HOME CARE ASSISTANT GUIDE

Table of Contents

SECTION 1: THE OLDER ADULT
Impacts of Aging
Dimensions of Aging
Chronological Aging
Biological Aging
Social Aging
Psychological Aging
Outward Signs of Aging
Aging Effects on Body Systems
Sensory Changes Associated with Aging
Cognitive Changes Associated with Aging
Personality Changes Associated with Aging
Basic Needs of Older Adults
Physiological
Safety
Love, Affection and Belonging
Esteem
Self-Actualization
Factors Affecting Older Adults’ Mental Health
Insufficient or Inadequate Socialization
Reduction in Ability to Function
Substance Abuse
Changes in Circumstances
Financial Concerns
Depression
Summary

SECTION 2: HEALTH PROBLEMS
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Osteoporosis
Stroke
Parkinson’s Disease
Diabetes
Cardiovascular Disease
Heart Attack
Anemia
Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease
Chronic Bronchitis
Emphysema
Asthma
Pneumonia
Working Near Oxygen
Paralysis
Cancer
Eye & Vision Conditions
Ear & Hearing Conditions
Hearing Loss
Meniere’s Disease
Common Health Care Mistakes Made by Older Adults
Summary

SECTION 3: CONFUSION & DEMENTIA
Cognitive Powers
Nervous System Changes Due to Aging
Confusion
Acute Confusion (Delirium)
Chronic Confusion (Dementia)
Alzheimer’s Disease
Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease
Behavioral Patterns in Persons with Alzheimer’s Disease
Summary

SECTION 4: COMMUNICATION
Communication
Verbal Communication
Non-Verbal Communication
Effective Communication
Barriers to Effective Communication
Channels for Communicating with Older Adults
Communicating with Older Adults with an Impairment
Communicating with Older Adults Who are Visually Impaired
Communicating with Older Adults with a Hearing Impaired
Communicating with Older Adults with Aphasia
Communicating with Older Adults with Dementia
Care Team
Communicating with the Care Team
Summary

SECTION 5: DISABILITIES
Meaning of Disability
Disability Categories
Physical Disability
Psychiatric Disability/Mental Illness
Anxiety Disorders
Depressive Disorders
Schizophrenia
Bipolar Disorder
Intellectual/Learning Disability
Neurological Disability
Sensory Disability
Acquired & Developmental Disability
Acquired Disability
Developmental Disability
Functional Limitations of Disability
Etiquette Courtesies
Appropriate and Inappropriate Word Usage
Word Choices
Summary

SECTION 6: TERMINAL ILLNESS
Terminal Illness
The Positive Side of Terminal Illness
Reconciliation with Self
Reconciliation with Others
The Process of Dying
Rights of the Dying Person
Care & Legal Considerations
Living Wills
Durable Power of Attorney
Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Orders
Hospice and Palliative Care
Palliative Care
Hospice Care
Difference Between Palliative Care and Hospice Care
Funeral and Disposal of Remains
Basic Needs of Older Adults with a Terminal Illness
Care Needs of the Older Adult with a Terminal Illness
Physical Needs
Psychological Needs
Social Needs
Spiritual Needs
Challenges that Older Adults with a Terminal Illness Face
Grief Issues Older Adults with a Terminal Illness Face
Loneliness Issues Older Adults with a Terminal Illness Face
Anxieties that Older Adults with Terminal Illness Face
Depression Issues that People with a Terminal Illness Face
Anger Issues that Older Adults with Terminal Illness Face
Interacting with Family of Terminally Ill Older Adults
Signs that Death is Near
Summary

SECTION 7: CHALLENGING BEHAVIOR
Older Adults with Challenging Behaviors.
Behavioral Patterns of Challenging Older Adults
Identifying and Dealing with Challenging Personality Types
Complaints
Handling Complaints
Anger
Conflict
Constructive and Destructive Aspects of Conflict
Aggression
Violence
Negativity
Negotiating
Summary

SECTION 8: PERSONAL CARE
Need for Personal Care
Personal Care Skills
Activities of Daily Living
Grooming
Hair Care
Brushing & Combing
Shampooing
Hair Conditions
Shaving
Oral Hygiene
Brushing Teeth
Basics of Brushing Teeth
Flossing
Basics of Flossing
Denture Care
Basics of Denture Care
Bathing
Bathing Methods:
Basics of Bathing
Urinary System Care
Urinary Incontinence
Bowel Care
Common Bowel Problems
Causes of Bowel Problems
Treatments for Common Bowel Problems
Assistive aids for Elimination and Incontinence
Skin Care
Skin Tears
Pressure Sores
Nail & Foot Care
Basics of Nail Care
Dressing and Undressing
Turning and Repositioning
Lying Positions
Transferring
Basics of Transferring
Pivot Transfers
Assistive Transferring Devices
Transfer Belts
Transfer Boards
Mechanical Lifts
Basics of Mechanical Lifts
Body Mechanics
Basics of Good Body Mechanics
Range of Motion Exercises
Basics of ROM Exercises
Mobility
Assistive Devices for Mobility
Falls
Causes of Falls
Meal Assistance
Objectives of Good Eating Programs
Impacts on Food Consumption
Adaptive Eating Devices
Self-Care
Vital Signs
Temperature
Pulse
Respirations
Blood Pressure
Medication Management
HCAs Certified in Medication Administration
HCAs Not Certified in Medication Administration
HCA Working Tools
Summary

SECTION 9: NUTRITION
Nutrition
Dietary Guidelines
Food Guide Pyramid
USDA Food Guide Structure
Food Servings
Types of Diets
Omnivorous Diet
Carnivorous Diet
Vegetarian Diet
Lacto-Ovo-Vegetarian Diet
Vegan Diet
Raw Food Diet
Special Diets
Influences on Nutritional Practices
Personal Choice
Appetite
Finances
Culture
Religion
Nutritional Needs of Older Adults
Causes of Malnutrition in Older Adults
Signs & Symptoms of Malnutrition in Older Adults
Consequences of Malnutrition in Older Adults
Hydration
Dehydration
Dysphagia
Signs and Symptoms of Dysphagia
Food Preparation for Dysphagia
Summary
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SECTION 10: HEALTH & SAFETY
SAFETY
Safety Hazards in the Home Environment
Falls
Causes and Preventions of Falls
HCA Safety
HCA Risk of Injury
HCA Risk of Being Abused
HCA Wellness
HCA Stress Risks
Food Safety
USDA Basics for Handling Food Safely
Emergency Preparedness
Smaller-Scale Disasters
House Fire
Power Outages
Electrocution
Larger-Scale Natural Disasters
Wildfire
Flood
Earthquake
Hurricane
Tornado
Disaster & Emergency Assistance
Summary

SECTION 11: BASICS OF EMERGENCY CARE
Objectives of Emergency Care
General Rules of Emergency Care
ABCs of Assessing Person’s Condition
Recovery Position
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Artificial Respiration
Resuscitation Methods
Breathing Emergencies
Asthma
Hyperventilation
Allergic Reactions
Anaphylaxis
Hemorrhage
Signs & Symptoms of Hemorrhage
Emergency Care for Hemorrhage
Choking
Sign & Symptoms of Choking
Emergency Care for Choking
Post Choking Medical Follow-Up
Heart Attack
Signs & Symptoms of Heart Attack
Emergency Care for Heart Attacks
Cardiac Arrest
Causes of Cardiac Arrest
Signs & Symptoms of Cardiac Arrest
Emergency Care for Cardiac Arrest
Stroke
Causes of Strokes
Signs and Symptoms of Stroke
Emergency Care for Strokes
Burns
Signs & Symptoms of Burns
Emergency Care for Burns
Electrocution
Causes of Electrocution
Signs & Symptoms of Electrocution
Emergency Care for Electrocution
Fainting
Causes of Fainting
Emergency Care for Fainting
Shock
Causes of Shock
Signs and Symptoms of Shock
Emergency Care for Shock
Diabetic Emergencies
Signs & Symptoms of Diabetic Emergencies
Emergency Care for Diabetic Conditions
Seizures
Causes of Seizures
Major Seizures
Minor Seizures
Heat Exposure
Heat Cramps
Heat Exhaustion
Signs and Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion
Heat Stroke
Cold Exposure
Signs & Symptoms of Hypothermia
Emergency Care for Cold Exposure
Psychological Emergencies
Signs & Symptoms of Psychological Emergency
Emergency Care for Psychological Conditions
Legalities of Emergency Care
Good Samaritan Laws
Implied Consent
Refusal of Emergency Care
Summary

SECTION 12: INFECTION CONTROL
Infection
Types of Infection
Signs and Symptoms of Infection
Transmission of Infection
Infectious Diseases
Bloodborne Diseases
The Role of HCAs in Infection Control
Cleansing Methods for Infection Control
Universal Precautions for Infection Control
Hand-washing
Personal Protective Equipment
Disposable Gloves
Gowns & Aprons
Masks
Protective Goggles
Sharp Objects
Handling Sharp Objects
Specimens
Blood Sugar Tests
Blood & Body Fluid Spills
Household Wastes
Medical Waste
Infectious Waste
Laundry
Personal Care Items
Personal Care Items
Special Equipment
Catheters & Drainage Bags
Summary

SECTION 13: OBSERVING, REPORTING & DOCUMENTING
Observing
Methods of Observing
Guidelines for Observing
Reporting
Reporting Channels
Guidelines for Reporting
Documenting
Benefits of Documenting
Information to be Documented
Guidelines for Documenting
Standard Medical Abbreviations & Acronyms
Purpose of Abbreviations & Acronyms
List of Common Abbreviations & Acronyms
The 24-Hour Clock
Comparison of the 24-Hour Clock & the 12-Hour Clock
Client Care Records
Purpose of Client Care Records
HCA Responsibilities for Client Care Records
Case Management RecordsSummary

SECTION 14: ETHICAL & LEGAL ISSUES
Difference Between Ethics and Laws
Ethics
Ethical Principles
Work Ethics
Laws
Legal Terms
Parameters of HCA Duties
How HCAs Can Avoid Legal ActionClient Rights
HCA Rights
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
Privacy Rule
Security Rule
Breach Notification Rule
HIPAA Rights
Older Adult Abuse
Forms of Older Adult Abuse
Signs & Symptoms of Older Adult Abuse
Abusive Professional Caregivers
Coping Mechanisms for Abusive Caregivers
Child Abuse
Forms of Child Abuse
Signs & Symptoms of Child Abuse
Child Neglect
Child’s Basic Life Necessities
Reporting Suspected Child Abuse/Neglect
Mandated Reporters
Confidentiality & Immunity Rights of Abuse Reporters
Consequences of Not Reporting Child Abuse/Neglect
Advance Directives
Types of Advance Directives
Summary