There is no way to predict exactly how a person’s body will respond to aging. Age-related changes depend on a combination of a person’s genes, lifestyle, and environment. However, some changes are a typical part of aging for many people. In this course, you will learn about these typical changes and how they affect an older adult’s support needs.
The goal of this course is to introduce DSPs in IDD service settings to age-related changes and health supports.
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities, or IDD, live longer lives than they used to. As a direct support professional, or DSP, you must understand how aging affects the people you support.
There is no way to predict exactly how a person’s body will respond to aging. Age-related changes depend on a combination of a person’s genes, lifestyle, and environment. However, some changes are a typical part of aging for many people. In this course, you will learn about these typical changes and how they affect an older adult’s support needs. The goal of this course is to introduce DSPs in IDD service settings to age-related changes and health supports.
This activity is approved for 0.75 contact hours.
Outline:
Section 1: Introduction
About This Course
Learning Objectives
Section 2: Age-Related Changes
Introduction
Hair, Skin, and Nail Changes
Bone, Muscle, and Joint Changes
Digestive Changes
Urinary Changes
Reproductive Changes
Circulation and Breathing Changes
Nervous System Changes
Sensory Changes
Review
Summary
Section 3: Healthy Living for Older Adults
Meet Fred
Exercise
Prevent Falls
Healthy Eating
Sleep
Equipment
Monitor Changes
Changes in Support Needs
Review
Summary
Section 5: Conclusion
Summary
Course Contributors
References
Congratulations!
Katy Kunst received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and her Master of Business Administration from Elon University. She has 15 years of experience serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their supporters, including roles as direct support professional, program director, and training facilitator. She has created and facilitated training on topics including non-violent crisis interventions, person-centered planning, cultural competence, quality service delivery, regulatory compliance, and a variety of topics related to IDD services. Disclosure: Katy Kunst, MBA, QIDP has no Relevant Financial or Non-Financial Relationship with ineligible companies to disclose.Expert Reviewer: Elizabeth Veltri, BSN-RN, QIDP
Ms. Veltri received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from La Salle University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She has seven years of nursing experience working with older adults with IDD. She is a member of the National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices and advocates strongly for the well-being of older adults with IDD. She currently works as a Clinical Coordinator registered nurse in a retirement community for older adults with IDD. She also trains support staff members on medication practices and dementia support skills. Disclosure: Elizabeth Veltri, BSN-RN, QIDP has no Relevant Financial or Non-Financial Relationship with ineligible companies to disclose.
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