An Approach That Takes Each Person's Abilities Into Account

Some people may experience difficulties with memory, attention, orientation, or understanding. These challenges may be related to aging, illness, a traumatic brain injury, or other conditions that affect cognitive functioning.

Patient Service Associates or Orderlies adapt their approach to provide safe, respectful assistance suited to each person's abilities.

Supporting people with a variety of needs is an important part of CDI College's Support for Assistive Services in Health and Social Services Institutions – 5905 DVS program, in which students develop the skills needed to assist diverse populations in a range of situations.

Understanding Before Providing Assistance

Cognitive challenges affect each person differently.

Some people may need more time to understand instructions or remember the steps involved in an activity of daily living. Others may need additional cues to help them stay oriented in time or place.

Patient Service Associates take the time to observe and understand the situation so they can adapt their approach while respecting the person's abilities.

Adapting Communication to the Person

Communication plays an essential role when supporting people living with cognitive challenges.

Patient Service Associates use clear, simple language, provide one instruction at a time, calmly explain what they are doing, and take the time to make sure the person understands.

This approach can create a more reassuring environment and help build a relationship based on trust.

👉 Learn more: Why Do Patient Service Associates Need Strong Communication Skills?

Building on the Abilities That Remain

Even when someone experiences cognitive challenges, they often retain many abilities. For example, they may still be able to choose their clothes, participate in meals, or complete certain steps of their personal hygiene routine.

Patient Service Associates encourage people to participate in activities they can still perform, at their own pace and according to their abilities.

This approach helps maintain independence and can support a person's self-esteem.

👉 Learn more: How Do Patient Service Associates Help People Maintain Their Abilities?

Skills Developed During Training

CDI College's Support for Assistive Services in Health and Social Services Institutions – 5905 DVS program prepares students to adapt their approach when supporting people with different needs and circumstances.

Through courses, hands-on labs, and practicums, students develop the skills needed to observe people's needs, adapt their communication, and provide assistance suited to each person's abilities.

This training prepares them to work professionally in a variety of settings throughout the health and social services network.

A Profession Built Around a Personalized Approach

Cognitive challenges do not define a person.

Patient Service Associates take an approach that recognizes each person's abilities, respects their pace, and encourages their participation whenever possible.

This person-centred approach helps ensure that assistance is provided with respect, compassion, and understanding.

Explore Further

👉 Why Do Patient Service Associates Need to Adapt Their Approach to Each Person?

👉 Why Do Patient Service Associates Need to Build Trust With the People They Support?

👉 Why Do Patient Service Associates Play Such an Important Role in Residential Care?

👉 Learn More About CDI College's Support for Assistive Services in Health and Social Services Institutions – 5905 DVS Program