Healthcare Support – Care of the Older Person NR
Objectives of the Programme Module
To facilitate the learner to explore the role and responsibilities of a healthcare assistant in
the provision of total and holistic care for older people in various care settings
To create an awareness in the learner of the importance and relevance of quality assurance
and excellent service in the provision of care for older people.
To enable the learner to demonstrate a range of appropriate verbal and nonverbal skills in
order to meet the communication, social, emotional, intellectual and personal needs of an
older person.
To enable the learner to develop the confidence and care skills including personal reflection
skills required to work with older people.
To assist the learner to develop the academic and vocational language, literacy and
numeracy skills related to Care of the Older Person through the medium of the indicative
content
To enable the learner to take responsibility for his/her own learning
Target Award
QQI Healthcare Support – 5M4339
Start Date: 21-10-2025 Hours/week: 06 Hrs 00 Mins Duration: 8 weeks
NFQ Level 4 or equivalent when accessing a Level 5 programme.
CERFL proficiency at B2 for access to Level 5 courses for those whose first language is not English
Mature learner entry requirements available via the local ETB pathway
Additional requirements may apply to non-EU/EEA Applicants and may be subject to full international fees (Please refer to Information for International Learners)
*Each provider may have additional requirements, not outlined above.
Age Requirements
Minimum statutory school leaving age (16+)
Learning Aptitude
Applicants must have a motivation to learn, an interest in the subject and the ability to acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies set out in the course.
Previous Experience
Applicants must be able to demonstrate a moderate range of knowledge, skills and competencies relevant to the course, be able to work with responsibility and demonstrate the ability to work on their own initiative.
| Module | Award | Body |
|---|---|---|
| Care Of The Older Person 5N2706 | Care of the Older Person (5N2706) | QQI |
1. 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.
2. Discuss the role of the healthcare assistant in promoting positive attitudes to ageing and of
statutory and voluntary agencies in promoting the wellbeing of older people.
3. Examine a range of concepts and practices to include preparation for retirement and the
ethnic and cultural influences on the older person.
4. Explore a range of older person’s needs to include physical, social, emotional, psychological,
recreational, financial, environmental and spiritual needs.
5. Explore the role of the healthcare assistant in providing care for older people.
6. Discuss the issues related to an older person living with mental illness, dementia or any
chronic illness
7. Recognise the individual needs of the dying older person and their families.
8. Summarise the range of care settings for older people and the members of the
multidisciplinary team available in each care setting.
9. Explore a range of specific services that are available for older people, to include education,
lifelong learning, retirement / the workplace and leisure.
10. Discuss current approaches towards developing quality in the provision of services for older
people and their families to include standards and quality assurance.
11. Employ effective communication with the older person, their family and the multidisciplinary team.
12. Adapt care practices to meet the needs of older people with cognitive and sensory
impairment and physical disabilities.
13. Examine duties in a way that is respectful to the person’s body after death.
14. Promote a range of aspects of care for the older person to include empowerment, advocacy,
independence, individualised care, dignity, respect, choice, self-esteem and include family
and carers as partners in care.
15. Give assistance in the identification of how health promotion issues can be promoted in care
settings for older people and in the provision of therapeutic interventions that will enhance
the social interactions and quality of life for the older person.