Care of the Elderly

Overview

Framework:
RQF
Level:
Level 2
Unit No:
H/618/3793
Credits:
3
Guided learning hours:
24 hours

Assessment Guidance

Portfolio of Evidence

Aim

The aim of this unit is to consider different conditions that may affect older people and different types of support they may need. The unit also considers different ways of communicating effectively with older people particularly if they have difficulty hearing.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1

Know about the ageing process.

Assessment Criteria

  • 1.1

    Describe the physical, psychological, social and emotional changes that an individual may experience as a result of ageing.

    1.1: Physical, psychological, social and emotional changes, for example:

    physical:

    • changes to bones, joints and cartilage

    psychological:

    • significant life changes, for example, death of partner, family leaving home, financial concerns, fear of losing independence

    social and emotional:

    • loneliness
    • isolation
    • depression
    • fear of ill health and subsequent consequences
  • 1.2

    Describe how the ageing process may affect the support needs of an individual.

    1.2: How the ageing process may affect the support needs of an individual, for example:

    • greater need for support services as the person gets older, for example, equipment, personnel
    • different types of support services, for example, assisted living, residential care
2

Know about conditions affecting older people.

Assessment Criteria

  • 2.1

    Identify common conditions affecting older people.

  • 2.2

    Describe the key features of different conditions and the affect they may have on older people.

    2.2: Key features of different conditions, for example:

    arthritis:

    • inflammation of joints
    • inability to lift objects
    • loss of mobility

    chronic heart disease:

    • breathlessness
    • irregular heartbeat
    • difficulty walking at speed or up hill

    dementia:

    • confusion
    • memory loss
    • uncharacteristic behaviour
  • 2.3

    Outline the support needs of individuals with different conditions commonly affecting older people.

    2.3: Support needs, for example:

    • medication
    • controlled diet
    • part-time or full-time care
    • aids to help maintain independence
3

Know how to communicate with older people.

Assessment Criteria

  • 3.1

    Outline different strategies for ensuring that older people can hear and understand what is being said to them.

    3.1: Strategies, for example:

    • finding out if they use aids to help
    • if they use aids, make sure the aid is working and switched on
    • be in front of the person as they may also lip-read
    • speak clearly, but there is no need to shout if the aid is working
    • avoid patronising the older adult by the way you speak
    • give visual clues to help them understand and remember what has been said 
  • 3.2

    Describe ways to support older people to communicate their wishes, opinions or requests.

    3.2: Ways to support, for example:

    • giving them time to ask questions or share their thoughts
    • avoid interrupting them as they may lose their train of thought
    • encourage them through appropriate use of body language
4

Know about person-centred practice in caring for older people.

Assessment Criteria

  • 4.1

    Outline the values of person-centred care.

    4.1: Values of person-centred care, for example:

    • individuality
    • choice
    • independence
    • rights
    • privacy
    • dignity
    • respect
    • partnership
  • 4.2

    Give examples how a care worker can use these values in supporting an individual.