KEY POINTS:
THE QUALIFICATION
The Course: The National Certificate in Support of the Older Person Level 3
Where: Careerforce (Community Support Services Industry Training Organisation)
Phone: 03 371 9295 or 0800 277 486 or fax 03 371 9285
Email: enquiries@cssito.org.nz
Web: cssito.org.nz
Course fees: $250 - $700 depending on provider.
Hourly rates: Hourly rates vary depending on employer, averaging $10.25 to $14.50 per hour, once course is completed.
THE JOB
Training for caregivers of the elderly helps ensure our aging relatives or friends are getting good care in a safe environment. The industry training organisation, Careerforce, contracts the National Certificate in Support of the Older Person training out to various providers. The certificate includes modules on support and assistance of the elderly with particular physical needs. It also covers understanding and dealing with dementia and care for elderly that are terminally ill.
The dementia unit standards include information on dementia-related confusion and ways to support family as well as patients. The section on terminally ill elderly includes topics such as ways to support the person and their family and legal requirements around death.
Trainees also learn first aid and effective communication skills with the elderly. Depending on where they're working, trainees then undertake residential care or community care modules.
Somervale (see below) is using the Health Ed Trust ACE programme which involves a trainer on sit. Other options include sending staff off site for training or full time study at a polytechnic.
Some of this training can cross credit to level four national certificates in diversional therapy or human services.
THE GRADUATE
Heisun Ko
Metlifecare Somervale
Senior Caregiver
Most of our residents are between 80 and 100 years old. I help them live life as well as possible by helping them shower, toilet, dress, have meals and engage with others.
I originally started working in a rest home to improve my English after coming from Korea nine years ago. Once I started looking after old people I felt very sympathetic towards them. I realised I wanted to do more to help them, so I started the certificate.
It has taught me a lot about understanding elderly people physically and mentally. The dementia module has been most helpful. I put that knowledge into practice every day here because most of our residents have at least partial dementia and are often distracted or confused. Through the course I've learned not to argue about something I know they've not done, like have breakfast. Instead I chat and distract them and then suggest breakfast. That usually works well.
I study the modules at home and discuss them with my manager before doing the assessment. My manager assesses the practical modules when I think I'm ready.
After completing the dementia module, I was promoted to senior caregiver and got a pay increase.
THE EMPLOYER
Karen Campbell
Regional clinical coordinator
Metlifecare Somervale
Somervale has 40 residents; 22 in hospital and 18 in the rest home. Heisun is one of 36 caregivers, working with 12 registered nurses and four enrolled nurses. The first point of contact for the resident and their family is the care giver and the registered nurse.
The course helps caregivers understand the standards and regulations set down by the Ministry of Health. It emphasises the rights of residents, their needs and how to respond in different situations. It also covers the role of the family and the care giver.
The reasons why practical care should be provided in a certain way are also covered, such as putting a resident's weaker arm into his shirt first.
The course improves the caregivers' assessment skills and confidence in reporting to the person in charge. For example, certain behaviours suggest a urine tract infection. A knowledgeable caregiver will recognise that behaviour and feel confident about checking through a urine test, then discussing how to treat it with a registered nurse. This kind of input really increases job satisfaction.
The dementia section is important. They learn about the behavioural problems, effects of dementia and how to give person centred care.
A number of our staff have done stage one and quite a few, like Heisun, have done the dementia section.
It is a good course because caregivers study at their own pace and we set up groups for those who find it easier to work together. They know the topics, but sometimes find the theoretical side challenging.
