CPAC: Healthy Lives
Portfolio Assignments
CPAC: Healthy Lives
Portfolios are a way to demonstrate skill when you cannot be observed in a work environment. They offer organized evidence that you have the right skills, knowledge and attitudes for the job. They can be used for credit-for-prior-learning in academic settings. They can be used by employers as part of a hiring. They can also be a development task that gives structure to employee learning and an opportunity to share that learning. The portfolio options provided may help learners begin a portfolio for the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) Voluntary Credentialing program. Learners will need to submit additional work samples and refinement to complete a credentialing portfolio. You can learn more about portfolio requirements of the NADSP. Go to http://www.nadsp.org. You can download the credentialing guidebook. You can also review the requirements.
The following is a list that relates to the knowledge, skills and attitudes that could be gained through completing this course. These assignments usually show an advanced level of competence (although they can be learning opportunities for new workers, too). They may take several weeks to complete. However, not all of these will apply to every learner's situation. They can also be adapted as needed. You do not have to complete these assignments, but if you do, work samples must maintain the confidentiality of the individuals being supported. You should seek permission from the person you support and any legal substitute decision-maker. Remove any names and identifying information from the original documents. However, you may leave your name on the sample. Reviewers of the portfolio may ask for proof that permission to use the sample was obtained. The following are portfolio options for this course:
Lesson 1: What Does it Mean to be Healthy?
For your portfolio you will research your own family health history by asking your parents about their health, health conditions, and health history, including any health history they know of their parents (that is, your grandparents) or any extended family. If your parents are no longer alive, you will summarize what you know about their health histories. You will document this health history so that at your next doctor’s appointment you can discuss it with your healthcare provider.
Lesson 2: Barriers to Healthcare
For your portfolio reflect on the care that you provide to the person you work for. Identify any barriers to healthcare that you face or have faced in the past. Write down these barriers to care, as well as your thoughts on ways to reduce them.
Lesson 3: Healthcare Visits
For your portfolio you will gather information on one type of vaccine. An example might be the vaccine used for the flu or pneumonia virus. You will find out if there is more than one type of vaccine for the virus and how the vaccine is created. Then write a summary statement that outlines which groups of people should get this particular vaccine and which groups should not. The statement should include possible side effects of the vaccine, when the best time is to get the vaccine, and how often during a person’s life they will need to be vaccinated.
Lesson 4: Common Illnesses
For your portfolio you will research one of the following illnesses or communicable diseases: flu, pneumonia, Hepatitis B, or the sexually transmitted disease human papillomavirus (HPV). You will write a summary of how the illness or disease affects the body, what the symptoms are, who is at risk for it, and when is the best time to get a vaccine for it
Lesson 5: Bowel and Bladder Care
For your portfolio you will do further research on ostomies and catheters and write a summary describing their proper use, care, maintenance and cleaning. The summary will include information on an ileostomy, colostomy, and urostomy as well as intermittent catheterization, a Foley catheter, and a suprapubic catheter.
Lesson 6: Intravenous Catheters
For your portfolio you will research to see if laws in your state allow paid home care workers or family caregivers to help with IV catheter use, care, and cleaning. Specifically, you will find out what the laws are for paid caregivers (including family members), and what the laws are for unpaid family members who help with caregiving duties. When you are finished, write a summary describing what tasks related to catheter use are allowed in your state.
Lesson 7: Feeding Tubes
For your portfolio you will do some research on the different types of foods and liquids that can and cannot be given through a feeding tube. After completing this research summarize in writing what you have learned, as well as any special preparations that are required of these foods and liquids.
Lesson 8: Kidney Problems and Dialysis
For your portfolio you will research either diabetes or hypertension on the Internet or at the library. You will then write a summary describing the chronic condition, its symptoms, how it affects the body and the kidneys specifically, and ways to keep from getting the chronic condition.
Lesson 9: Pain and Pain Management
For your portfolio you will research a common analgesic that is available without a prescription. Search online or go to the drugstore and look at analgesics such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen. After selecting one analgesic, write a summary statement describing the analgesic, common dosage and dosage instructions, the side effects, and how it can be safely used to manage pain.
Lesson 10: Skin Care and Pressure Sores
For your portfolio you will research the term ‘sun protection factor,’ or SPF. You will then write a summary statement that describes what SPF is, the purpose of having SPF ratings, and why wearing sunscreen plays an important part in maintaining healthy skin. Also make sure to describe the difference between a high SPF and a low SPF in your summary statement.
Lesson 11: Breathing and Respiratory Care
For your portfolio you will research sleep apnea and write a brief summary about it. This summary should include a description of sleep apnea, signs and symptoms, what causes it, and treatments for it. This summary should also describe how the treatments for sleep apnea work.
Lesson 12: Chronic Conditions and Diseases
For your portfolio you will go to a bookstore or library or search online to select a cookbook that specializes in diets for people with diabetes. Write a summary statement that describes the foods and ingredients that are typically used for healthy diabetic diets. The summary should also include information on how to prepare and cook meals for a person with diabetes. If you work for a person who has diabetes, you can share this information with that person.
Lesson 13: Heart Diseases
For your portfolio go to a bookstore or library and find a cookbook that focuses on heart-healthy diets. Choose and copy four recipes that you would be able to make on your own. Cook one of these recipes to try for yourself at home. Afterwards, write down some thoughts on what it was like shopping for the meal, cooking it, and eating it. Share this recipe and your experience with the person you work for, even if that person does not have any heart diseases
.Lesson 14: Physical Activity and Exercise
For your portfolio you will plan a weekly exercise schedule for both yourself and the person you work for. This exercise schedule should be based on the recommended federal guidelines for weekly exercise. Make sure to take into account the age and abilities of the person you work for when planning their schedule. Both of the exercise schedules should include suggestions for specific types of exercise or physical activity that can be done, how long they should be done, and their benefits.
Lesson 15: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drugs
For your portfolio you will identify a self-help group for substance abuse such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. Research the group and write a summary statement about the self-help group’s philosophy on addiction, their history and background (including how they were formed), and ways the group helps a person recover from addiction. In the summary make sure to include a description of how this information can be used as a resource if the person you work for is seeking treatment for substance abuse.
Lesson 16: Nutrition and Diet
For your portfolio you will ask the person you work for if you can prepare a food diary for them. If they do not give you permission to do this, make a food diary for yourself. This food diary should track the food you or the person eats on a daily basis. Do this for seven days and then research the nutritional content of the food that was eaten. Include a summary that describes how healthy the diet seems to be, noting foods that you or the person should eat less of or more of. Make sure to include your own future nutritional goals in the summary. If you prepared a food diary for the person you work for, review it and the summary with them. Together, identify future nutritional goals and the steps needed to reach them.
Lesson 17: Medication Safety
For your portfolio you will go to a pharmacy and choose an over-the-counter medication. This could be something like a cold medication or pain reliever. Read the instructions for use of the medication. You will write a summary that describes the medication, what it is used for, how to take it, and dosage. Include any warnings in your summary statement, such as warnings for people with specific health conditions. End the summary of this medication by describing how this knowledge of the medication can help you in your job as a home care worker.
Lesson 18: Complementary Health Approaches
For your portfolio you will go to your local grocery or drug store and visit the section with natural products and supplements. Make a note of all the different products that you could buy. Then, choose at least three natural supplements and read the information on their bottle or packaging. Takes notes on what health conditions they are supposed to treat. Write a summary on each supplement that includes the following: name, suggested use, intended purpose, storage directions, any potential side effects, and cost.
Lesson 19: Mental Health Conditions
For your portfolio you will research one of the following support services or treatment options for mental health conditions: peer support, psychotherapy, residential treatment programs, or mental health wellness programs. Write a summary statement about the service, treatment, or program. This summary should include what types of mental health conditions they treat, what the service, treatment or program does, and how it is supposed to help the person.
Lesson 20: Caregiver Health
For your portfolio you will research at least two different organizations that provide respite care or help with caregiving responsibilities in your community. You might want to look into Adult Day Health Care, Area Agencies on Aging, or other organizations in your community. Write a summary of each one including a description of each organization, the services they provide, and how much it costs. In the summary you should also describe how respite care will help you to reduce the stress from your work and maintain your physical and emotional health.