Course Profile: Night Care for Older People (1 Day)
Night care is too often regarded as an unimportant element of support; thus marginalising the needs of vulnerable people at night and the learning needs of night staff. This course outlines the range of possible night care needs and the essential skills and working methods that enable an effective response. Learners will benefit from an understanding of how to prioritise the competing tasks of night care work, how to utilise support plans and manage risk during the night and how to maximise good communication between night and day staff to provide the best possible coordinated service.

The course is informed by AGE UK, Alzheimer’s Society, ‘No Secrets’ (2000) & Code of Conduct for SCW.
The course is informed by and provides some underpinning knowledge for
NHS KSF: HWB5.2
CIS: 1, 3, 5, 6, 7
QCF: DEM202, 204, 210, 211, 2013, 2030
 The course is designed for Health & Social Care staff working in residential settings with Older People or People with a higher level of need.
The course will help the organisation deliver CQC Outcomes 1, 2 & 4.
Learning outcomes

By the end of the course learners should understand:

• The overall objective of a night service and expectations of night staff
• The key values regarding Older People-Person Centred Care-what informs us
• What is meant by ‘Boundaries’ and what are appropriate boundaries within a night service
• The potential consequences of poor boundaries for all
• What would be considered to be abuse and how to respond to suspected of actual abuse
• How to get the most from the night handover
• Ensuring good communication to effect an overall coordinated service
• How to plan a shift-a systematic approach
• How to prioritise competing needs and tasks during the night
• The use of Care Plans and Risk Assessments in night time care
• The night time care needs of older service users; typical issues requiring effective responses
• Being aware of potential distress during the night; developing empathy & sensitivity for the person’s experience e.g. fear,
  confusion, wandering, loneliness, illusions, hallucinations, delusions etc
• The Health and Safety responsibilities and the underpinning legislation
• The risks when lone working at night and minimising and managing them
• Responding to emergencies
• The importance of effective record keeping
• Use of Supervision for the night care worker
• How night duty impacts on workers-the need for them to look after themselves
Training methods utilised include Tutor presentations, Small and large group work, Problem solving, Practical exercises, Handouts, Practice studies, PowerPoint, Chalk & Talk