Aspects of Ageing-age related physical conditions

Age related conditions generally manifest themselves over a period of time; thus the needs and independence of people changes.

This one day course designed for support workers aims to help them to recognise, observe and take positive action to support these changing needs in order to maximise and enhance the service user’s quality of life.

Learning objectives:

By the end of the course the learner should be able to understand:

• The process of ageing—what social, psychological, financial changes may occur that impact on health
• How the process of bereavement/depression/isolation can impact on health
• How life style can cause illness and disease
• How physical impairments may impact on health:
        -hearing
        -sight
        -mobility
• A variety of age related conditions and the impact these may have on the person:
        - Parkinson’s disease
        -Diabetes
        -Heart and respiratory failure
        -Rheumatoid arthritis
        -Osteoporosis
        -Stroke and transient ischemic attacks
        -Bowel abnormalities
        -Urinary tract infections
• What is meant by ‘quality of life’
• Society’s attitude to ageing and how older people’s health needs may be marginalised
• The changing care and support needs and levels of dependency
• The role and responsibilities of the support worker
• The limitations of the role and when to refer on
• Who/where to refer to
• Observation, awareness and understanding of the specific needs of the service user
• What is meant by Person Centred care and what this means in practice
• How to promote and encourage independence during the ageing process
• The use of Medication—positive and negative
• The safety needs—the impact of change with ageing
• The importance and relevance of Risk Assessment
• Relevant legislation and professional guidelines
• The importance of understanding the referral process (incl. emergencies)
• Service user’s rights

Training methods:

• Tutor presentations
• Role play
• OHP/PowerPoint presentation
• Group work
• Discussions
• Case scenarios
• Handouts
• Chalk & talk

CP11/4.9