About this program
This program brings together linked course materials covering Aging and Supporting Older Adults with Developmental Disabilities, Effective Communication Skills for Supporting Individuals with Developmental Disabilities, Fundamental Rights for Direct Support Professionals, Understanding and Supporting Individuals with Developmental Disabilities, and Person-Centered Individual Planning for Direct Support Professionals.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this program, learners will be able to:
- Describe the normal aging process and its physical, psychological, and cognitive changes
- Identify unique aging patterns and needs of individuals with developmental disabilities, including those with Down syndrome
- Distinguish between normal aging, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease, including their signs, symptoms, and stages
- Recognize risk factors for Alzheimer's disease and dementia in older adults
- Explain the importance of lifestyle choices—such as physical activity, diet, and social engagement—in promoting healthy aging
- List common physical changes in aging and strategies to support independence and safety
- Describe activities of daily living (ADLs) and their significance in supporting older adults