vcc.ca
HRCA 2110: Common Health Challenges 3: Older Adults
Effective date
May 2026
Department
Health Care Assistant Int'l
School
Health Sciences
Description
This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the health and wellbeing of older adults. Students will learn to perform detailed head to toe observations for common health challenges across various body systems. The curriculum highlights the importance of evidence informed research in guiding therapeutic interventions and care giving practices as well as understanding the diagnostics procedures used to support evidence based decision making. Additionally the course explores diverse therapeutic and caregiving practices including holistic, complementary and alternative approaches to ensure culturally safety and sensitive therapies and practices that respect and honor the diverse backgrounds and needs of older adults.
Credits
3.0
Year of study
2nd Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
HRCA 1220.
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Analyze the determinants of health and their impact on the dimensions of health and wellbeing of older adults.
- Describe head to toe observations required for older adults with common health challenges related to each body system.
- Discuss the importance of evidence informed research in guiding both therapeutic interventions and caregiving practices.
- Explain diagnostic procedures and how they support evidence based decision making.
- Discuss diverse practices in therapeutic interventions and caregiving practices including traditional, complimentary and alternative approaches.
- Discuss how to integrate culturally safe and sensitive care practices into daily routines and caregiving activities to ensure that the diverse backgrounds and unique needs and preferences of older adults are respected and honored.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 40
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 20
Total Hours: 60
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 20
Total Hours: 60
Instructional Strategies
Lecture
Group Activities
Simulation
Online Activities
Group Activities
Simulation
Online Activities
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
C+
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Quizzes/Tests |
25 |
Quizzes |
|
Assignments |
25 |
|
|
Assignments |
25 |
|
|
Exam |
25 |
Final Exam |
Course topics
- Dimensions and Determinants of Health for Older Adults Head to Toe Observations for Common Health Challenges in Older Adults Evidence based practice and best practice standards (including diagnostic procedures) Traditional, complementary and alternative practices Culturally safe and sensitive care
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.