Supporting People as the Age

You can learn more about applying skills related to this issue of Frontline Initiative (FI) in DirectCourse content. DirectCourse is a set of online training products. They focus on inclusion and community support. You can go to the DirectCourse webpage and select a product from the “Curricula” menu to learn more or request a free trial . All DirectCourse products are accredited by the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) . The content can guide you in what you need to know to create great e-badge examples for the NADSP E-Badge Academy (see more below).

Below is a sample of DirectCourse content that relates to this issue of Frontline Initiative.

The College of Direct Support (CDS)

Adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) are living longer than they once did. This means most direct support professionals (DSPs) will support older adults at some point. Understanding changes that are part of aging helps DSPs provide quality support throughout a person’s lifespan. Content in the College of Direct Support (CDS) teaches DSPs to manage changing support needs. CDS explores helping people to plan for their future. Below is a sample of CDS lessons that could be useful to DSPs who support people who are aging.

Supporting Healthy Lives: Living Healthy Lives

As people with IDD live longer, knowing how to support people to make healthier life choices can be part of the DSP’s role. This lesson teaches DSPs how to support people who want to live healthy lives. It explores four areas: mind, body, spirit, and emotional well-being. This content could help learners who are working toward the NADSP E-Badge for Supporting Wellbeing.

Supporting Healthy Lives: Working with Healthcare Professionals

Older adults with IDD may need more support from healthcare professionals. This lesson teaches the value of team cooperation and action in getting quality healthcare for the people you support. The content could help learners earn the NADSP E-Badge for Self-Advocate Ally.

Many people go through physical and cognitive changes as they get older. This lesson explores the ways DSPs can support a person with these transitions. This content could help learners who want to earn the NADSP E-Badge for Ongoing Health Support.

Supporting Older Adults: The Aging of the U.S. Population

Older adults make up a much larger part of the U.S. population today than in the past. This lesson explores concerns people may have later in life. It teaches how these issues can affect disability service systems. Content in this lesson could help learners who are working toward the NADSP E-Badge for Supporting Wellbeing.

The College of Personal Assistance and Caregiving

Content in the College of Personal Assistance and Caregiving (CPAC) teaches the knowledge and skills needed by professionals who work with older adults and people with physical disabilities. This includes personal care assistants, home care providers, and people supporting aging family members. CPAC lessons focus on competencies needed to support people in their homes and communities. CPAC can also be useful for DSPs who are working with people as they get older. CPAC explores the shifting needs that are often part of aging. It also teaches skills specific to conditions such as dementia. A sample of CPAC lessons that could be useful to DSPs and others who support people who are aging is listed below. CPAC is also an accredited education program by the NADSP for the E-Badge Academy certification requirements.

Person-Centered Dementia Caregiving: Providing Person-Centered Dementia Care

The support needs of a person who has dementia will shift over time. Knowing a person’s history and interests can help you explore what is important to them. This knowledge can be used to develop unique approaches for each person. This lesson provides tools DSPs can use to provide person-centered dementia support.

Preparing for the End of Life: Introduction to End-of-Life Issues

Supporting people who are aging often includes helping them plan for later life. This lesson explores common issues and symptoms older adults face toward the end of life. It teaches skills needed to support someone to prepare for a time when they can no longer make decisions about their health or legal matters. Planning can help make sure people have choices about how they want to live at the end of their lives.

NADSP E-Badge Academy (DSP-I, DSP-II, DSP-III, FLS)

The NADSP E-Badge Academy is a way for DSPs and early career FLSs to demonstrate an up-to-date and relevant skill set. E-badges help them highlight their professional achievements and document the value they bring to their employer and the people they support. The DSP badges are aligned directly with the CMS Core Competencies. The FLS badges are aligned with the National Frontline Supervisor Competencies. Learners are enrolled in the E-badge Academy by their employers. Development of e-badges is ongoing, but those currently available are listed in the E-Badge Academy catalog .

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