CHCAGE004
Implement interventions with older people at risk


Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work in partnership with older people and their carers to implement interventions in the context of an individualised plan to reduce risk.

This unit applies to support workers in a residential or community context. Work performed requires a range of well developed skills where some discretion and judgement is required. Workers will take responsibility for their own outputs under direct or indirect supervision.

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements define the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Assist with the preparation for a risk assessment

1.1 Confirm assessment requirements with supervisor or relevant health professional

1.2 Encourage participation of the older person and their carer in assessment and further actions

1.3 Provide information to the older person and/or carer to clarify own role, responsibilities and accountability

1.4 Provide information to the older person and/or carer explaining the assessment process, including explanation of results

1.5 Communicate in a supportive and encouraging manner that is respectful of the older person and carer’s, rights, level of understanding and cultural background

1.6 Seek older person’s permission and cooperation in the assessment process

2. Contribute to the identification of risks

2.1 Identify and review factors in the older person’s lifestyle that might affect their level of risk

2.2 Use appropriate tools and methodologies, within scope of role, to determine risk based on physical indicators presented by the older person

2.3 Assist with risk assessment ensuring to minimise unnecessary discomfort to the older person and maximises their participation

2.4 Use the support of carers to identify risks

2.5 Recognise the older person’s risk factors based on medical history, measurements and findings, in collaboration with supervisor and/or relevant health professional

2.6 Identify the older person’s needs, issues and concerns outside scope of own practice and refer to appropriate supervisor and/or health professional

3. Implement risk minimisation strategies

3.1 Identify and explain options to minimise risk to the older person and/or carer

3.2 Work with the older person and carer to identify risk minimisation strategies that are consistent with the older person’s safety needs, priorities and specific requirements

3.3 Implement strategies in a safe and effective manner that minimises the older person’s discomfort

3.4 Support carer in contributing to the implementation of strategies, where appropriate

4. Monitor risk minimisation strategies

4.1 Monitor the effects of the strategies on the older person

4.2 Identify any indicators of increased risk

4.3 Identify when strategies are not having the desired result and possible reasons for this

4.4 Reassess and identify more appropriate strategies

4.5 Work with the older person and carer to assess the outcomes of risk minimisation strategies

4.6 Discuss feedback from the older person and carer with supervisor and/or or relevant health professional

4.7 Complete, maintain and store all relevant documentation and reports according to organisation policy and protocols in a timely manner

Foundation Skills

The Foundation Skills describe those required skills (such as language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills) that are essential to performance.

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.