Care of the Older Person QQI L5

Participant Profile:
This programme module aims to equip the learner with the knowledge, skills and competence to meet the full and holistic needs of older people in a variety of care contexts and to develop an awareness of the increasing needs of older people in the community today. NOTE: This is a classroom based course NOTE: Skills to Advance funding is available for eligible applicants in employment to up skill. Contact mulgravesta@lcetb.ie for more information.

Programme Description:
• 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 different attitudes to ageing and older people. • Discuss the role of the healthcare 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 person’s needs to include physical, social, emotional, psychological, recreational, financial, environmental and spiritual needs. • Explore the role of the healthcare assistant in providing care for older people. • Discuss the issues related to an older person living with mental illness, dementia or any chronic illness • Recognise the individual needs of the dying older person and their families. • Summarise the range of care settings for older people and the members of the multidisciplinary 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. • Discuss 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 multidisciplinary team. • Adapt care practices to meet the needs of older people with cognitive and sensory impairment and physical disabilities. • Examine duties in a way that is respectful to the person’s body after death. • Promote a range of aspects of care for the older person to include empowerment NOTE: A safe level of written and spoken English is required, see English Language requirement at the start of this booklet.