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

Maintain the optimal functioning of a client with dementia 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
116988  Maintain the optimal functioning of a client with dementia 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Ancillary Health Care 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services Rehabilitative Health/Services 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2007-09-18  2009-04-08  SAQA 0160/05 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2010-04-08   2013-04-08  

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 is replaced by: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
260601  Maintain the optimal functioning of a person with dementia  Level 3  NQF Level 03  14   

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. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
The following competencies or equivalent:
  • Ancillary Health Care Level 1 ID 9825
  • Ancillary Health Care Level 1 ID 9823
  • Ancillary Health Care Level 1 ID 9827
  • Understand the relevance of ethical issues in community work and be able to promote awareness of rights and responsibilities Level 2

    The learner who has worked in the field and requests Recognition of Prior Learning will be required to meet the criteria set out under the assessment criteria and assessment notes in this standard as well as those of the learning assumed to be in place. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The term dementia refers to Alzheimer's disease and related disorders as well as AIDS-related dementia.

    Have knowledge and understanding of the person with dementia i.e. physically, cognitively, socially and psychologically in order to promote optimal independence. Promote recognition of and respect for the person with dementia.

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

    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 their family. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Obtain client history records from family. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Limited to anecdotal history to assist caregivers to manage the client without causing distress. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Ways in which the family can deal with the person with dementia are identified in accordance with the stage and severity of dementia. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Dementias are explained to family members in terms of signs, symptoms and treatments. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Family members are interviewed in a non-threatening manner. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Questions asked are appropriate to the specific situation and have the potential to elicit the information required. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The information obtained provides information on the client's likes and dislikes, fears and phobias as well as factors that might trigger certain behaviour. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Client history information is summarized and disseminated to relevant people in accordance with agreed procedures. 

    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 and duties of people with dementia in accordance with relevant mental care legislation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The prevention of infringement of mental health care rights is explained in terms of potential abuse and preventive measures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Abuse of the elderly person is explained in terms of the 'National Strategy on 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 communication is in accordance with the needs of the person with dimentia. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Non-verbal communication supports the verbal communication and is directed towards the needs of the client. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Behavioural attributes demonstrated during communications are appropriate to the situation and enhance effective communication with all members of the team. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The team should be multidisciplinary and include relevant care workers and social groups.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Create a safe environment for the person with dementia. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Environment includes 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 who has 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 activities of daily living programmes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The activities of daily living programmes promote optimal independence. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Recreational activities planned ensure stimulation appropriate to the level of intellectual and cognitive ability. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Stimulation includes 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 environment, physical and emotional factors.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Various mood disorders are identified and explained in terms of their causes and ways to minimise them. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Mood disorders and problem behaviours include aggression, rummaging, exhibiting inhibiting behaviour, wandering, refusal to carry out activities of daily living, refusal to eat, insomnia, hallucinations and delusions, anxiety and agitation, mood swings, depression.
     


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

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Learners should be able to understand and explain the following points:

    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.

    Assessment Criteria:
  • The signs and symptoms of dementias are described in terms of the contrast between normal cognitive and behaviour changes in the elderly.
  • Dementias are explained to family members in terms of signs, symptoms and treatments.
  • Abuse of the elderly person is explained in terms of the 'National Strategy on Elder Abuse'.
  • Existing environmental and health hazards for the person with dementia are identified and described in terms of causes and prevention.
  • Potentially dangerous situations that the person who has dementia may create for themselves and others are described in terms of actions and omissions.
  • Ways of eliminating potential hazards in the client's environment are identified and described in terms of the steps to be taken.
  • Various mood disorders are identified and explained in terms of their causes and ways to minimise them. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others in a team.

    Assessment Criteria:
  • Dementias are explained to family members in terms of signs, symptoms and treatments.
  • The activities of daily living programmes promote optimal independence. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage output of activities and utilise relevant resources.

    Assessment Criteria:
  • Dementias are explained to family members in terms of signs, symptoms and treatments.
  • The activities of daily living programmes promote optimal independence. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.

    Assessment Criteria:
  • Dementias are explained to family members in terms of signs, symptoms and treatments.
  • Existing environmental and health hazards for the person with dementia are identified and described in terms of causes and prevention.
  • Potentially dangerous situations that the person who has dementia may create for themselves and others are described in terms of actions and omissions.
  • Ways of eliminating potential hazards in the client's environment are identified and described in terms of the steps to be taken.
  • Recreational activities planned ensure stimulation appropriate to the level of intellectual and cognitive ability. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively. Interact with a variety of persons.

    Assessment Criteria:
  • Ways in which the family can deal with the person with dementia are identified in accordance with the stage and severity of dementia.
  • Communication characteristics in a person with dementia are explained in terms of the method of communication.
  • Verbal communication is in accordance with the needs of the person with dimentia.
  • Non-verbal communication supports the verbal communication and is directed towards the needs of the client.
  • Behavioural attributes demonstrated during communications are appropriate to the situation and enhance effective communication with all members of the team. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically.

    Assessment Criteria:
  • Existing environmental and health hazards for the person with dementia are identified and described in terms of causes and prevention.
  • The activities of daily living programmes promote optimal independence.
  • Recreational activities planned ensure stimulation appropriate to the level of intellectual and cognitive ability. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems.

    Assessment Criteria:
  • Abuse of the elderly person is explained in terms of the 'National Strategy on Elder Abuse'.
  • Problem behaviours are identified and explained in terms of causes and solutions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard has been replaced by unit standard 260601, which is "Maintain the optimal functioning of a person with dementia", Level 3, 14 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

    LEGAL: Guidelines for the scope of practise of the Ancillary Health Worker


    Credit Allocation

    Total hours required by the learner to achieve the required outcomes:
  • Classroom learning / Experiential learning: 30 hours
  • On-the-job learning: 50 hours
  • Self directed learning: 10 hours
  • Coaching required: 10 hours
  • Other: site visits and clinical accompaniment
  • TOTAL: 100 hours

    Credits Achieved: 10 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  49085   National Certificate: Fundamental Ancillary Health Care  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2009-02-18  Was HW SETA until Last Date for Achievement 


    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.