Aboriginal Resident Care /
Home Support Attendant Program
The Aboriginal RC/HSA program trains people to work as Home Support Attendants and Resident Care Aides. The program uses an Aboriginal caring model to prepare students to provide appropriate supportive assistance to Elders, people with special needs, Aboriginal families and people in residential care facilities. Students explore topics such as safety in the home, meal planning and preparation, personal care and hygiene and common health challenges. First Aid, CPR, WHMIS and Food Safe certification is included. Students experience hands-on activities with Elders and will undertake an extensive clinical practicum placement.
In Vancouver the SCEC program leads to the HSA/RCA dual certificate to qualify graduates to work in home care or residential facilities. The Native Education College also offers the Aboriginal Home Support Attendant certificate by special arrangement with Aboriginal communities. The Aboriginal Home Support Attendant certificate is a 4 month program that certifies graduates to provide in-home care and is offered by qualified trainers around BC for home care aides working in First Nations communities.
The Aboriginal RC/HSA and the Aboriginal HSA programs follow the provincial curriculum standard with the same learning outcomes offered at public colleges in BC.
Aboriginal Resident Care/Home Support
Attendant
Dual Certificate Program Content
| Semester I | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| ARC 100 | Work Role: Introduction To ARC/AHSA Practice | 3 |
| ARC 101 | Human Relations - Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| ARC 102 | Health: Lifestyles & Choices | 2 |
| ARC 130 | Health & Healing: Concepts for Practice | 3 |
| ARC 140 | Personal Care Skills for Residential Care/Home Support | 4 |
| ARC 150 | Healing: Special Needs in Residential Care/Home Support | 3 |
| ARC 160 | ARC/AHSA Community Practicum | 12 |
| ARC 170 | ARC/AHSA Clinical Practicum | 10 |
| Total Credits = 40 |
Aboriginal Home Support Attendant
Certificate Program Content
| Semester I | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| AHS 100 | Work Role: Introduction to AHS Practice | 2 |
| AHS 101 | Human Relations – Interpersonal Communications | 3 |
| AHS 102 | Health: Lifestyle & Choices | 2 |
| AHS 103 | Health & Healing: Concepts for Practice | 3 |
| AHS 104 | Personal Care Skills for Home Support | 3 |
| AHS 105 | Healing: Special Needs in Home Support | 2 |
| AHS 106 | AHS Community/Clinical Practicum | 5 |
| Total Credits = 20 |
Course Descriptions
ARC 100
Work Role: Introduction To ARC/AHSA Practice
This course provides an introduction to Community Health Services, the Health Care team and the role of the Home Support/Resident Care Attendant. It provides an overview of the diversity within the Aboriginal community, the elder population and the role of elders, past and present. This course further develops the knowledge, attitude and values required for practice as a Home Support/Resident Care Attendant. Caring is presented as an important value in all Home Support/Resident Care Attendant practice.
ARC 101
Human Relations - Interpersonal Communication
This course focuses on the development of self-awareness and increased understanding of others. Participants will explore basic communication concepts and practical skills that contribute to effective interpersonal relationships. Additionally, this course will provide awareness of the history of Aboriginal people prior to European contact and the effects of colonization. This course will also look at the holistic model and the Medicine Wheel as a tool of healing.
ARC 102
Health: Lifestyles & Choices
This course provides an introduction to the concept of health and the components of a health-enhancing lifestyle. Participants will be invited to reflect on their own experience of health, recognizing challenges and resources that may impact on their lifestyle choices, and consequently, their health.
ARC 130
Health & Healing: Concepts for Practice
This course provides the opportunity to develop a theoretical framework for practice. Participants will examine the significant philosophical beliefs and theoretical understandings underlying competent practice.
ARC 140
Personal Care Skills for Residential Care/Home Support
This practical course offers participants the opportunity to acquire the personal assistance and personal care skills aimed at maintaining and promoting the comfort, safety and independence of older adults in home and in continuing care settings.
ARC 150
Healing: Special Needs in Residential Care/Home Support
This course builds on other course materials to assist participants to explore concepts and approaches applicable to the care of residents experiencing changes in mental functioning.
ARC 160
ARC/AHSA Community Practicum
This practice course provides an opportunity to apply the caring philosophy with older adults in a community setting. Supervised experiences will emphasize the application and integration of knowledge and skills learned in all other courses.
ARC 170
ARC/AHSA Clinical Practicum
This practice course provides an opportunity to apply the caring philosophy with older adults in a clinical setting. Select supervised experiences will emphasize the application and integration of knowledge and skills learned in all other courses. The final transitional practice experience provides an opportunity to the learner to become better prepared to take on the role of the RCA. Opportunities will be provided for the learner to gain increased selfconfidence in the work setting and to become socialized into the work role.
AHS 110
Work Role: Introduction to Home Support
This course provides an introduction to community care, the home support industry and the role of the Home Support Worker. It provides an overview of the diversity within the Aboriginal community, the elder population and the role of elders, past and present. The course also offers the beginning home support practice. Caring is presented as an important value in all Home Support Attendant practice.
AHS 101
Human Relations: Interpersonal Communications
This course focuses on the development of self-awareness and increased understanding of others. Participants will explore basic communication concepts and practical skills that contribute to effective interpersonal relationships. Additionally, this course will provide awareness of the history of Aboriginal people prior to European contact and the effects of colonization. This course will also look at the holistic model and the Medicine Wheel as a tool of healing.
AHS 102
Health: Lifestyle and Choices
This course provides an introduction to the concept of health and the components of a health-enhancing lifestyle. Participants will be invited to reflect on their own experience of health, recognizing challenges and resources that may impact on their lifestyle choices, and consequently, their health.
AHS 103
Health and Healing: Concepts for Practice
This course provides the opportunity to develop a theoretical framework for practice. Participants will examine the significant philosophical beliefs and theoretical understandings underlying competent practice.
AHS 104
Personal Care Skills for Home Support
This practical course offers the opportunity for participants to acquire the basic personal assistance skills in line with the Personal Assistance Guidelines required of the Home Support Attendant.
AHS 105
Healing: Special Needs in Home Support
This course builds on other course materials to provide an introduction to the basic concepts and approaches involved in the care of clients experiencing changes in mental functioning. The course also explores the role of the Home Support Attendant in special needs family situations.
AHS 106
Home Support Attendant: Community/Practical Experience
This practice course provides an opportunity to apply the caring philosophy with individuals and families at various stages of the life cycle. Experience may be obtained in community and institutional settings with an emphasis on the application and integration of knowledge and skills learned in all other courses. Practical experience will be divided into two segments: two weeks in a clinical setting and three weeks in a community setting.
