Unit 1: Care provision

• Specific groups in need care in the community:
  • children
  • adolescents
  • adults
  • older people
  • people with special needs
• Meeting physical needs of the various groups
• Meeting emotional needs of the groups
• Meeting social needs of the groups
• Meeting intellectual needs
• Describing a typical daily routine of the above groups taking individuals needs and wishes into account, while meeting the various needs of specific individuals
• Role of the specialists working with the statutory agencies:
  • public health nurses
  • social workers
  • dieticians
  • occupational therapists
  • welfare officers, etc
• Role of the specialists working in the voluntary agencies

Unit 2: The care worker

• Understanding the role of the care worker with the specific groups
• Awareness of the feelings of the clients, relatives, families and other work colleagues in the various home situations
• The importance of good communications skills and the development of communication skills that are vital when caring in the home situation
• Identifying and developing caring qualities that are necessary with the various client groups:
  • understanding
  • empathy
  • kindness
  • patience

Unit : Care practice

• Total client care in the context of daily living
• Hygiene needs:
  • general hygiene
  • oral care
  • hair and nail care
  • skin care
• The importance of observing and reporting observations
• Elimination needs:
  • promoting continence
  • managing incontinence
• Eating and drinking - importance of a good balance diet and fluid intake
• Meal planning - importance of meals-on-wheels for clients living alone
• Breathing
• Sleeping
• Dressing
• Use of the various aids to assist independent living:
  • hoist
  • chair lifts
  • baths/shower chairs
  • walking aids
  • pressure relieving aids/devices
• Prevention of pressure sores
• Promoting activities from both a therapeutic and social perspective for clients

Component Certificate in Care Provision and Practice (FETAC Level 5)

Certificate in Care Provision and Practice (The College of Progressive Education)

• To extend carers’ knowledge and understanding of issues affecting the ageing population and the lives of individual older people
• To enhance the skills and practical abilities of both informal carers and workers with older people
• To facilitate carers in building confidence in themselves and the value of their work
• To learn about and understand the roles of other professionals and non-professional carers
• To be aware of statutory and voluntary care provision

There are no specific entry requirements. Minimum age is 17 years.

Learners must also be capable of undertaking assessment work to Ordinalry Level Leaving Certificate standard.

International learners undertaking this course should have confidence in their English language, reading, writing and comprehension skills and have at least a 5 IELTS score or equivalent

It is recommended, though not essential, that learners obtain at least 20 hours work experience caring for an older person during the programme.

Nursing homes/hospitals will require learners to have completed a manual handling course before being accepted on work experience. (A list of contacts is available on request) They will also require students to be vaccinated against Hepatitis B

Skills Demonstration - 40%

Two assignments - 60%

FETAC Level 5 Health Support Certificate (DHSXX)

Practical Home Care Skills - FETAC Level 5 Component Certificate

Care Worker

Family support member

12 weeks (one evening per week) and 2 saturdays