Indiana Home Health Aide - Annual Continuing Education

Our collection of courses for the annual continuing education training of Home Health Aides in Indiana is designed to meet the requirements in Section 410 IAC 17-14-1 - Scope of services of the Indiana Administrative Code. This collection contains 11 courses, totalling 12 hours of training, and covers a ... Read more

  • 11 courses
  • 12 hours hours
Indiana Home Health Aide - Annual Continuing Education

Course Description

Communication is a vital aspect of everyday life, especially for caregivers who must effectively convey information and understand the needs of those they are caring for. This elementary level communication course is specifically designed for caregivers, focusing on the essential communication skills required for successful caregiving. The course will cover verbal, non-verbal, written, and electronic communication methods, as well as strategies for active listening, empathetic responses, and adapting to different communication styles. By improving their communication skills, caregivers will be better equipped to build strong relationships with their patients, work more efficiently, and navigate challenging situations with confidence.

Course Topics

  • Differentiate between verbal and nonverbal communication
  • Develop active listening skills
  • Understand the significance of empathy in caregiver-patient interactions
  • Learn about barriers to effective communication and how to overcome them
  • Adapt to different communication styles and preferences
  • Utilize written and electronic communication methods effectively

Course Description

Observation, Reporting, and Documentation are essential skills for caregivers, as they play a crucial role in providing accurate information about a patient's condition, progress, and needs. These skills are vital for maintaining patient safety, ensuring appropriate care, and facilitating communication among healthcare professionals. This course aims to equip caregivers with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively observe, report, and document critical information regarding their patients' well-being.

Course Topics

  • Techniques for effective observation and assessment of patients
  • Recognizing and reporting changes in a patient's condition
  • Proper documentation of patient care and progress
  • Confidentiality and legal considerations in documentation
  • Communication with healthcare professionals and interdisciplinary teams
  • Using technology for documentation and reporting purposes

Course Description

Measuring vital signs is an essential course designed for PCAs, focusing on the accurate assessment and monitoring of patients' vital signs. Vital signs are critical indicators of a patient's overall health and well-being, and their accurate measurement is crucial for detecting changes in a patient's condition, monitoring their progress, and ensuring appropriate care. This course will cover the proper techniques and guidelines for measuring body temperature, pulse, respiration, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure, as well as the importance of accurate documentation and communication with the healthcare team.

Course Topics

  • Identify the four primary vital signs
  • Describe the procedures and equipment used to measure each vital sign
  • Understand normal ranges and variations in vital signs
  • Recognize abnormal vital signs and their potential implications
  • Explain the importance of accurate documentation and communication

Course Description

The Control of Contagious and Infectious Diseases course is designed for personal care attendants to educate and equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to prevent the spread of contagious and infectious diseases in the health care setting. The course focuses on understanding the nature of infectious diseases, modes of transmission, prevention techniques, and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) usage. Additionally, the course highlights the importance of proper hygiene, sanitation, and disinfection practices to maintain a safe and healthy environment for both the caregiver and the patient.

Course Topics

  • Understand common pathogens and their modes of transmission
  • Identify proper hand hygiene techniques and their importance
  • Learn about personal protective equipment (PPE) and its correct use
  • Recognize the importance of proper cleaning, sanitation, and disinfection
  • Familiarize with reporting requirements and procedures for infectious diseases

Course Description

This course is designed for caregivers who want to enhance their knowledge and skills in reporting essential body functions to the registered nurse supervisor. As an intermediate-level course, it delves into the critical aspects of monitoring and reporting vital signs, changes in patients' conditions, and other essential information to ensure the well-being of those under the caregivers' care. Understanding the basic elements of body functions and being able to report them accurately and timely is crucial for caregivers to provide effective care and support.

Course Topics

  • Identifying and monitoring vital signs
  • Recognizing changes in patients' conditions that require reporting
  • Documenting and reporting patient information accurately
  • Communicating effectively with the registered nurse supervisor
  • Understanding the roles and responsibilities of the caregiver and registered nurse supervisor
  • Ensuring patient confidentiality and privacy

Course Description

This course is designed for caregivers who aim to maintain a clean, healthy, and safe environment for their patients. It highlights the importance of cleanliness and safety precautions in preventing the spread of diseases and ensuring the well-being of the individuals under their care. The course will guide the participants on how to properly clean and disinfect the caregiving environment and the tools used in providing care. It will also provide crucial information about health and safety regulations, infection control, waste disposal, and emergency preparedness.

Course Topics

  • Proper cleaning and disinfection methods
  • Health and safety regulations related to the caregiving environment
  • Infection control and prevention
  • Safe waste disposal techniques
  • Management of hazards

Course Description

Safety and Emergencies in the Client's Home is a course designed to equip caregivers with the knowledge and skills needed to handle various safety concerns and emergency situations that may arise while providing care in a client's home. The course covers essential topics such as identifying potential hazards, implementing preventive measures, and responding to different types of emergencies. This course aims to enhance the caregiver's ability to maintain a safe environment for themselves and their clients, thus promoting overall well-being and quality of care.

Course Topics

  • Implementing preventive measures to avoid accidents
  • Responding to medical emergencies, such as falls, choking, or seizures
  • Fire safety and emergency evacuation procedures
  • Recognizing signs of elder abuse and reporting procedures
  • Basic first aid and CPR techniques
  • Developing an emergency preparedness plan

Course Description

This course is designed to provide caregivers with an understanding of the physical, emotional, and developmental characteristics of various populations served by caregiving agencies. This comprehensive training will help caregivers better support and address the unique needs of their clients, including those with disabilities, older adults, and individuals with chronic illnesses. By focusing on these diverse characteristics and needs, caregivers can provide more effective and compassionate care to their clients, and show respect for the people, their property, and their privacy.

Course Topics

  • Physical characteristics and health issues of the populations
  • Emotional and psychological needs of the populations
  • Developmental characteristics of the populations
  • Strategies for effective communication with diverse clients
  • Techniques for providing appropriate support and care
  • Understanding and addressing cultural and social differences

Course Description

Ambulation and transfers are essential skills for caregivers to assist individuals who require help with mobility. This course is designed for caregivers who wish to learn the basics of ambulation, transfers, and safe patient handling techniques. These skills are crucial for maintaining the safety, comfort, and dignity of the individuals they care for, as well as preventing injuries to both the caregiver and the patient. The course will cover a variety of techniques and devices used in ambulation and transfers, along with best practices for maintaining proper body mechanics and communication during the process.

Course Topics

  • Identify common mobility aids and devices
  • Learn different techniques for transferring patients
  • Practice effective communication during ambulation and transfers
  • Recognize common challenges and how to address them
  • Discuss the role of the caregiver in promoting independence and mobility

Course Description

Nutrition and Hydration is a course designed to provide essential knowledge about the importance of proper nutrition and hydration for patients under the care of PCAs. This course covers various aspects of nutrition, hydration, and dietary needs, including special diets, passing of food, and food storage and safety. The course also addresses the unique challenges faced in managing the nutritional needs of patients with various medical conditions, disabilities, and age-related issues.

Course Topics

  • Food preparation for patients with diverse dietary needs
  • Importance of nutrition and hydration for the elderly
  • Safe and organized meal delivery in a health care facility
  • Storing and preparing food in a safe manner

Course Description

Assisting with Medication Self-Administration Part 1 is a foundational course designed for caregivers who provide support to individuals requiring assistance with their medications. This course will focus on the essential knowledge and skills necessary for caregivers to safely and effectively help individuals with self-medication management. Topics covered will include understanding medication types, routes of administration, proper storage, and documentation, as well as recognizing and reporting potential side effects and adverse reactions.

Course Topics

  • Learn about various routes of administration
  • The five rights of medication administration
  • Proper medication storage and handling
  • Accurate documentation of medication administration
  • Recognizing and reporting potential side effects and adverse reactions
  • Importance of medication adherence and compliance
  • Appropriate communication with healthcare professionals regarding medications