Edexcel Level 3 BTEC Nationals in Health and Social Care

UNIT 28: CARING FOR OLDER PEOPLELearners need to be aware of the impact of cultural differences on attitudes to olderpeople, and be prepared to support good practice from other cultures and otherlifestyle choices where appropriate. Above all, learners should be encouraged tounderstand the role of the carer in the support of patients and service users towardsa realistic but positive view of ageing.Legislation and guidance have been introduced in a number of other units. For thisunit, learners could do some individual internet research to look at the legislationwith the particular focus on older people.AssessmentThe nature of this unit is such that it could be assessed holistically by means of oneassignment. Evidence for much of the unit could be in the written form, with the useof case studies as a basis for evidence of understanding. Learners may be able toevidence some criteria through observation at their work experience placements, orthrough role play, with supporting descriptions and witness testimonies.For P1 a piece of writing that describes the difficulties in defining ‘older people’ willbe suitable evidence. For M1 this needs to be expanded to explain why there aredifficulties in defining the term ‘older people’. This could include consideration ofpositive and negative attitudes to ageing, cultural differences to ageing, ageism,changes in pensionable retirement age, and the impact of improvements in healthcare.For P2, learners need to describe one sociological/psychological and one biologicaltheory of ageing, which need to be compared for M2. For D1, learners need to beable to apply the knowledge, understanding and skills developed in class to healthand social care settings, and use examples to evaluate the two theories of ageing.They could draw upon reflective accounts from their work experience placements forthis, ensuring that confidentiality is respected. Evidence for these criteria should linkto, extend or supplement that provided for Unit 4: Development Through the LifeStages.For P3, a piece of writing is needed to explain potential effects of changes indemography on the older person, though this could be based on case studies.For P4 and M3, learners could draw upon specific interactions with respect to thefactors that may influence ageing. The impact of lifestyle on ageing should coverfactors such as nutrition, exercise and mental activity as well as the value of apositive attitude to ageing. When considering degenerative diseases, the physical,social and emotional impact of the diseases on the individual should be included. Atleast two diseases should be included here.Evidence is then needed for the role of the care worker. For P5 and M4, learnerscould use case studies as the basis of a piece of writing on the role of the careworker in supporting older people. For D2, learners need to use examples to evaluatethe role of the care worker in supporting older people, including choice andindependence in lifestyle, and in the support of patients and service users to managechange. Learners should also consider the problems of over protection by carers andthe impact on older people’s confidence and self-esteem, balanced against the needfor safety. The carer’s role in supporting the quality of life should cover choice,respect, motivation, self-esteem and planning for change, as well as choices at theend of life.BN018467 – Specification – Edexcel Level 3 BTEC Nationals in Health and Social Care– Issue 1 – February 2007 © Edexcel Limited 2007363