HA_CMH

Caring for Individuals Affected by Mental Health Disorders and Substance Use

Course Learning Outcomes

As a result of participating in this learning activity the learner will be able to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of how to appropriately provide care that supports clients overall mental health as evidenced by passing the final exam with a score of 70% or higher at the end of the online learning activity.

Description
This entry-level course is designed for home health aides to gain knowledge of and develop skills for the care and support of client’s overall mental health. Information on general mental health, stress, and coping mechanisms will be presented as well as information on common mental disorders including substance use. Special care considerations will also be discussed.

This course is part of the Home Health Aide Training library designed for agency use as an educational aid and resource in conjunction with hands-on instruction in a lab and or clinical setting supervised by a nurse educator. The agency is responsible for ensuring the learner has attained the knowledge and care skills, according to their state's requirements, before providing care to a client.
Delivery

This is a self-paced course with knowledge check activities. These non-graded activities allow you to check your understanding of the lesson objectives before proceeding on in the course. At the end of the course, you will be required to take the final exam. You must score 70% or higher to pass the course and complete the evaluation to obtain a certificate of completion. You will have unlimited attempts to achieve a 70% or higher on the final. The last day to successfully complete this course and receive a Certificate of Completion will be December 31, 2025. You must complete the content, Final Quiz, and Course Survey on or before that day.

Objectives
  • Define Mental Health
  • Explain stress, its common causes and healthy coping mechanisms
  • Distinguish between common mental illness myths and facts
  • Identify two risk factors for mental illness
  • Compare and contrast commonly seen mental disorders including major symptoms/characteristics, treatment methods and common side effects of medications used in their treatment
  • Outline the aide's role in care of the person with a mental disorder
  • Identify reasons that an older adult may experience worsening health problems with the use of alcohol
  • Describe signs indicating a client may have a substance use disorder
  • Identify who is at a higher risk for suicide and steps to take if suicide is suspected
Contact Time

1.4 Contact Hour: based on 60 minute hour

Estimated Time

The estimated time for completion for this activity is 1.4 hour(s).

Intended Audience

This course is designed to meet the continuing education requirements of healthcare paraprofessionals, such as home health aide, and personal care attendants

Course Planning Team

Beth Schoenfeld RN BSN MSN, Wendi Tingley RN, MSN, Kathy L. Richie, RN, BSN

Approvals
HLC - Higher Learning Commission
Rochester Community and Technical College is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
HLC Institution ID:1399
Disclosure Statements:

Commercial Support: This course was developed in accordance with ANCC Commercial Support Guidelines. No commercial support was accepted for the development of this course.

Bias: This course provides a balanced view of therapeutic options and is free of commercial bias for or against any product or commercial entity. Use of generic names is always considered before using trade names. Consequently, if trade names are necessary, when available, trade names from several companies will be used. RCTC and the course planning team do not endorse any products or drugs that may be mentioned in this course.

Author Updating

Beth Schoenfeld - RN MSN CCP

Beth is a Registered Nurse, with a Masters in Nursing with a clinical focus in Gerontology from the University of Evansville in Indiana. The majority of Beth's nursing career has been in home health care, working in both education and administration. Beth is also certified as a Chronic Disease Professional Health Coach (CCP) and has developed this program.

Author Originating

Patricia Jump - RN PHN MA

Technical Nurse Consultant, President Acorn's End Training and Consulting. Patricia Jump received her Bachelor's in Nursing Degree from Winona State University and her Masters of Arts Degree in Health and Human Services Administration from St. Mary's University. She has over 25 years experience in the health care field and almost two decades of public speaking experience. As a professional trainer and consultant, Patricia conducts seminars across the country for all levels of employees in business, professional associations, educational organizations, churches, and government agencies. Additionally, she serves as personal coach, consultant, and retreat facilitator for home care leaders and organizations throughout the nation.

Copyright

Materials used in connection with this course may be subject to copyright protection. Retention of the materials for longer than the class term, unauthorized further dissemination of the materials, or use of copyrighted materials in any way other than intended for this class is prohibited by Copyright and Teach Act laws.

Acknowledgment

This course was developed with Rochester Community and Technical College's Continuing Education and Workforce Development Division located in Rochester Minnesota.

Course Code
HA_CMH
Course Category
Home Health