Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statement explains the scope and context of the unit of competency allowing for differences between workplaces. The scope of variables chosen for training and assessment requirements will depend on the particular work situation.

Older people may include:
Individuals living in residential aged care environments
Individuals living in the community
Prospective individuals to the service or services
Veterans/War Widows

Contexts may include:

Older person's own dwelling

Independent living accommodation
Residential aged care facilities
Community or government agency

Complex and special needs may include an older person with one or more of the following;
Mental health problem
Dementia
Terminal illness
Chronic pain
Developmental or acquired disability
Dysphagia
Acquired brain injury
Alcohol and other drug misuse/abuse problem
Chronic health problem

Data collection methods may include:

Use of industry specific assessment tools

Use of best practice focus assessment tools

Interviews

Observation

Review of previous health records

Consultation with the older person, their advocate/s, informal carer/s and/or significant other/s

Health records may include:
Assessments
Plans of care
Case histories
Progress notes
Test results
Referral records
Observation charts
Medication charts

Appropriate resources may include:
Financial
Aids and equipment
Qualified health specialists (wound consultants, continence advisors, palliative care consultants)

Reporting may be, and include:
Verbal
Telephone
Face to face
Case conferences
Non-verbal (written)
Progress reports
Case notes
Incident reports

Appropriate personnel may include:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker
Carer
Dietician
Diversional therapist
Drug and alcohol worker
Geriatrician

Neuropsychologist and behaviour consultant for people with an acquired brain injury
Occupational therapist
Pain specialist
Palliative care specialist
Pharmacist
Physiotherapist
Psychiatrist
Psychologist
Registered nurse
Respiratory technician
Social worker
Speech Pathologist
Wound consultant

Consultation/collaboration may include:
Liaison
Asking and clarifying
Seeking feedback
Providing information and reports
Identifying and exploring perceptions and expectations
Negotiation

The Evidence Guide identifies the critical aspects of assessment, and the essential knowledge and skills to be demonstrated to confirm competency in this unit. The Evidence Guide is an integral part of the assessment of competency and it should be read carefully in conjunction with the Range Statement, elements and performance criteria.
Critical aspects of assessment must include:
Understanding and adherence to own work role and responsibilities
Recognising own limitations and the need for assistance
Following organisational policies, protocols and procedures
Working collaboratively with colleagues, health professionals and other services
Understanding and applying basic knowledge of physiology and psychology of ageing and principles of assessment in determining, monitoring and evaluating the service needs of the older person with complex or special needs as it relates to the work role
Prioritising and managing the changing service needs of clients with complex and special care needs

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units:
This unit can be assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other community services units of competency is encouraged

Essential knowledge must include:
Relevant policies, protocols and practices of the organisation in relation to Unit Descriptor and work role
Understanding of the physiology and psychology of ageing
Understanding of the manifestations and presentation of common health problems associated with ageing
Impact of cultural and individual differences of service plan development and delivery
Role and function of various health professionals
Types of community services and the services each provides
Role of carers
Principles and practices of assessment of individuals with complex and/or special needs
Strategies for conducting assessment of older people with complex and/or special needs
Assessment tools used in the assessment of complex and/or special needs
Strategies for analysing and interpreting data
Processes and practices in developing and managing service delivery plans
Principles of delegation and supervision
Strategies for conducting effective case conferences
Principles and practices of case management

Essential skills must include:
Reading and writing skills-literacy competence required to fulfil work role in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation/service. This requires a level of skill that enables the worker to follow and give work-related instructions and directions and the ability to seek clarification and comments from clients, colleagues, health professionals and other service providers. Industry work roles will require workers to possess a literacy level that will enable them to, read and write client's service delivery plans, record in health records, complete assessment tools and write reports and submissions.
Oral communication skills-language competence required to fulfil work role in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation. This requires a level of skill that enables the worker to follow work-related instructions and directions and the ability to seek clarification and comments from supervisors, clients and colleagues. Industry work roles will require workers to possess effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills that will enable them to ask questions, clarify understanding and meaning, recognise and interpret non-verbal cues, adapt communication styles to meet specific needs, provide information and express encouragement and support.
Numeracy skills required to fulfil work role in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation. Industry work roles will require workers to be able to perform mathematical functions, such as addition and subtraction up to three digit numbers and multiplication and division of single and double-digit numbers.
Problem solving skills that require negotiation and medication skills to resolve problems of a difficult nature within organisational protocols
Ability to collaborate and network with a variety of stakeholders in order to achieve service objectives.

Resource implications:
Access to appropriate workplace where assessment can take place
Relevant organisational policy, protocols and procedures
Access to resources normally used in the workplace

Method of assessment:
Observation of work activities
Observation of simulation and/or role play
Written tasks
relevant formal and informal education/training courses
Case studies and scenarios
Interviews/Questioning
Role plays

Consistency in performance:
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

Context of assessment:
This unit will be most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of workplace conditions