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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Maintain the optimal functioning of a person with dementia 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
260601  Maintain the optimal functioning of a person with dementia 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Ancillary Health Care 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services Preventive Health 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  14 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
116988  Maintain the optimal functioning of a client with dementia  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard will enable caregivers, working as part of a team and under the supervision of a suitably qualified person, to care for a person/s with dementia, ensuring that their independence and human dignity are maintained by promoting optimal use of their physical and cognitive skills.

The term 'dementia' refers to Alzheimer's disease and related disorders as well as AIDS-related dementia. The learner is required to acquire knowledge and understanding of the person with dementia, i.e., physically, cognitively, socially and psychologically, in order to promote optimal independence. The learner is also expected to promote recognition of and respect for the person with dementia.

The learner is expected understand the relevance of ethical issues in community work and be able to promote awareness of the rights of the clients and their significant others and be able to perform their duties responsibly.

All activities and procedures are planned in conjunction with a multidisciplinary team and are supervised by a suitably qualified health professional.

The qualifying learner will be capable of:
  • Demonstrating an understanding of dementia.
  • Obtaining client history records from family.
  • Demonstrating knowledge of the rights of people with dementia.
  • Communicating with the person with dementia.
  • Creating a safe environment for the person with dementia.
  • Developing programmes for activities of daily living programmes.
  • Understanding and minimising problem behaviour and mood. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Communications NQF Level 2. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of dementia. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Dementias are described in terms of their causes and possible treatments at the various stages of dementia. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The signs and symptoms of dementias are described in terms of the contrast between normal cognitive and behaviour changes in the elderly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Dementias are identified in terms of their signs, symptoms and progression. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The effects of dementia are described in terms of the impact on the affected person and significant others. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Ways in which the family can deal with the person with dementia are identified in accordance with the stage and severity of dementia. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Obtain client history records from family. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    History includes, but is not limited to, anecdotal history to assist caregivers to manage the client without causing distress. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Dementias are explained to family members in terms of signs, symptoms and treatments. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Significant others are interviewed in a non-threatening manner and questions asked are appropriate to the specific situation and have the potential to elicit the information required. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The information obtained includes information about the client's likes and dislikes, fears and phobias as well as factors that might trigger certain behaviour. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Client history information is summarized and disseminated to relevant people in accordance with agreed procedures for multidisciplinary assessment and confirmation of diagnosis of condition. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate knowledge of the rights of people with dementia. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Mental health care is described in terms of the rights of people with dementia in accordance with relevant current mental health care legislation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The prevention of infringement of client's mental health care rights is explained in terms of potential abuse by significant others and preventive measures of such abuse. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Abuse of the elderly person is explained in terms of the "Protocol on Management of Elder Abuse". 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Communicate with the person with dementia. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Communication characteristics in a person with dementia are explained in terms of the method of communication. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Verbal and non-verbal communication is used in accordance with the capabilities and needs of the client with dementia. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Client's behaviour demonstrated during communications is appropriate to the situation to indicate effective communication. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Create a safe environment for the person with dementia. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Environment includes, but is not limited to, home, care facility and community. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of creating a safe environment for the person with dementia is described in terms of legal rights. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Existing environmental and health hazards for the person with dementia are identified and described in terms of causes and prevention. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Potentially dangerous situations that the person with dementia may create for themselves and others are described in terms of actions and omissions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Ways of eliminating potential hazards in the client's environment are identified and described in terms of the steps to be taken. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Develop programmes for activities of daily living. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The programmes for activities of daily living indicate the promotion of optimal independence. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Recreational activities planned ensure stimulation appropriate to the level of intellectual and cognitive ability. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Stimulation includes, but is not limited to, sensory, cognitive, communication, movement and memory.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Understand and minimize problem behaviour and mood disorders. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Problem behaviours are identified and explained in terms of causes and solutions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Causes include, but are not limited to, environmental, physical and emotional factors.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Various mental and emotional disorders are identified and explained in terms of their causes and ways to minimize them. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Mental and emotional disorders:
  • Insomnia, hallucinations, delusions, anxiety, agitation.

    Problem behaviours:
  • Aggression, rummaging, uninhibited behaviour, wandering, refusal to carry out activities of daily living, refusal to eat.

    Mood disorders:
  • Mood swings, depression.
     
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Any individual wishing to be assessed (including through RPL) against this unit standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA, or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA, or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard or assessing this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA, or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Attributes, descriptions, characteristics and properties of:

    Functioning of the brain:
  • Scope of practice, consent, recording.

    Purpose of:
  • Specific interventions.
  • Specific referrals.
  • Community practices.
  • Management and treatment.
  • Specific equipment and aids to living.
  • Relationships, systems.

    Legislation:
  • The relevant legislation in the field of care of the elderly person.
  • Rights of the client with dementia, relevant legislation in the field of elderly care, relevant portions of the constitution of South Africa.
  • Regulations and policies.
  • Health related regulations and welfare policies. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems using critical and creative thinking processes to maintain the optimal functioning of a person with dementia. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others in a team, group, or organisation to maintain the optimal functioning of a person with dementia. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively to maintain the optimal functioning of a person with dementia. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information relating to maintain the optimal functioning of a person with dementia and determine what works most effectively in own personal and work context. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion to impart and share techniques to maintain the optimal functioning of a person with dementia. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility to the environment and health of others to maintain the optimal functioning of a person with dementia. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of interrelated systems by recognising that to maintain the optimal functioning of a person with dementia does not exist in isolation and that the various factors will affect activities and the efficacy of the implementation of activities to maintain the optimal functioning of a person with dementia. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Participate as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities by effectively participating in maintaining the optimal functioning of a person with dementia. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 116988, "Maintain the optimal functioning of a client with dementia", Level 3, 10 credits.

    Method of Assessment:
  • Direct Observation.
  • Practical demonstrations.
  • Peer assessment.
  • Case Studies.
  • Questioning.
  • Testimony (portfolio).
  • Objective, structured, practical evaluation.

    Supplementary Information:

    Specific Requirements: Site Specific:
  • Learners must work in accordance with the protocols, procedures and policies of the relevant work environment.
  • Private Homes.
  • Community day centres.
  • Homes for the Elderly (institutions) depending on the context in which the learner is working.

    Credit Justification:

    Activity; Hours; Credits:
  • Classroom learning; 50 Hours; 5 Credits.
  • On-the-job learning; 50 Hours; 5 Credits.
  • Self directed learning; 20 Hours; 2 Credits.
  • Coaching; 10 Hours; 1 Credit.
  • Other: Site visits and clinical accompaniment; 10 Hours; 1 Credit.

    Total = 140 Hours; 14 Credits. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  64769   National Certificate: Community Health Work  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  HW SETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.