Supporting Older People-a Person Centred Approach

The needs of people change as we get older and for some people ageing results in considerable physical, social and psychological challenge. The need for respectful and sensitive support increases with these life changes.

This one day course, designed for support workers aims to help the learner to recognise, observe and support these changing needs to enhance the quality of life for service users; using a Person Centred Approach.

The course certificate will provide NVQ and CIS links.

The learning objectives:

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

• The ageing process and changes:
        -social
        -physical
        -psychological
• Mental illnesses often associated with ageing:
        -Dementia
        -Depression
• Bereavement, grief, loneliness/ & isolation-How these may impact on physical and Mental Health
• Common physical Illnesses experienced by Older People
• Medication—effects, positive and negative, side effects
• What contributes to illness and disease
• The development of dependency
• The impact on families/relatives
• How important it is for the support worker to promote independence and why
• What is meant by ‘quality of life’
• The role and responsibility of the support worker
• The need for the support worker to be vigilant
• The safety needs of more fragile Older People
• Relevant legislation
• What is meant by ‘Person Centred’ care and support
• How this is different to traditional approaches
• Why we cannot apply pure Person Centred theory
• Service user’s rights
• Resources

Training Methods:

• Overhead presentations & where appropriate, PowerPoint
• Chalk and Talk
• Role Play
• Group discussion
• Smaller group work
• Pairs work
• Word shower method
• Question and answer sessions
• Handouts

CP79/4.9