This is a practical programme with lots of interaction and the opportunity to network with other people in similar circumstances. There will be time for questions and opportunities to explore how to benefit from caring for the older person and how to minimise difficulties. There is an emphasis on looking after yourself, as well as your client. We explore the many facets of well being, including mental, physical, emotional and spiritual. There will also be opportunities to discuss the specific topics to interest to the group, but not included in the course syllabus. Whether you are caring for a family member in the home or you are working, or intend to work, as a Health Care Assistant, you will find this programme to be particularly beneficial.

Unit 1: The ageing process

• Health ageing
• Awareness of national and global demographic trends
• The normal physiological process of ageing
• The normal psychological process of ageing
• The social impact of ageing on older people
• Differing attitudes to ageing and older people
• Promoting positive attitudes to ageing
• Role of statutory and voluntary agencies in promoting the well-being of older people
• Preparation for retirement
• Appreciation of the ethnic and cultural influences on the older person

Unit 2: Care settings

• Identify the care settings for older people
• Identify members of the health care team available in each care setting
• Identify a range of specific services that are available for older people in the areas of education, life long learning, the workplace, leisure and retirement
• Current approaches towards developing quality in the provision of services for older people and their families to include standards and quality assurance

Unit 3: Working with the older person

• Range of needs of older people: emotional, psychological, secretarial, financial, environmental and spiritual
• The role of the health care assistant in providing care for older people
• Communicate effectively with the older person, his/her family and the multidisciplinary team
• Promote the following in caring for the older person: advocacy; empowerment; independence; individualised care; dignity; respect; choice; self-esteem
• Understand the importance of family/carers as partners
• Strategies to improve personal effectiveness in the workplace
• How health promotion issues can be introduced in care settings for older people
• Provision of therapeutic interventions that will enhance social interactions and quality of life of the older person

 Unit 4: Caring for older people with specific needs

• Identify and adapt care and practices to meet the needs of older people with cognitive and sensory impairment and/or physical disabilities
• Issues related to an older person with mental illness
• Issues related to an older person with dementia
• The impact of living with chronic illness
• Individual needs of the dying person and their families
• Performance of duties in a way that is respectful to the person’s body after death

Component Certificate in Care of the Older Person (FETAC Level 5)

Certificate in Care of the Older Person (The College of Progressive Education)

This course is designed for individuals with an interest in caring for older people, but it is of particular relevance to carers working with or planning to work with the elderly. This is an area of considerable growth in employment, whether in nursing homes, day care centres or in a client's own home. Family members caring for elderly relatives will also benefit from this programme. For learners whp wish to complete the FETAC Healthcare Support Certificate (major award DHSXX) this is one the elective modules.

• Demonstrate good work practices in the provision of individualized holistic care for older people
• Understand the concept of the ageing process
• Be able to meet the full range of needs of older people in a variety of care settings
• Enhance the quality of life of the older person

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.

Skills Demonstration - 60%

Work based project - 40%

FETAC Level 5 Health Support Certificate (DHSXX)

Practical Home Care Skills - FETAC Level 5 Component Certificate

Care Worker

Family support member

10 evenings one per week and 2 saturdays