HSCI 1021 - Introduction to the Health Support Specialist (HSS)

1. A. Elder Care: Past, Current and Future
   1. Poor farm
   2. Growth of services for older adults
   3. Continuum of care
2. B. The Role of a Health Support Specialist
   1. What is a Health Support Specialist
   2. Job Descriptions
   3. Pathways of HSS
   4. How this role links to the concept of person directed living
   5. Where the HSS fits within the long term care healthcare team and the Culture Care model
   6. Leadership and communication skills assessment
3. C. The HSS Curriculum
   1. HSS Framework
   2. Credentials in training
   3. Apprenticeship Model: Standards and Work Processes
   4. Apprenticeship on-the-job training
   5. On-line student tracking system
4. D. Mentoring
   1. Introduction into Peer Mentoring
   2. Establish effective relationships with mentees
   3. Assist mentees in problem solving
   4. Changing Roles
5. E. Understanding and promoting Person Directed Living
6. F. Environmental Changes: It is not the building that makes the difference; it is the creation of home!
   1. A house vs. a home
   2. Family: define
   3. Key behavioral standards for persons working with elders
   4. Honoring elders
   5. Person directed living
7. G. It¿s all about Relationships
   1. Review the importance of creating home: atmosphere and physical
   2. Allowing residents to have control in their lives
   3. Getting to know the resident
   4. Building relationships
8. H. Living the Life I Choose
   1. Sense of belonging
   2. Identity
   3. Self-worth
   4. Love
9. I. Leadership in Person Directed Living
   1. Taking a risk as an employee
   2. Collaborative Communication NAR Testimonials
   3. Caring for Self
10. J. Building Team and Community
    1. Creating culture
    2. Shared leadership
    3. Self-directed work teams
    4. Self-transformation
11. K. Communication Accommodations
    1. Active Listening
    2. Developing Self Awareness
    3. Putting skills to work
    4. Problem Solving
    5. Enhancing communication with older adults

1. describe mentoring styles for the workplace.
2. describe the apprenticeship model and process for the Health Support Specialist.
3. differentiate varying individual preferences related to culture and lifestyle.
4. discuss the value of building relationships in person directed living.
5. discuss ways to promote quality of life in person directed living.
6. explain history of services for older adults.
7. explain person directed living philosophy and implementation.
8. explain the importance of effective communication in a health support specialist role.
9. identify career goals as a Health Support Specialist and in aging services.
10. relate leadership skills to managing conflict.
11. describe leadership and communication skills necessary in the role of the HSS.

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