CAL ACE

Learner

← Back to catalog
Common Geriatric Illnesses

Late-Life Depression: Recognition and Supportive Care

Learn the CNA's role in recognizing and supporting residents with depression — understanding depression as a treatable medical illness (not normal aging), recognizing its signs including masked and atypical presentations in elders, supporting through engagement and connection, recognizing suicide-warning signs and responding correctly (take seriously, stay with the resident, report immediately, never promise secrecy), and reporting faithfully. CNAs do not diagnose depression, provide therapy or clinical counseling, or give or adjust medications.

1h1 Online CE hourintermediateCAL ACE Faculty

Overview

Learn the CNA's role in recognizing and supporting residents with depression — understanding depression as a treatable medical illness (not normal aging), recognizing its signs including masked and atypical presentations in elders, supporting through engagement and connection, recognizing suicide-warning signs and responding correctly (take seriously, stay with the resident, report immediately, never promise secrecy), and reporting faithfully. CNAs do not diagnose depression, provide therapy or clinical counseling, or give or adjust medications.

Course curriculum

What you'll learn

A structured path from your first lesson through certificate-ready completion — designed for busy California CNAs.

1h
3 modules
12 lessons
1 Online CE hour

Skills & knowledge gained

  • Recognize that depression is a treatable illness, not normal aging.
  • Identify its signs, including the hidden ones.
  • Support a depressed resident.
  • Recognize and respond to suicide-warning signs.
  • Know your scope — what a CNA does, and what a CNA must never do.

Your learning path

  1. Understanding Late-Life Depression

    4 lessons · ~20 min

  2. Recognition, Prevention, and CNA Role

    4 lessons · ~20 min

  3. Action, Judgment, and Application

    4 lessons · ~20 min

  4. Certificate of completion

    Pass the final exam and active participation requirements to earn your CE certificate.

Module breakdown

Module 1

Understanding Late-Life Depression

  • Introduction
  • Terms & Definitions
  • Statistics
  • Fundamentals

Module 2

Recognition, Prevention, and CNA Role

  • Signs & Symptoms
  • Causes
  • CNA Role & Best Practices
  • Prevention & Risk Reduction

Module 3

Action, Judgment, and Application

  • Scenario & Reporting
  • CNA's Role in Care
  • Case Study
  • Conclusion

Course outline

Module 1: Understanding Late-Life Depression

  1. 1. Introduction5 min
  2. 2. Terms & Definitions5 min
  3. 3. Statistics5 min
  4. 4. Fundamentals5 min

Module 2: Recognition, Prevention, and CNA Role

  1. 1. Signs & Symptoms5 min
  2. 2. Causes5 min
  3. 3. CNA Role & Best Practices5 min
  4. 4. Prevention & Risk Reduction5 min

Module 3: Action, Judgment, and Application

  1. 1. Scenario & Reporting5 min
  2. 2. CNA's Role in Care5 min
  3. 3. Case Study5 min
  4. 4. Conclusion5 min

Provider & completion requirements

Provider: CAL ACE Nursing Academy

CAL ACE Nursing Academy · support@cna.school · (408) 256-0763

To earn your certificate

  • Sign in with your learner account
  • Complete interactive lesson content (50 minutes active participation for 1 Online CE hour)
  • Pass the final course exam
  • Submit the learner attestation before your certificate is issued

Support: support@cna.school

$3.75

Not enrolled

Eligible for 1-year or 2-year unlimited plans