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Person-Centered Communication
I. Course Prefix/Number: ECS 102
Course Name: ECS 102
Credits: 1: 1: 0
II. Prerequisite
ECS 101 recommended
III. Course (Catalog) Description
Course will focus on effective person-centered communication techniques to promote quality relationships between caregivers and elders. Content focuses on promoting holistic approaches and respect for the individual, and emphasizes adaptive services as the elder experiences changes in his or her health or abilities. This approach empowers both caregiver and elder by offering positive, well-defined strategies to enhance the elder’s quality of life.
IV. Learning Objectives
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
o Demonstrate effective communication techniques.
o Differentiate between person centered care and the medical model of care.
o Discuss the positive benefits of person-centered communication.
o Describe legal and ethical responsibilities in caring for elders.
o Demonstrate effective communication techniques.
o Differentiate between person centered care and the medical model of care.
o Discuss the positive benefits of person-centered communication.
o Describe legal and ethical responsibilities in caring for elders.
V. Academic Integrity
Students and employees at Oakton Community College are required to demonstrate academic integrity
and follow Oakton's Code of Academic Conduct. This code prohibits:
• cheating,
• plagiarism (turning in work not written by you, or lacking proper citation),
• falsification and fabrication (lying or distorting the truth),
• helping others to cheat,
• unauthorized changes on official documents,
• pretending to be someone else or having someone else pretend to be you,
• making or accepting bribes, special favors, or threats, and
• any other behavior that violates academic integrity.
There are serious consequences to violations of the academic integrity policy. Oakton's policies and procedures provide students a fair hearing if a complaint is made against you. If you are found to have violated the policy, the minimum penalty is failure on the assignment and, a disciplinary record will be established and kept on file in the office of the Vice President for Student Affairs for a period of 3 years.
Details of the Code of Academic Conduct can be found in the Student Handbook.
• cheating,
• plagiarism (turning in work not written by you, or lacking proper citation),
• falsification and fabrication (lying or distorting the truth),
• helping others to cheat,
• unauthorized changes on official documents,
• pretending to be someone else or having someone else pretend to be you,
• making or accepting bribes, special favors, or threats, and
• any other behavior that violates academic integrity.
There are serious consequences to violations of the academic integrity policy. Oakton's policies and procedures provide students a fair hearing if a complaint is made against you. If you are found to have violated the policy, the minimum penalty is failure on the assignment and, a disciplinary record will be established and kept on file in the office of the Vice President for Student Affairs for a period of 3 years.
Details of the Code of Academic Conduct can be found in the Student Handbook.
VI. Sequence of Topics
Module 1
o Elements of communication
o Effective communication techniques
o Barriers to communication with Elders.
o Reminiscing/life stories.
Module 2
o Privacy & Confidentiality issues.
o Professional boundaries/therapeutic communication
o Elder Rights
o Observations/communicating changes
Module 3
o Principles of Person- Centered Care
o Concepts Person-Centered Care
a. Self determination
b. Individual needs
c. Ability focused
d. Person before task
e. Individualized choices
f. Relationship building
g. Holistic focused
h. Spontaneous activities
o Communication using person centered concepts.
o Communication approaches assisting with ADL’s
o Elements of communication
o Effective communication techniques
o Barriers to communication with Elders.
o Reminiscing/life stories.
Module 2
o Privacy & Confidentiality issues.
o Professional boundaries/therapeutic communication
o Elder Rights
o Observations/communicating changes
Module 3
o Principles of Person- Centered Care
o Concepts Person-Centered Care
a. Self determination
b. Individual needs
c. Ability focused
d. Person before task
e. Individualized choices
f. Relationship building
g. Holistic focused
h. Spontaneous activities
o Communication using person centered concepts.
o Communication approaches assisting with ADL’s
VII. Methods of Instruction
Instruction and training will be delivered in hybrid format. Weekly class sessions will provide a supportive, interactive learning environment and foster a community of learners through mini lectures, discussion and group projects. Experiential learning through case studies
Course may be taught as face-to-face, media-based, hybrid or online course.
Course may be taught as face-to-face, media-based, hybrid or online course.
VIII. Course Practices Required
A companion CD is provided for the course. It includes the course syllabus, course handouts, assignments, case studies and resources for Elder care.
Requirements for Use: DVD player, computer. Course will be taught as face-to-face with an optional media-based component.
Requirements for Use: DVD player, computer. Course will be taught as face-to-face with an optional media-based component.
IX. Instructional Materials
Media-based components, both television-viewable and computer-readable DVDs, will allow students to access complementary instructional materials at personally convenient times and places. Books will be referenced similar to: How to Say It to Seniors: Closing the Communication Gap with Our Elders by David Solie
In the Arms of Elders: A Parable of Wise Leadership and Community Building by William H. Thomas, MD
In the Arms of Elders: A Parable of Wise Leadership and Community Building by William H. Thomas, MD
X. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
XI. Other Course Information
In order to successfully complete the course, the student must pass the course with C or better in order have the course apply toward a Certificate in Person-Centered Elder Support. Points will be awarded for exams and quizzes as well as written assignments and projects. Total point accumulation must equal a C or better. All assignments are required by the due date in order to earn points.
If you have a documented learning, psychological, or physical disability you may be entitled to reasonable academic accommodations or services. To request accommodations or services, contact the ASSIST office in the Learning Center. All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements. The College will not waive any essential skill or requirement of a course or degree program.
If you have a documented learning, psychological, or physical disability you may be entitled to reasonable academic accommodations or services. To request accommodations or services, contact the ASSIST office in the Learning Center. All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements. The College will not waive any essential skill or requirement of a course or degree program.
