Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 1:37 AM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Implement interventions with older people at risk of falls

Implement interventions with older people at risk of falls

Unit of competency
National Code
CHCAC417A
State Code
D2207
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
25/03/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
17/07/2014
Field of Education
090507 - Care For The Aged
Original Release Date
17/07/2014
Nominal Hours
40
Description
DescriptorThis unit describes the knowledge and skills required by the worker to work in partnership with older people and their carers to implement interventions in the context of an individualised plan to reduce the risk of falls
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for an assessment of the risk of falls
  • 1.1 Confirm assessment requirements with supervisor or relevant health professional
  • 1.2 Identify assessment requirements outside scope of roles and responsibilities and report to supervisor or relevant health professional
  • 1.3 Work with the older person and their carer to establish their involvement in the assessment and further actions
  • 1.4 Provide information to clarify own role, responsibilities and accountability
  • 1.5 Provide information to clarify the assessment process, information that will be obtained and stored
  • 1.6 Provide information to clarify relevant others who might see the assessment results
  • 1.7 Communicate in a supportive and encouraging manner that is respectful of the older person and their carer's level of understanding and cultural background
  • 1.8 Obtain the older person's informed consent to the assessment process
2. Conduct an assessment of the risk of falls
  • 2.1 Conduct assessment in a manner respectful of the older person's privacy, dignity, wishes and beliefs
  • 2.2 Determine the older person's concerns about falling
  • 2.3 Determine how the older person has coped with any previous fall/s
  • 2.4 Identify and explore factors in the older person's lifestyle that might affect their level of risk
  • 2.5 Determine the older person's physical indicators of risk of falls using appropriate tools and methodologies
  • 2.6 Conduct the assessment in a manner that minimises unnecessary discomfort to the older person
  • 2.7 Conduct the assessment in a manner that maximises the participation of the older person
  • 2.8 In collaboration with supervisor and/or or relevant health professional, determine any condition/s that the older person has that might affect their level of risk
  • 2.9 Where appropriate, use the support of carers during the assessment process
  • 2.10 In collaboration with supervisor and/or or relevant health professional, determine the older person's risk factors based on measurements and findings
  • 2.11 Identify the older person's needs, issues and concerns outside scope of practice and refer to appropriate supervisor and health professional
3. Implement fall minimisation strategies
  • 3.1 Identify and explain options to minimise the risk of falls
  • 3.2 Work with the older person and their carers to identify strategies that are consistent with their safety needs, priorities and specific requirements
  • 3.3 Implement strategies in a safe and effective manner
  • 3.4 Implement strategies in a manner that minimises the older person's discomfort
  • 3.5 Where appropriate, provide support to the carer to contribute to the strategy
4. Monitor fall minimisation strategies
  • 4.1 Monitor the effects of the strategies on the older person
  • 4.2 Identify indicators of increased risk
  • 4.3 Identify when strategies are not having the desired result and identify possible reasons for this
  • 4.4 Reassess and identify more appropriate strategies
  • 4.5 Work with the older person and their carers to assess the outcomes of falls minimisation strategies and discuss with supervisor and/or or relevant health professional
5. Complete documentation
  • 5.1 Comply with the organisation's reporting requirements
  • 5.2 Complete documentation according to organisation policy and protocols
  • 5.3 Maintain documentation in a manner consistent with reporting requirements
  • 5.4 File documentation organisation policy and protocols
RANGE STATEMENT

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.


The assessment is:
A structured needs assessment using recognised assessment tools, which enables health professionals to systematically identify, record and promote the health and well being of individuals


Relevant others may include:
Health professionals
Supervisor


Assessment process includes:
Worker role
The purpose of the assessment
The approximate duration of the assessment
The type of information required for the assessment
Any specific assessment tools that will be used
The role of others in the assessment
What will happen after the assessment
The records associated with the assessment
Referrals
Role of client's GP


Wishes of the older person may include:
Who conducts the assessment
Who else might need to be present
Preparation for assessment activities


Lifestyle may include:
Physical activity
Diet
Alcohol
Psychological concerns, e.g fear of falling and loss of confidence in being able to move about safely
Environmental hazards


Risk factors may include:
Falls history
The ageing process
Balance, gait or mobility problems, including those due to degenerative joint disease and motor disorders such as stroke or Parkinson's disease
Medications, particularly sedating or blood pressure lowering medications
Postural hypotension
Visual impairment
Impaired cognition
Confusion
Depression
In continence
Environmental hazards


Fall minimisation strategies may include:
Diagnostic
Therapeutic
Preventative
Rehabilitative
Social support


Indicators of increased risk may include:
Adverse reactions, including:
physical
psychological
emotional
Contra-indicators
Withdrawal of consent
Non-compliance
EVIDENCE GUIDE

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this unit of competency:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
This unit will be most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of workplace conditions
It is recommended that assessment or information for assessment will be conducted or gathered over a period of time and cover the normal range of workplace situations and settings
Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible


Access and equity considerations:
All workers in community services should be aware of access, equity and human rights issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities


Context of and specific resources for assessment:
This unit can be assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other community services units of competency is encouraged
Resources required for assessment include access to:
appropriate workplace where assessment can take place
relevant organisation policy, protocols and procedures


Method of assessment may include:
Observation in the workplace
Written assignments/projects
Case study and scenario analysis
Questioning
Role play simulation
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AVC90 CHCAGE002 Implement falls prevention strategies Unit of competency