CAREGIVER TRAINING COURSE CURRICULUM
1. Module I. Overview of AFC Program
i. Expectations and responsibilities of the sponsor agency and caregiver.
2. Module II. Working with the Elderly and Disabled
i. Concepts of communication,
ii. Understanding basic human needs and sensitivity to cultural differences,
iii. Psychological/social concerns of the elderly/disabled,
iv. Understanding mental health and mental illness, dementia and memory loss,
v. Relocation and readjustment,
vi. From independence to dependence,
vii. Sensitization to sensory changes, and
viii. Recognizing common diseases.
3. Module III. Personal Care Services
i. Bathing, skincare, dressing, mouth care, foot care, hair care,
ii. Preventing the spread of disease,
iii. Simple procedures--vital signs, dressing changes,
iv. Medications; drug use; adverse reactions, side effects, and
v. Incontinence and constipation.
4. Module IV. Nutrition and Home Management
i. Basics of good nutrition, including hydration,
ii. Special diets, and
iii. Food preparation and spoilage.
5. Module V. Rehabilitation/Restoration Care
i. Body mechanics,
ii. Assisting with ambulation/transfer, and
iii. Range of motion exercises.
6. Module VI. Accident Prevention and Safety in the Home
i. Emergency care and procedures,
ii. Safe proofing the home,
iii. Fire safety, and
iv. First aid.
7. Module VII. Agency Procedures
i. Contract requirements,
ii. Recordkeeping, including plan of care,
iii. Supervision,
iv. Respite care,
v. Client rights, and
vi. Financial management of client funds.
8. Module VIII. Medication
i. Understanding the caregiver's scope and limits of responsibility;
ii. Administration and assisting the client with self-administration of medications;
iii. Identification of medication terminology and abbreviations;
iv. Identification of general classes of medications;
v. Recognition of medication purposes and effects;
vi. Interpretation of prescription labels;
vii. Knowledge of medication use, adverse reactions, side effects, and potential drug-drug or drug-food interactions;
viii. The five rights of medication administration;
ix. Measuring vital signs;
x. Documentation of vital signs, medication errors, and client's refusal to take medications;
xi. Proper storage of medications;
xii. Storage in accordance with labeling and/or manufacturer's instructions;
xiii. Storage conditions: space, temperature, light, and humidity; and
xiv. Disposal of medications.
N.J. Admin. Code Tit. 8, ch. 43B, Appendix