EC - Prerequisites

The first Module of the Elder Care™ Program consists of three subjects found in the CSNN Natural Nutrition Program:

• NN101 Fundamentals of Nutrition
• NN102 Anatomy & Physiology
• NN104 Preventive Nutrition

Graduates of the CSNN Natural Nutrition Program (R.H.N.™) will receive Advanced Standing for Module 1 at no cost. Graduates who have studied "Aging Well" will have exemption into Part 1 of EC101.

 

NN101 -  Fundamentals of Nutrition

The Fundamentals of Nutrition course offers a comprehensive overview of the field of nutrition, which leads to a study and understanding of the link between nutrition and preventive medicine. The course explains the role of macronutrients, vitamins and minerals, and the importance of water in the diet. It describes how certain dietary habits undermine our health and provides suggestions for overcoming these habits. It looks at the effect of pollution on our health and the health of our planet.
(21 hours)

NN102 - Anatomy and Physiology

This course gives a general overview of the eleven body systems. It covers the structure and shape of the body and its parts, and their relationship to one another. It covers the physiological processes by which the eleven systems operate, and the nutritional symptomatology of each system.
(30 hours)

 

NN104 -  Preventive Nutrition

The prevention of degenerative diseases is becoming a major objective for many people. The student will learn how specific diets can retard or reverse the major ailments of our time: arthritis, artherosclerosis, cataracts, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, senility and ulcers. The damage of free radicals and the benefits of antioxidants will also be examined. This course focuses on digestion and elimination.
(15 hours)

 

Module Two

EC101 -  Perspectives on Aging

There are many steps we can take to ensure a rewarding retirement, health in late life and a dignified death.
The first part of this course focuses on exploring in detail the emotional, social, physical and spiritual factors related to aging. Based on the Study of Adult Development at Harvard University, this course offers significant, reliable data that provides insight into what successful aging is, and how it can be achieved.

In the second part of this course a new paradigm is presented that suggests that the aging process, as we know it, can be slowed and even reversed. This course will open the student's mind and challenge his/her concepts of aging. It will enhance the quality and quantity of life and change, forever, perceptions of aging. (23 hours)

EC102 -  Chronic Pain Management the Natural Way

Chronic pain is a difficult challenge. It has many patterns and causes, but one thing that is always present is suffering. The journey to relief starts with self-responsibility and knowledge. This course discusses the causes and patterns of chronic pain, the places, people and clinics to consult, and the wide spectrum of treatment choices that one has. It also gives the student information on diet, physical conditioning, social support and stress as well as leads the student to an understanding of the complex and technical aspects of this difficult branch of health care. Commonly used drugs and the nutritional loss they cause will be reviewed as well as practical advice on how to maintain nutritional health while on drug therapy.

(12 hours)

EC103 -  Physiological Concerns of Aging

This course helps the student gain an understanding of cancer, its causes, diagnoses and standard therapies, and explores alternative and complementary therapies. The emotional and physical toll of a cancer diagnosis is recognized and discussed with an emphasis on informing both the patient and the caregiver, so that the patient can be supported and allowed to become an active participant in his care and treatment. The course also addresses Parkinsonism and offers useful advice for those living with the disease.

This course uses a book by Dr. Ernest Rosenbaum www.cancersupportivecare.com

(24 hours)

EC104 -  Effective Communication with the Elderly

Communication is an essential part of living a happy and fulfilled life. Elderly people are often isolated socially because of physical disabilities or because they live in a nursing home with few social interactions. This course identifies the elements essential to good communication, and offers practical techniques as well as new methods for enhancing communication with aged clients. The subject of elder abuse is addressed, and advice on recognizing and stopping this problem is presented.

The second part of this course assesses the realities of caring for a person with Alzheimer's disease. It describes how to make the care provided more effective and rewarding, and highlights the symptoms and traits to look for at each stage of the disease. It offers methods of treatment and support, and ways to manage stress as a caregiver. In this course, the student will gain valuable insight into Alzheimer's and learn to recognize its effect on the behaviour of the person affected. The student will gain effective coping methods that will assist in meeting the demands of caring for a person with Alzheimer's.

(21 hours)

 

Module Four


EC105 -  Death and Dying

"The first business of life is to stay alive. Even at its most resourceful and most fortunate, though, life does not succeed indefinitely in its first business of staying alive."

Thanatology, the study of life, with death left in - is a most enlightening project for people at any age. This course leads the student to a better understanding of our relationship with death, by exploring our thoughts and feelings, our anxiety and denial, and the many choices and decisions that are ours to make concerning the end of our lives. This study of death and dying can provide a more mature attitude towards death, and allows us to effectively help those who have reached this point in their journey.

          (12 hours)

EC106 -  Grief and Bereavement

This course explores the responses to the experience of bereavement, the sorrow and anxiety of grief, and the task of moving on with life. It challenges the student to look frankly at the meaning of the funeral and memorial process, to face the issues surrounding suicide, homicide and genocide, and to analyze the controversies surrounding euthanasia and reincarnation. It explores the current theoretical perspectives on grief, and helps the caregiver find ways to assist others in coping with their death encounters.(12 hours)

 

 

EC107 - Taking Care of the Caregiver

 

The quality of the care provided to those in need depends, in part, on the caregiver's attitude towards life. The last course in the program is a simple and practical guide that shows how to be happy now, no matter what the circumstances or problems. It will help to alleviate the stress associated with care giving by changing perspectives and restoring joy to daily life. (3 hours)

Practicums

In conjunction with the Elder Care Practitioner's™ program, the student is required to devote 60 hours of voluntary (or paid if applicable), work to the care of one or more elders, in order to qualify for a Diploma in Gerontology from CSNN. Each student is responsible for securing his/her own position. These hours of volunteer work must be recorded on the form provided by CSNN, and verified by a qualified health care professional or institutional supervisor. Taking care of an aging parent or relative at home will be accepted, if the duties are described and confirmed by a qualified health care professional (form provided). (60 hours)