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Communication and Person-Centred Care

Code: HPGC400
Apply this course towards: Gerontology

Course description

This course builds on the knowledge of aging to develop the communication, relationship-building, and critical thinking skills needed to support older adults across a variety of care and community settings. Through a person-centred, trauma-informed, and culturally safe lens, learners explore effective communication strategies that promote dignity, autonomy, inclusion and well-being. The course examines communication approaches for supporting older adults experiencing cognitive and sensory impairments, mental health challenges, trauma, grief and complex life transitions. Learners will develop skills in rapport-building, de-escalation, ethical decision-making and navigating sensitive conversations, including those related to elder abuse, neglect, consent, capacity and end-of-life care. The impact of ageism, stigma, discrimination and systemic barriers on older adults will also be explored, with particular attention to supporting diverse and underserved populations.

By the end of the course, learners will be equipped with practical communication skills and evidence-informed approaches to provide compassionate, respectful and effective support to older adults and their families.

Learning objectives

  • apply principles of person-centred, trauma-informed and culturally safe care to support the dignity, autonomy, rights and informed decision-making of older adults
  • demonstrate effective verbal and non-verbal communication and rapport-building skills with older adults, recognizing diverse identities, communication needs and lived experiences
  • adapt communication strategies for sensory and cognitive impairments, considering environment, accessibility and interpersonal factors
  • recognize and challenge ageism, stigma, discrimination and barriers affecting older adults, and how these impact those who are also part of underserved groups
  • navigate complex conversations involving mental health, abuse and neglect, loss, end-of-life care, and legal or ethical considerations, while supporting autonomy and well-being of older adults
  • reflect on personal communication styles, professional boundaries, burnout and the role of self-care and mindfulness in sustainable practice

Registration details

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Info you should know:

Continuing Studies statement on use of educational technology

This course will require the use of Zoom and may use other education technology such as internet-based applications, cloud services, or social media. In order to complete this course you will be required to either consent to the disclosure of your personal information outside of Canada to enable use of these technologies, or work with the Division of Continuing Studies to explore other privacy protective options (such as using an alias or nickname).