Mental Health First Aid Supporting Older Adults (Virtual)

Course participants will learn how to:

Recognize signs that an older adult may be experiencing a decline in their mental well-being or a crisis.

Have conversations that encourage an older adult to:

- talk about declines in their mental well-being

- discuss professional and other supports that could help with recovery

- reach out to these supports and assist with helpful actions in a mental health or substance use crisis

use MHFA actions to maintain one’s own mental well-being.

Topics:

The Mental Health First Aid Action Plan

Things that a first aider needs to know to help an older adult:

- The relationship between mental health problems and aging

- Signs of declining mental well-being and of crisis situations

- Helpful resources for older adults living with a mental health and/or substance use problem and the people who care for these individuals

- How to communicate effectively with older adults, including those from marginalized populations

- Roles and responsibilities of people who assist an older adult

Applying MHFA actions to:

- Common disorders: anxiety, depression, or substance use problems

- Crisis situations: suicidal thoughts and behaviours, onset of dementia, reaction to a traumatic event, or severe effects from substance use.

Method of Instruction:

Module 1: Self-Directed e-learning (takes 1-2 hours)

• Introduction to the course

• Introduction to MHFA actions

Module 2: Virtual Classroom

• Practice applying MHFA actions to situations of declining mental well-being

• Guidelines for MHFA conversations with people from diverse cultures and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community

Module 3: Virtual Classroom

• Discussion on using MHFA actions for self-care

• Practice using MHFA actions in crisis situations

Modules 2 and 3 will be held on:

May 23rd ,2024, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

May 24th, 2024, 9:00am - 1:00pm

Important Information:

When you register, you are automatically registered for the second day.

To attend this virtual training course (via Zoom), you must have access to the internet, a working camera, a microphone, and speakers or headphones.

Access information for the e-learning module will be sent to your email address within 5-business days of your registration.

Module 1 must be completed in full in order to receive access to the Zoom links.

Participants can expect to spend approximately 1-2 hours completing this portion of the program.

You must submit Proof of Completion to the RLC via the email below no later than 48 hours prior to the start time of the first virtual classroom module.

info@regionallearingcentre.ca

PLEASE READ BEFORE REGISTERING:

Do not register if you are unable to complete module 1 before the Zoom sessions.

Please note that a printed copy of the manual is NOT included with your registration, however, you will be able to download the PDF of the reference guide (manual) from the e-learning website once you have registered. A PDF of the reference guide will also be sent to all registered participants.

If you would like to purchase a reference guide (manual) you can do so via the e-learning platform.

Please note:

If a participant does not complete Module 1 of the course by the specified deadline, then that participant is not eligible for a refund and their registration is non-transferable.

REFUND POLICY

Refunds will not be provided in the following circumstances:

· ‘No shows’ (defined as individuals registered for a training session, workshop or course who do not attend the training and do not submit a cancellation to the RLC education team)

· Participants who have already received course materials such as MHFA e-learning keys.

In the event that a course is cancelled by the Regional Learning Centre, registrants who have already received course materials (e-learning keys/access) are not eligible to receive a refund, but can use the fees towards the same session in the future within one year of the cancelled course.