Unit : Relating to the client

• Facilitate diversity of lifestyle, culture and religion of clients
• Respect and understand confidentiality and its limitations in relation to client information
• Effects of dependence on clients and carers
• Client autonomy, involvement, choice
• Awareness of individuality of client
• Protect privacy and dignity of client
• Understanding the care needs of client
• Caring for client’s property

Unit 2: Reflection and development

• Need for personal planning and growth
• Identify personal strengths and areas of development as a care worker
• Accept guidance and direction from others where appropriate
• How personal beliefs and attitudes may influence care work
• Personal experience in care work
• Improving personal effectiveness

Unit 3: Working with others

• Respect diversity of lifestyle, religion and culture in working with others
• Adapt to different working environments
• Work effectively as part of a team
• Interpersonal skills in care work
• Interactions with client’s family
• Communication skills
• Responsibilities of members of the health care team

Unit 4: Working in care

• The structure and function of the health care service in Ireland
• Members of primary, secondary and tertiary health care teams
• Promote current health care information in the care setting
• The importance of reporting appropriate client information
• Job description for Health Care Assistant

Component Certificate in Care Support (FETAC Level 5)

Certificate in Care Support (The College of Progressive Education)

This course is designed to meet the needs of people working or planning to work in a care setting.
This course aims to address the problems faced by carers in assisting clients and family members to adapt to the changes that age, ill health or disability brings, with the goal of helping them achieve the best possible quality of life while respecting the diversity in lifestyle, religion and culture of the individual.

For learners who wish to complete the FETAC Healthcare Support Certificate (major award DHSXX) this module is mandatory.

• Develop confidence in the carers and in the value of their work
• Recognise the responsibilities and entitlements of a care worker
• Promote the necessity of good practice and good communication skills
• Show the importance of working as part of a team

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

Learners must obtain an Irish Heart Foundation Heart Saver CPR Certificate, or equivalent, as a requirement for the course.

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

Assignment - 30%

Learner record - 70%

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