The QQI Level 5 Care Skills Course is a foundational training program designed for those who wish to pursue a career in healthcare, particularly in providing personal care and support to patients in various care settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and home care environments. The course aims to equip learners with the essential skills, knowledge, and competencies required to deliver high-quality care while adhering to best practices in healthcare provision.

Course Content

The Care Skills course primarily focuses on developing practical abilities in personal care tasks, alongside the theoretical understanding of patient well-being. Key topics covered include:

1. Personal Care Skills: Learners are taught how to assist patients with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and mobility support. This includes a strong emphasis on maintaining the dignity and respect of the patient during these tasks.
2. Infection Prevention and Control: The course provides in-depth knowledge about hygiene protocols and infection control, crucial for preventing the spread of disease, particularly in healthcare environments.
3. Safe Moving and Handling of Patients: Students learn safe techniques for moving and lifting patients to prevent injuries, both for themselves and those in their care.
4. Basic First Aid: The course includes an introduction to first aid practices, ensuring that care workers can respond to minor injuries and medical emergencies promptly and effectively.
5. Care Planning and Documentation: Understanding how to follow a care plan and accurately record care activities is essential. This ensures that care is delivered according to the patient’s needs and complies with healthcare regulations.
6. Patient Communication: Effective communication is critical in healthcare. Students are trained to interact with patients in a compassionate and respectful manner, taking into account both verbal and non-verbal communication cues.

Course Outcomes

Upon completion, participants will have developed the necessary skills to provide direct personal care, maintain patient safety, and support individuals in their daily lives with professionalism and empathy. Graduates are equipped to work in a variety of healthcare settings, including home care, residential care facilities, and hospitals.

QQI Level 5 Care Support Course

The QQI Level 5 Care Support Course complements the Care Skills course by focusing more on the broader aspects of healthcare provision, including the support roles of healthcare assistants and how they fit into a multidisciplinary care team. This course emphasizes the importance of working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive care.

Course Content

The Care Support course covers a wide range of topics designed to build upon the skills acquired in the Care Skills course, with a focus on understanding the responsibilities and roles within a healthcare team. Key topics include:

1. Role of the Healthcare Assistant: This module provides an in-depth understanding of the healthcare assistant’s role, including the ethical, legal, and professional standards they must adhere to in providing care.
2. Teamwork in Healthcare: Students learn about the importance of teamwork and how to work effectively with other healthcare professionals, such as nurses, doctors, and social workers, to provide holistic care.
3. Reflective Practice: Reflective practice is encouraged throughout the course, helping learners to think critically about their own experiences, understand what went well, and identify areas for improvement in their care delivery.
4. Professional Development: This module encourages ongoing professional development, preparing learners for further education and career progression within the healthcare sector. This might include pursuing further QQI courses or specialist training.
5. Care for Diverse Populations: The course emphasizes the need to understand and respect the cultural, religious, and personal preferences of patients, ensuring that care is person-centered and tailored to individual needs.

Course Outcomes

By the end of the Care Support course, learners will have a deeper understanding of their role within the broader healthcare team and the importance of communication, collaboration, and continuous personal and professional growth. Graduates will be able to provide more comprehensive support to patients, families, and other care providers.

Career Opportunities

Both the Care Skills and Care Support courses are essential for anyone seeking a career in healthcare. These qualifications open doors to roles in residential care homes, nursing homes, home care, and hospitals, with further progression available through additional QQI Level 5 and Level 6 qualifications. They provide a strong foundation for those aiming to work as healthcare assistants or continue their studies in nursing or other health-related fields.

These courses, together, ensure that graduates are well-prepared to provide compassionate, respectful, and effective care to individuals in need, while also supporting the broader healthcare system through teamwork and professionalism.
Qualtec
7 The Arches,
Silken Vale,
Maynooth,
Kildare,
Ireland
Phone: +353 1 6289374
Mobile: 086 2660596
Email: [email protected]
https://www.qualtec.ie