Care of the Older Person

Course details

This programme module aims to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to meet the full range of needs of older people in a variety of care settings.The Benefits to Learners of this Valuable Qualification

• To understand and demonstrate good work practices in the provision of individualised holistic care for older people,
• To understand the concept of the ageing process and age related issues to include ethnic and cultural influences and the needs of older people,
• To communicate effectively within the care setting,
• To enhance the quality of life and to meet the full range of needs of older of the older person by promoting health and wellbeing and adhering to best practice in relation to the persons dignity, rights and confidentiality,
• To have the skills to adapt the care and practice to meet the needs of older people with sensory impairments,
• To understand the needs of the dying person and the skills relating to respectfully caring for the body after death,
• To assist the learner to develop the academic and vocational language, literacy and numeracy skills related to Care of the Older Person through the medium of the indicative content,
• To enable the learner to take responsibility for his/her own learning.

Requirements:

The requirements for entry to the Care of the Older Person Level 5 Minor Award are, Junior/Leaving Certificate standard or equivalent qualifications or FETAC/QQI Level 4 Certificate and/or relevant life and work experiences.

Garda Vetting
Forus Training is registered with the Garda vetting Unit and is now in a position to offer students a Garda vetting service. There may be a delay in processing applications with the Garda Vetting Unit “ we advise you to complete the form on registration.

The following content will be covered in this course:

• Discuss a range of age related issues to include healthy ageing, global and national demographic trends, the normal physiological and psychological processes of ageing, the social impact of ageing on older people and differing attitudes to ageing and older people
• Analyse the roles of the health care assistant in promoting positive attitudes to ageing and of statutory and voluntary agencies in promoting the well being of older people
• Examine a range of concepts and practices to include preparation for retirement and the ethnic and cultural influences on the older person
• Explore a range of older people’s needs to include physical, social, emotional, psychological, recreational, financial, environmental and spiritual needs
• Summarise the role of the health care assistant in providing care for older people
• Discuss the issues related to an older person with mental illness or dementia and of living with chronic illness
• Recognise the individual needs of the dying older person and their families
• Summarise the range of the care settings for older people and the members of the healthcare team available in each care Setting
• Explore a range of specific services that are available for older people to include education, lifelong learning, retirement/the workplace and leisure
• Analyse current approaches towards developing quality in the provision of services for older people and their families to include standards and quality assurance
• Employ effective communication with the older person, their family and the multi disciplinary team
• Adapt care and practices to meet the needs of older people with cognitive and sensory impairment and physical disabilities
• Exercise duties in a way that is respectful to the persons body after death
• Promote a range of aspects of care for the older person to include empowerment, advocacy, independence, individualised care, dignity, respect, choice, self esteem and include family and carers as partners in care
• Give assistance in the identification of how health promotion issues can be promoted in care settings for older people and in the provision of therapeutic interventions that will enhance the social interactions and quality of life of the older person.

Assessment:

The assessment process includes a combination of module appropriate assessment procedures which will facilitate the assessment of learning outcomes of this course. These methods will include continuous assessment processes such as:
Assessment Format: Project 50% / Skills Demonstration 50%
Project – A project is usually carried out over an extended period of time. Projects may involve research, require investigation of a topic, issue or problem or may involve process such as a design task, a performance or practical activity or production of an artefact or event.
Skills Demonstration – A skills demonstration is used to assess a wide range of practical based learning outcomes including practical skills and knowledge. A skills demonstration will require the learner to complete a task or series of tasks that demonstrate a range of skills.

Accreditation:

FETAC/QQI “ Care of the Older Person Level 5 Minor award
Awarded by – (QQI) Quality & Qualifications Ireland

Progression:

On successful completion of this Care of the Older Person course, the participant will have achieved one of eight modules which lead to a Major Award in Healthcare Support Level 5