Cert iii aged care

[peta1410]

Hi, just started a cert III Aged Care at TAFE. Anyone done/doing it?
I am enjoying it so much. I actually switched from a Dip of Community Welfare course to this one and am so glad I did. I just knew the other course wasn't right for me.
Teacher told us yesterday that we would be in charge of cleaning and laying out a deceased person and I have to admit, I'm a tad freaked out about that! Does anyone know, is this just in a nursing home or would that be in-home care too?

[meggs11]

Hi,
Good on you for working in aged care..... I worked in it for 10 years - 8 1/2 in a dementia specific hostel which I loved!!!

I did Cert 4 in aged care, then my EN's and am currently working in busy hospital - followed by the drug course and now am about to commence Bachelor of Midwifery..... so it can really open up some doors!!

You can lay out a person in an aged care setting and I guess if you worked in the community and one of your clients dies at home you could assist if it was appropriate - just remember if it is an unexpected or suspicious death then it may be a coroners case in which case you cannot disturb anything till it is reviewed by the police....

A person who has passed away should be treated as you would any other client/patient... it isn't the greatest task in the world but it is the last thing you can do for someone in this world.... maintain their dignity - ie don't leave them uncovered - ensure privacy - I always use warm soapy water even if they can't feel it... I talk to them and tell them what I am doing as I do it... "Mrs Smith I am just going to wash your face..."

A person who has died can still make all sorts of noises such as moaning when you roll them - don't panic it is normal - air escaping.......

I offer the family the opportunity to be involved if they wish - some find it helps - others not.... it is satisfying to see someone clean and looking as peaceful as you can make them.... I don't think people realise how much the family will take away from it and it will be one of the last memories of their loved one - mum or dad looked so at peace.

And please if it is a man make sure he is shaved.... I get quite annoyed when others don't bother... respect the person and treat them with care......

You will note that their faces change and they look like they loose their wrinkles.....

I still remember my first laying out..... I was taught well....

Good luck....

Ummm just a question...... where are you doing your practical? How do you line someone up ahead of time?:confused: Funeral Home?

I think you sound like you will be an assett to any place you should choose to work.....:hugs:

[peta1410]

Ummm just a question...... where are you doing your practical? How do you line someone up ahead of time?:confused: Funeral Home?


:D No, no... I meant just in general, like routine. If some time down the track a patient passes it will be my responsibility. I will be doing prac at a nursing home I assume.

Thankyou so much for that helpful advice. It helps coming from someone who has actually done it. I feel nervous as I have never encounted a deceased person before and I'm a bit worried how I will react. I so want to show them the dignity they deserve and just hope I can keep myself together. There are so many aspects of aged care though that I find so interesting and this is just one of the aspects involved when caring for the elderly I suppose.

[meggs11]

:laughing::laughing::laughing:

LMAO!!!

I had visions of you lurking around someones room waiting......:eek:

You sound like you have a lovely soul....

The first time is scary and it is still something I really don't like to do...... but it is the last ultimate thing to do for that person......

My advice is that you take someone you trust and respect who has a great knowledge base and debrief after......

Oh and if she mentions anything to do with packing any orifice..... RUN!!!!!

[daemynsmum]

hey i just started doing my cert 3 in aged care if any one could tell me where to get a standard of aged care book would be great

[peta1410]

:laughing::laughing::laughing:

LMAO!!!

I had visions of you lurking around someones room waiting......:eek:

Oh and if she mentions anything to do with packing any orifice..... RUN!!!!!


:laughing: My a$$ will be a blur as I rush out the room!!:p

daemynsmum the text we are required to use is called "Aged Care In Australia" and is a TAFE produced text book.

[daemynsmum]

we need one called assisting and enabling aged care and disabilities and i need to find the aged care act 1997 but i will remember to ask at tafe about the one that you have mentioned thank you

[peta1410]

http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/ageing-legislat-aca1997-acaindex.htm

I think this is what you're looking for daemynsmum, regarding the aged care act 1997.

[meggs11]

hey i just started doing my cert 3 in aged care if any one could tell me where to get a standard of aged care book would be great


Do you mean the standards as in what a facility has to meet for accreditation?

You should be able to google the aged care act or call the dept of Aging - failing that call any nursing home in your area and ask for the DON or an educator and ask them where to access it.

[daemynsmum]

yes i did mean the standard a facality has to meet thank you both for all your help its my first module and i absolutly suck at legal stuff however just finish this one and barge thru the rest.