Activity Assistant

Program Overview

The Activity Assistant program at College of the Rockies is a part-time, online program designed for Health Care Assistants and Resident Care Aides who want to provide activities for older adults. The program includes courses on the role of an Activity Assistant, activity for well-being, programming activities for clients with dementia, and practicums. Graduates can expect increased employment prospects and the development of skills needed to plan and implement activities for older adults with cognitive and physical challenges.

Program Outline

Outline:

Program Content and Structure:

• The Activity Assistant program at College of the Rockies is a 9-11 month, part-time program delivered fully online, allowing students to continue working while learning.
• It is designed for Health Care Assistants or Resident Care Aides who want to provide individual and/or group activities to their clients.

Course Schedule and Individual Modules:

• PVSS-211 – Framework for Activity Assistant Role
• Assists students in understanding their role as an Activity Assistant.
• Emphasizes the concept of activity and how it influences and is influenced by health, age, interests, values, and environment.
• PVSS-212 – Activity for Well-Being
• Builds on PVSS-211 to help students gain knowledge and skills for effective Activity Assistant roles.
• Emphasizes a client-centered approach and effective communication in planning and implementing activities that promote optimal client well-being, both individually and in groups.
• PVSS-213 – Activity Assistant Practicum 1
• Provides students with an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills from theory courses while working with older adults both individually and in groups.
• PVSS-214 – Programming Activities for Clients with Dementia
• Builds on previous courses, enhancing students' knowledge of dementia, especially Alzheimer's disease.
• Provides ideas and strategies for activity involvement with cognitively impaired clients.
• PVSS-215 – Activity Assistant Practicum 2
• Integrates theory and skills learned during the program.
• Provides 90 hours of supervised practice in a select continuing care facility, adult day program, rehabilitation unit, or retirement residence.
• Focuses on the use of creative problem-solving in planning and implementing activities that maintain or enhance client well-being.

Careers:

• Program graduates can expect increased employment prospects and the development of skills, knowledge, and values needed to plan and implement individual and group activities for older adults with cognitive and physical challenges.
• Due to the aging population, there is a growing demand for resources for the elderly, including Activity Assistants.
• Graduates can enhance their existing healthcare education and experience, becoming specialists in their field.
• They can improve the quality of life for their clients and elderly family members.