This unit may apply to work with older people in a range of residential and community service contexts

This level of support does not involve the professional input from a podiatrist

In cases where a client is being supported by a podiatrist the appropriate unit of competency is:

HLTAH404B Assist with basic foot hygiene

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for basic foot skin and nail care

1.1 Confirm that prior assessment of person's feet by relevant health professional has identified need for basic foot skin and nail care services which are appropriate for worker's role

1.2 Confirm client requirements for foot care according to personal needs support plan

1.3 Provide a safe and comfortable setting

1.4 Gather necessary equipment and materials

1.5 Implement appropriate infection control guidelines

2. Perform basic foot skin and nail care

2.1 Explain foot skin and nail care procedures to the client

2.2 Assist the client to remove and put on shoes, socks and hosiery, where necessary

2.3 Correctly position the client for foot skin and nail care

2.4 Perform nail filing according to personal needs support plan and using appropriate infection control procedures

2.5 Wash and dry feet according to individualised plan, implementing appropriate infection control procedures

2.6 Perform foot skin care according to personal needs support plan and using appropriate infection control procedures

2.7 Identify an indicators of foot issues requiring attention outside basic nail and skin care and make appropriate referral in a timely manner

3. Clean and store equipment and materials

3.1 Collect, handle, manage and dispose of biological waste material according to organisation/setting guidelines and infection control requirements

3.2 Clean and store equipment according to manufacturers guidelines, setting protocols and infection control requirements

4. Document client information

4.1 Document basic foot, skin and nail care according to organisation requirements

4.2 Document any factors that indicate podiatry attention may be required and communicate according to organisation requirements

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Essential knowledge:

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

These include:

Basic anatomy and physiology of the foot and basic understanding of foot pathology

Basic pathology of nails

Basic understanding of structure and functioning of skin and integuments

Indicators suggestive of the need for podiatry assistance

Infection control protocols relevant to foot care

Principles of basic foot hygiene

Record-keeping requirements

Relevant organisation policies and procedures

The function of medicaments, including:

emollients

astringents

moisturisers

antiseptics

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Wash, clean, dry and monitor feet of clients

Safely and effectively file non-pathological toenails

Identify indicators of pathological nail and skin conditions

Apply medicaments, including:

emollients

astringents

moisturisers

antiseptics

In addition, the candidate must be able to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

These include the ability to:

Apply appropriate occupational health and safety (OHS) and infection control requirements

Effectively make appropriate referral based on organisation procedures and protocols

Maintain relevant records

Take into account and use opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues

Use effective observation skills

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 is best assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace under the normal range of conditions

Consistency in performance should consider the particular workplace context

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 delivered and assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other community services units of competency is encouraged

Resources required for assessment of this unit include access to:

an appropriate workplace where assessment can take place or simulation of realistic workplace setting for assessment

Method of assessment:

In cases where the learner does not have the opportunity to cover all relevant aspects in the work environment, the remainder should be assessed through realistic simulations, projects, previous relevant experience or oral questioning on 'What if?' scenarios

Assessment of this unit of competence will usually include observation of processes and procedures, oral and/or written questioning on Essential knowledge and skills and consideration of required attitudes

Where performance is not directly observed and/or is required to be demonstrated over a 'period of time' and/or in a 'number of locations', any evidence should be authenticated by colleagues, supervisors, clients or other appropriate persons

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.

Equipment and materials may include:

Files

Medicaments, including:

antiseptics

astringents

emollients

moisturisers

Personal protective equipment such as eyewear, gloves, masks

Indicators of foot issues requiring attention include:

Altered nail status

Altered skin integrity and status

Client may include:

Clients at low risk of foot complications (may include older person and person with a disability)

Appropriate referral may include:

Direct referral to podiatrist

Informing carer

Informing supervisor

This unit contains Employability Skills