Course Description:
This course is designed to equip both formal and informal caregivers of individuals with Huntington’s Disease (HD) with the essential knowledge and skills for providing comprehensive care. While each Huntington Academy course focuses on a specific aspect of HD care provision, it’s important to recognize that HD challenges should be approached in a holistic way. As a result, many of the Huntington Academy courses are interconnected, with overlapping content that reinforces a comprehensive approach to care.
This course explores the critical role of psychologists in supporting individuals and families affected by HD. It highlights the importance of providing personalized psychological support, fostering communication, and managing crisis situations. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the impact of HD on family dynamics and helping caregivers navigate emotional challenges. Practical strategies for assessment, intervention, and enhancing quality of life will be covered.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the critical role of psychologists in the multidisciplinary care of individuals with HD and their families across all disease stages.
- Develop skills to support individuals through genetic counseling and help families navigate the implications of a potential HD diagnosis.
- Learn effective communication strategies for discussing HD within the family, addressing emotions and concerns at different phases of the disease.
- Explore the unique psychological challenges during the prodromal stage of HD, and develop early intervention strategies to support individuals with HD and families.
- Identify specific psychological, behavioural, and cognitive challenges in early, mid, and late-stage HD, and implement care strategies for each stage.
- Acquire strategies to manage common psychiatric and cognitive symptoms associated with HD, such as depression, anxiety, irritability, and apathy.
- Gain a deeper understanding of the importance of self-care for caregivers and develop practical advice to support their emotional and physical well-being.
- Understand the key features to become an expert in HD care.
- Learn from personal testimonies of HD family members and healthcare professionals to better understand the human impact of HD and effective care strategies.