Course Title: Care for the Elderly Theory & Practice Course
Course Code: LAS1101
Credits: 14ECTS
Level of qualification: Award at Level 5
Accreditation Body: University of Malta
Commencement: Twice a year (February/September)
Mode of Attendance: Full-time / Part Time (depending on the public response)
Mode of Delivery: Face to Face Lectures, case scenarios with simulation practice, clinical practice and discussions
Programme Duration: 17 weeks
Target Audience: Age 16+
Language: English/Maltese
Venue: The Training Centre, SVP

Aim & Overview of course

The overall objective of this course is to enable students to acquire the knowledge, understanding and practical skills to support health care professionals and to be able to work effectively within the long-term care settings for care of the Elderly.

The theoretical and practical components are designed to develop the student’s ability to enable him/her to work within a person-centred care approach aimed at providing and maintaining the physical, emotional, cognitive and social well-being of the elderly.

Requirements

Applicants should be 16 years of age and above and finished the secondary school. Applicants should be in a possession of a good police conduct and have a school leaving certificate.  Motivation to follow is the key for all our successful students. Literate in Maltese and English.

Registration Method

Applicants are required to submit their application form in Maltese/English at the Training Centre Main Office or by mail on training-centre.svp@gov.mt

Contact the Training Centre on 22912473/22912485 for further queries or by sending mail on  training-centre.svp@gov.mt

Fees

A fee of Eur75 is applicable.

Learning Outcomes

This unit equips students with knowledge and a range of skills in order to support other health care professionals and be able to work effectively within the long-term care setting for care of the Elderly. Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:

• Provide person centred care and assist with day-to-day tasks, such as assisting the elderly with their daily living activities;
• Provide care by maintaining and developing the maximum independence level and quality of life of each individual resident or client;
• Use an informed problem-solving approach to provide care and assistance to clients and families;
• Provide care and assistance for clients/residents experiencing cognitive and/or mental health challenges;
• Interact with other members of the multidisciplinary team;
• Communicate clearly, accurately and effectively with clients/residents and families
• Accomplish the required competencies in a reflective, responsible, accountable and professional manner.

Career and Education Opportunities

• Work as a qualified carer in Malta & Gozo
• This course is a stepping stone to further studies in either Health Sciences, Community Services or Applied Sciences.

Structure of Programme

• Module 1: The role of the care assistant within the Multidisciplinary team
• Module 2: Geriatric Care
• Module 3: Communication
• Module 4: Nutrition in the Elderly
• Module 5: Infection, prevention and control
• Module 6: Health and Safety at the workplace
• Module 7: Acute Care, Long term care and community care
• Module 8: Caring for Persons with Dementia
• Module 9: Clinical skills
• Module 10: Clinical Placements

Hours of Total Learning

Assessments

The final weigh mark is based on the following:

*Pass mark in both the Logbook and OSCE is obligatory for an overall pass mark to be awarded.

If a student does not obtain a pass mark in the placement and the written examination, the student will be eligible for a resit which can be repeated ONLY ONCE. In cases where a student obtains a pass mark in the OSCE and written exam but fails any other component then:

1. If the student obtains an overall pass mark, then the student would need to sit for reassessment in the failing component/s;
   
   
2. If the student does not obtain an overall pass mark, then the student would need to sit for reassessment in the failing component. If failed assessment/s persist/s the student must repeat the whole course with the following intake.
   
   
3. All students should NOT exceed 5 DAYS of SICK and 5 DAYS (25 hours) of ABSENTEEISM. Otherwise, they will not be able to sit for the Final Assessments.
   
   
4. All students should abide with all policies in place at SVP. Disciplinary actions by the University of Malta will be taken if the student goes against any form of misconduct or any other inappropriate behavior during the course.
   
   If a student undergoes reassessment in any component, then the maximum overall mark the student can get is 45%D*. If the student would be sick for the examination, it is important to submit a medical certificate within 24 hours. Failing to present this certificate within the stipulated time, the student would be allowed to sit for a reassessment.