Stage 1

Care Skills & Care of the Older Person

The purpose of this course is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to care effectively for older people in a variety of healthcare settings while catering for their individual and unique needs and maintaining a safe and hygienic environment.

This course combines the two modules that are currently mandatory for any health care worker at level 5 – Care Skills & Care of the Older Person. As such, it gives the learner a deep understanding of the role of a health care worker. This is achieved by exploring key topics such as the concept of the ageing process, good work practices in the provision of individualised holistic care for older people, how to meet the range of specific of needs of older people in a variety of care settings and how to enhance the quality of life of the older person. This course also addresses the Activities of Daily Living and the correct use of equipment in healthcare settings. Throughout this course learners will also take part in practical demonstrations, illustrating how to assist a client with dressing, grooming, eating and drinking.

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  • Duration

    6 Days (9:30am- 4:30pm) or
    12 Evenings (6pm – 9pm)

  • Fees

    €450

Once you have completed this course you will be able to:

  1. 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 2
  2. Analyse the roles of the health care assistant in promoting positive attitudes to ageing and of statutory and voluntary agencies in promoting the wellbeing of older people
  3. Examine a range of concepts and practices to include preparation for retirement and the ethnic and cultural influences on the older person
  4. Explore a range of older people’s needs to include physical, social, emotional, psychological, recreational, financial, environmental and spiritual needs
  5. Summarise the role of the health care assistant in providing care for older people
  6. Discuss the issues related to an older person with mental illness or dementia and of living with chronic illness
  7. Recognise the individual needs of the dying older person and their families
  8. Summarise the range of the care settings for older people and the members of the healthcare team available in each care setting
  9. Explore a range of specific services that are available for older people to include education, lifelong learning, retirement/the workplace and leisure
  10. Analyse current approaches towards developing quality in the provision of services for older people and their families to include standards and quality assurance
  11. Employ effective communication with the older person, their family and the multi-disciplinary team
  12. Adapt care and practices to meet the needs of older people with cognitive and sensory impairment and physical disabilities
  13. Exercise duties in a way that is respectful to the person’s body after death
  14. 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
  15. 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.
  16. Identify relevant groups of people in need of health care
  17. Examine the physical, emotional, social, psychological and spiritual needs of a range of groups of people, taking into account individual variation
  18. Identify the hygiene needs of dependent clients
  19. Discuss the prevention of pressure sores
  20. Demonstrate knowledge of the correct procedures for the cleaning and replacement of a range of patient equipment
  21. Adapt levels of assistance to the needs of particular clients
  22. Demonstrate a range of interpersonal skills when dealing with clients to include empathy, respect, patience and effective communication skills
  23. Exercise initiative to improve client involvement in social events, outings and occupational therapy and physiotherapy
  24. Contribute to the maintenance of safe and hygienic environments for clients to include the safe disposal of soiled linen
  25. Assist clients with dressing, grooming, eating, drinking, toileting, continence promotion, mobility and where appropriate, social needs
    Apply client safety and security procedures to include appropriate on-site client care procedures for washing, bathing, showering, positioning,
  26. moving and handling
  27. Give assistance that enhances the privacy, dignity, independence and positive self-image of clients in care
  28. Give assistance to clients in the use of a range of care equipment to include sensory equipment, aids to encourage independence and mechanical aids including mobility aids, feeding aids, washing aids, elimination aids and hoists
  29. Report changes in the client’s condition to the relevant Supervisor
  30. Complete client documentation where appropriate.

Elevation Training operates an open admissions policy and welcomes applications from all learners who meet the stated minimum entry requirements for the programme, irrespective of social, cultural and/or educational backgrounds. We communicate in a professional and courteous manner to all those who express an interest in undertaking a programme with us.

All learners entering our programmes are expected to be proficient at reading, researching, understanding, drafting and preparing information, across a broad range of topics. Learners applying to our programmes should have a minimum of a level 4 certificate, or leaving certificate, and/or equivalent qualification. Decisions on admission to a programme are transparent and consistent, and we treat all applicants in a fair and equitable manner.

Applicants who do not meet entry criteria based on previous certified learning achievement may be entitled to be considered based on professional experience, informal or non-formal learning (See Access, Transfer & Progression Policy, ETP 3.03).

Learners, for whom English is not their first language, may be required to provide evidence of their level of English competency. Learners will not be admitted if it is deemed that their level of English proficiency would disadvantage them.

If you would like to discuss these entry requirements in more detail, please contact us on 01 8047333 or [email protected]

If you think you meet these requirements, please complete the application form.

Care of the Older Person:

  1. Assignment 40%
  2. Skills Demonstration 60%

Learners will be expected to complete two written assignments (each weighted at 20%) during self-directed learning time, over the duration of the course. The remaining 60% will be completed through a skill demonstration, practiced and completed, in the classroom setting, towards the end of the course.

Care Skills:

  1. Assignment 40%
  2. Skills Demonstration 60%

Learners will be expected to complete two written assignments (each weighted at 20%) during self-directed learning time, over the duration of the course. The remaining 60% will be completed through a skill demonstration, practiced and completed, in the classroom setting, towards the end of the course.

30 Credits

Major Awards:

Community Health Services 5M4468
https://qsearch.qqi.ie/WebPart/AwardDetails?awardCode=5M4468

Healthcare Support 5M4339
https://qsearch.qqi.ie/WebPart/AwardDetails?awardCode=5M4339

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