HSCI 1026 - Health Support Specialist in Psychosocial Care

1. A. Psychosocial needs of aging
   1. Erikson¿s developmental theory
2. B. Patterns of adjustment
   1. Retreating
   2. Engagement
   3. Adapting lifestyle according to aging
3. C. Causes and Impact of Transition and Loss
   1. Physical
      1. Chronic illness
      2. Physical impairments
      3. Cognitive decline and ADL influence
      4. Independence and dignity
      5. Energy
      6. Routine
      7. Independence and privacy
      8. Power and control
   2. Emotional
      1. Role changes
      2. Depression
      3. Anxiety
      4. Helplessness
      5. Loneliness
   3. Social
      1. Social isolation
      2. Relationships (spouse, family, and friends)
      3. Activities/Hobbies
      4. Intimacy
      5. Belonging
   4. Spiritual
      1. Spiritual distress
      2. Spiritual growth
      3. Hope
      4. Purpose in life
      5. Peace
      6. Mortality issues
4. D. Understanding grief and loss
   1. Stages of grief
   2. Supporting grief and loss
5. E. Psychosocial interventions for the HSS
   1. Awareness of transition or loss
   2. Approach
   3. Effective communication
   4. Cultural sensitivity and competence
   5. Respect & dignity
   6. Encouraging social interactions
   7. Providing presence/Being in the moment
   8. Worship/Celebrations/Traditions
      1. Establishing
         1. legacy
   9. Reminiscence
   10. Group work/support groups (benefits, methods, leading groups)
   11. Identifying, interpreting, and responding to individual and family needs
   12. Continuity of care
6. F. Adapting the environment to promote person-directed living
   1. Sleep preservation
   2. Life enrichment
   3. Physical environment
   4. Meal considerations
   5. Establishing relationships
   6. Guest/Visitor adaptations
   7. Community interactions
7. G. End of Life Care
   1. Hospice and palliative care
   2. Communication at the EOL
   3. End of life symptoms
   4. Ethical considerations
      1. Nutrition and hydration
   5. Quality of life
   6. Cultural influences
   7. Caring for the dying individual and family
   8. Postmortum cares
   9. Honoring choices and dignity
   10. Advanced care planning and health care directives
   11. Integrative modalities

1. A. relate psychosocial needs of aging to the role of the HSS.
2. B. identify types of loss that impact psychosocial and spiritual well-being in later life.
3. C. relate stages of grief to the various types of loss and patterns of adjustment experienced with aging.
4. D. discuss the psychosocial and spiritual needs of self and other individuals which are influenced by transition, grief, and loss.
5. E. apply effective communication and leadership strategies to address psychosocial needs.
6. F. describe adaptive psychosocial and spiritual interventions the HSS can use when working with staff, individuals, and families.
7. G. list environmental strategies to improve psychosocial and spiritual well-being of individuals.
8. H. differentiate palliative and hospice care.
9. I. identify strategies that promote effective end-of-life care.

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