve their caregiving capabilities. **Course Syllabus Breakdown** The course is thoughtfully divided into several modules, each focusing on vital aspects of dementia care: 1. **Introduction to the Course and Continuum of Care**: This foundational module sets the tone for understanding various senior service frameworks, placing an emphasis on community care, in-home assistance, and institutional care. 2. **Functional Recovery and Enhancement**: Here, students explore the impact of optimism in caregiving, the SSLD system’s N3C-6D formulation, and how to create supportive living environments for older adults. 3. **Applications in Daily Life**: This critical module discusses ageism, considerations for countering ageist practices, and strategies for caregiver wellness and self-care, which are essential for sustaining effective dementia care. 4. **Mental Health and Challenges**: Participants will examine the psychosocial and behavioral challenges that arise while caring for individuals with dementia, including legal considerations, intimacy, and consent. 5. **Attachment, Intimacy, and the Lifeworld Concept**: This module delves into sensitive topics like sexuality and attachment in the context of dementia, addressing the societal implications of ageism and the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals. 6. **Holistic Experience and Transcendence (HT)**: Learners are introduced to concepts of personhood and agency in older adults, along with examining the role of technology in promoting social inclusion. 7. **Organizational Development and Service Systems**: The final module broadens the perspective to a global context of senior services, evaluating effective senior service systems and promoting holistic, person-centered care. **Why You Should Enroll** - **Expert Instruction**: Learning from Professor Ka Tat Tsang and the University of Toronto's distinguished faculty provides participants with cutting-edge knowledge and insights into dementia care. - **Holistic Approach**: The SSLD framework promotes a well-rounded approach to caregiving, focusing on the nuances of individual needs rather than just clinical symptoms. - **Practical Knowledge**: The course equips learners with real-world applications and strategies to address the multifaceted challenges faced in dementia care. - **Inclusivity**: The course addresses issues relevant to all communities, recognizing the diverse experiences of older adults and promoting inclusive caregiving practices. **Conclusion** "Knowledge and Skills for Dementia Care: the SSLD Approach" on Coursera is a powerful tool that empowers caregivers, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in improving their understanding of dementia. With its comprehensive curriculum and focus on practical applications in various care settings, this course is highly recommended for those seeking to enhance their skills in providing compassionate and effective support to individuals living with dementia. By enrolling, you can take a significant step toward making a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults and their families.

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.

This module will cover the important role optimism plays in dementia care. Learners will study the core concepts of the SSLD system, including, the N3C-6D formulation and its applications in everyday caregiving for people living with dementia. Learners will further study the concepts of "ageing in place" and the basic principles of how to design living spaces to adequately meet the needs of older adults living with dementia.

In this module, learners will study the nature of ageism, its various forms, and its manifestations in everyday life. Learners will build on this foundation by studying different ways to counter ageist practises in different care settings. This module will also cover the general principles of psychosocial interventions from an SSLD perspective, and the Play Intervention for Dementia (PID) application of SSLD. In addition, the importance of caregivers' wellness, as well as different strategies to practice self-care will also be covered.

This module will examine different mental health, psychosocial, and behavioural challenges of caring for people living with dementia. The topics that will be covered are: managing responsive behaviours; substance use in older adults; intimacy and consent for people living with dementia; elder abuse; as well as legal issues, including, for example, consent and capacity, and advance care planning.

In this module, learners will study issues relevant to attachment, intimacy and sexuality in people living with dementia in various settings, as well as the concept of Lifeworld. This module will also revisit the topic of ageism and examine its implications in the contexts of erotophobia and desexualization. The special topic of the intersections of ageing and LGBTQ+ will also be explored.

In this module, learners will be equipped with an understanding of the HT formulation in SSLD. Specifically, learners will have the opportunity to study the concepts and principles of personhood and agency of older adults. The intersections of ageing and social exclusion, as well as the role of technology in furthering social inclusion will also be examined.

This module will cover the circumstances of senior service delivery in a global context. Examples of domestic senior service organizations and their service programs will be introduced. Learners will have the opportunity to examine what constitutes a good senior service system and will study how to implement holistic and person-centred care for people living with dementia in various settings. This module will conclude by revisiting how to counter the pervasiveness of ageing from an SSLD perspective.