Geriatric Care

Description

The Certificate in Geriatric Care is a structured six‑month part‑time training program designed to prepare students to function competently, ethically, and safely as geriatric caregivers in Trinidad and Tobago. The program combines focused weekly classroom instruction with supervised practical training to ensure graduates exceed the foundational knowledge and hands‑on competencies required for employment in private homes, residential care facilities, assisted‑living environments, and community elder‑care settings. Special emphasis is placed on aging physiology, chronic illness, dementia care, mobility assistance, nutrition, infection control, emergency response, communication, legal responsibilities, and basic pharmacology relevant to elderly care.

Credential Awarded

Certificate In Geriatric Care

Program Objectives

1. Demonstrate professional, ethical, and compassionate geriatric caregiving practices
2. Explain normal and abnormal aging processes
3. Safely assist elderly clients with activities of daily living (ADLs)
4. Identify and respond appropriately to common geriatric health conditions
5. Apply infection control and safety principles in elder‑care environments
6. Support clients with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and mental health challenges
7. Assist with nutrition, hydration, and special dietary needs
8. Demonstrate foundational knowledge of medications commonly used in the elderly
9. Communicate effectively with clients, families, and healthcare professionals
10. Accurately document observations and uphold legal and ethical standards

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Minimum age of 18 years
• Secondary school education or equivalent
• Government‑issued photo identification
• Proficiency in English (reading and writing)
• Physical and emotional ability to perform caregiving duties
• Police Certificate of Character (recommended for employment)

Program Length and Hour Requirements

Program Duration: 6 Months (24 Weeks) Class Schedule:

• 1 Day per Week
• 3 Hours per Session

Curriculum Outline

1. Introduction to Geriatric Care
   • Role and responsibilities of the geriatric caregiver
   • Professional conduct and ethics
   • Scope of practice in Trinidad and Tobago
2. Aging Process & Geriatric Physiology
   • Physical changes of aging
   • Sensory decline and impact on care
   • Cardiovascular and musculoskeletal aging
3. Common Geriatric Conditions
   • Diabetes, hypertension, arthritis
   • Stroke, Parkinson’s disease
   • Chronic pain and mobility limitations
4. Dementia, Alzheimer’s & Mental Health
   • Types and stages of dementia
   • Behavioural changes and management
   • Communication and safety strategies
5. Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) & Personal Care
   • Bathing, grooming, toileting
   • Feeding assistance
   • Maintaining dignity and privacy
6. Mobility, Transfers & Fall Prevention
   • Safe lifting and transfers
   • Use of assistive devices
   • Fall‑prevention strategies
7. Nutrition & Hydration in the Elderly
   • Special diets and feeding considerations
   • Malnutrition and dehydration
   • Aspiration prevention
8. Basic Pharmacology for Geriatric Care
   • Common medication classes used in the elderly
   • Routes of administration
   • Medication safety and storage
   • Side effects, adverse reactions, and polypharmacy
   • Caregiver role in medication assistance (non‑administration)
9. Infection Control & Safety
   • Standard precautions and PPE
   • Prevention of communicable diseases
   • Environmental safety
10. Emergency Response & First Aid Awareness
    • Falls, choking, bleeding, burns
    • Recognizing medical emergencies
    • When and how to seek medical help

Clinical Education

Students must successfully complete supervised clinical practice in an approved healthcare facility. Students must successfully complete hands‑on training which includes:

• Personal care and hygiene assistance
• Safe transfers and mobility support
• Feeding and hydration assistance
• Dementia care techniques
• Infection control practices
• Observation, reporting, and documentation
• Professional interaction with elderly clients

Training may occur in:

• Skills laboratory (simulated environment)
• Residential elder‑care facilities
• Home‑care or community settings

Methods of Instruction

• Lectures and guided discussion
• Multimedia presentations
• Demonstrations and return demonstrations
• Case studies and role‑play
• Skills lab practice
• Supervised clinical experience

Methods of Evaluation

• Module quizzes and written examinations
• Practical skills competency assessments
• Case study analysis
• Clinical performance evaluations
• Final written examination
• Final practical skills examination

Grading & Completion Requirements

To successfully complete the program, students must:

• Minimum overall average of 75%
• Pass all mandatory practical competencies
• Complete all classroom and clinical hours
• Demonstrate professional conduct and safe caregiving practices

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance is required. 80-90% attendance is required to satisfy the Institution’s requirements. Missed practical sessions must be completed to ensure competency.

Statement of Compliance

This Certificate in Geriatric Care program is designed to meet and exceed the educational and practical training standards required for competent geriatric caregiving in Trinidad and Tobago, emphasizing safety, dignity, ethical care, and quality of life for elderly clients.