COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the course on Supporting Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. This course is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively support individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). By exploring various aspects of the disease, from understanding its symptoms to implementing effective care strategies, you will be better equipped to improve the quality of life for those affected by PD.
We begin with an introduction to Parkinson’s Disease, where we define and provide an overview of the condition. This section includes epidemiology and statistics to help you understand the prevalence and impact of PD. You will also learn about the progression of Parkinson’s Disease, which is crucial for planning and providing appropriate care.
Understanding the symptoms and diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease is essential. This section covers both motor symptoms, such as tremors and bradykinesia, and non-motor symptoms, including cognitive changes and mood disorders. You will learn about the diagnostic criteria and procedures used to identify PD accurately.
The causes and risk factors of Parkinson’s Disease are varied. You will explore genetic factors, environmental influences, and other risk factors like age. This knowledge will help you understand the potential origins of the disease and its implications.
Medical and pharmacological treatments play a significant role in managing PD. This section provides an overview of common medications, such as Levodopa and dopamine agonists, and discusses how to manage medication side effects. You will also learn about advances in medical treatments for Parkinson’s Disease.
Non-pharmacological interventions are equally important in managing PD. This section covers physical therapy and exercise, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy, highlighting how these approaches can improve symptoms and overall well-being.
Nutrition and diet are critical for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. You will learn about dietary recommendations, managing weight and nutrition-related issues, and the role of supplements and dietary restrictions in managing the disease.
Psychological and emotional support is crucial for individuals with PD. This section addresses how to support those dealing with depression and anxiety, the benefits of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and the importance of support groups and counselling.
Enhancing mobility and independence is vital for maintaining quality of life. This section explores the use of mobility aids and devices, home modifications for safety, and strategies for managing freezing episodes that can impede movement.
Communication strategies are essential for overcoming speech difficulties associated with PD. You will learn techniques to enhance verbal and non-verbal communication and the use of assistive communication devices to facilitate better interaction.
Managing activities of daily living (ADLs) can be challenging for those with PD. This section covers personal care and hygiene, dressing and grooming, and managing eating and swallowing difficulties to help individuals maintain their independence.
Sleep and fatigue management are common concerns for those with Parkinson’s Disease. You will explore common sleep issues, techniques for improving sleep quality, and strategies for managing daytime fatigue to ensure better rest and energy levels.
Palliative care and end-of-life support are critical aspects of managing advanced PD. This section introduces palliative care principles, symptom management in advanced stages, and providing emotional and spiritual support to individuals and their families.
Family and carer support are essential for holistic care. You will learn strategies for educating families about PD, promoting self-care for carers, and building a robust support network to ensure comprehensive care for the individual with PD.
Australian Legal and ethical considerations are important when supporting individuals with PD. This section covers patient rights, decision-making and consent, and navigating legal and financial issues to ensure that individuals receive respectful and lawful care.
By the end of this course, you will be well-equipped with the knowledge and practical strategies to support individuals with Parkinson’s Disease, enhancing their quality of life and providing comprehensive, compassionate care.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
1. Introduction to Parkinson’s Disease
- Definition and Overview
- Epidemiology and Statistics
- Understanding the Progression of Parkinson’s Disease
2. Symptoms and Diagnosis
- Motor Symptoms (e.g., Tremors, Bradykinesia)
- Non-Motor Symptoms (e.g., Cognitive Changes, Mood Disorders)
- Diagnostic Criteria and Procedures
3. Understanding the Causes and Risk Factors
- Genetic Factors
- Environmental Factors
- Age and Other Risk Factors
4. Medical and Pharmacological Treatments
- Overview of Medications (e.g., Levodopa, Dopamine Agonists)
- Managing Medication Side Effects
- Advances in Medical Treatments
5. Non-Pharmacological Interventions
- Physical Therapy and Exercise
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech and Language Therapy
6. Nutrition and Diet
- Dietary Recommendations for Parkinson’s Patients
- Managing Weight and Nutrition-Related Issues
- Supplements and Dietary Restrictions
7. Psychological and Emotional Support
- Addressing Depression and Anxiety
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Support Groups and Counselling
8. Enhancing Mobility and Independence
- Use of Mobility Aids and Devices
- Home Modifications and Safety
- Strategies for Managing Freezing Episodes
9. Communication Strategies
- Overcoming Speech Difficulties
- Enhancing Non-Verbal Communication
- Using Assistive Communication Devices
10. Managing Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
- Personal Care and Hygiene
- Dressing and Grooming
- Eating and Swallowing Difficulties
11. Sleep and Fatigue Management
- Common Sleep Issues in Parkinson’s Disease
- Techniques for Improving Sleep Quality
- Managing Daytime Fatigue
12. Palliative Care and End-of-Life Support
- Understanding Palliative Care Principles
- Symptom Management in Advanced Stages
- Providing Emotional and Spiritual Support
13. Family and Carer Support
- Educating Families about Parkinson’s Disease
- Strategies for Self-Care
- Building a Support Network
14. Australian Legal and Ethical Considerations
- Understanding Patient Rights
- Decision-Making and Consent
- Navigating Legal and Financial Issues
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.