5N2706 Care of the Older Person Assessment Brief 2026 | The Open College

5N2706 Assessment Brief

Learning Outcomes

Learners will be able to:

LO1 – Discuss a range of age related issues to include healthy ageing, global and national demographic trends, the normal physiological and psychological processes of ageing, the social impact of ageing on older people and differing attitudes to ageing and older people

LO2 – Analyse the roles of the health care assistant in promoting positive attitudes to ageing and of statutory and voluntary agencies in promoting the well being of older people

LO3 – Examine a range of concepts and practices to include preparation for retirement and the ethnic and cultural influences on the older person

LO4 – Explore a range of older people’s needs to include physical, social, emotional, psychological, recreational, financial, environmental and spiritual needs

LO5 – Summarise the role of the health care assistant in providing care for older people

LO6 – Discuss the issues related to an older person with mental illness or dementia and of living with chronic illness

LO7 – Recognise the individual needs of the dying older person and their families

LO8 – Summarise the range of the care settings for older people and the members of the healthcare team available in each care setting

LO9 – Explore a range of specific services that are available for older people to include education, lifelong learning, retirement/the workplace and leisure

LO10 – Analyse current approaches towards developing quality in the provision of services for older people and their families to include standards and quality assurance

LO11 – Employ effective communication with the older person, their family and the multi disciplinary team

LO12 – Adapt care and practices to meet the needs of older people with cognitive and sensory impairment and physical disabilities

LO13 – Exercise duties in a way that is respectful to the person’s body after death

LO14 – Promote a range of aspects of care for the older person to include empowerment, advocacy, independence, individualised care, dignity, respect, choice, self esteem and include family and carers as partners in care

LO15 – Give assistance in the identification of how health promotion issues can be promoted in care settings for older people and in the provision of therapeutic interventions that will enhance the social interactions and quality of life of the older person

Assessment 1 – Skills Demonstration

Assessment Technique:  Skills Demonstration

Title: Care of the Older Person – Skills Demonstration

Marks:  60 marks

Guidelines

As a healthcare assistant you are working with a Retirement Group in your local day care unit. Your supervisor has asked you to assist with recreational activities. She has asked you to develop an activity for one of your clients

1. Submit a 5-minute video (What’s app) recording to your tutor following the introduction of instructions on page 2

• Please submit one completed recording as per your tutor’s instruction.
• At the start of your recording hold up a page to the camera with your name clearly written and introduce your name

(Assessment cannot be marked until recording is received)

2. Submit a written documentation to reflect on the learning during the skills demonstration identifying where you clearly implement the following – Word count: 500 words

• Thorough organisation and preparation of the task, including identification of clients’ needs
• Careful execution of the task
• Effective communication throughout the task
• Effective use of relevant safety and health practices

Assessment Criteria

• Thorough organisation and preparation of the task, including identification of clients’ needs (15 marks)
• Careful execution of the task (15 marks)
• Effective communication throughout the task (10 marks)
• Effective use of relevant safety and health practices (10 marks)
• Comprehensive record of the task (10 marks)

Please only choose Client A OR B to complete this Assessment

Client A

You are required to record a practical skills demonstration where you will be required to assist a person with sight impairment in completing a recreational activity that promotes their independence while promoting any ethnic and cultural preferences. The demonstration should include the following:

Identify and explain the activity you have planned

1. Effective Communication:

• Show how you would introduce yourself
• Use clear, descriptive language to guide the person in a respectful and empowering way
• Demonstrate how to check for understanding and listen attentively to any needs or preferences

2. Guiding Techniques:

• Demonstrate safe and effective methods for guiding a person with sight impairment. This may involve guiding them through a space, helping them navigate obstacles, or assisting them with seating.
• Explain and demonstrate the use of mobility aids, if applicable and encouraging at all time freedom of choice

3. Awareness of the Environment:

• Display an understanding of how to describe the environment in a clear and concise manner, using verbal cues to highlight important information, such as changes in flooring obstacles, or hazards.
• Ensure the environment is safe and accessible, taking into consideration the needs of a person with sight impairment.

Client B

You are required to record practical skills demonstration in which you assist a person with arthritis in completing a recreational activity. This demonstration should reflect your knowledge of arthritis, your ability to use appropriate techniques and tools, and your sensitivity to the individual’s experience that promotes their independence while promoting their ethnic and cultural preferences. The demonstration should include the following:

Identify and explain the activity you have planned

Effective Communication

• Clearly explain the task you are assisting with and check if the person has any specific preferences or needs
• Use active listening and ask how they are feeling, adjusting your support to match their comfort level

Guiding Techniques

• Show an awareness of how arthritis affects the person’s mobility, dexterity, and comfort, as it relates to the task
• If applicable, demonstrate how to properly use assistive devices or tools (e.g. jar openers, or mobility aids, adapted cutlery etc ) that can help the person complete the task with less strain on their joints.

Awareness of the Environment:

• Show an understanding of how to modify the physical environment to make it more accessible for someone with arthritis (e.g., adjusting the height of objects, using non-slip materials, ensuring correct seating).
• Demonstrate how these changes can reduce strain and enhance ease of movement.

Marking Rubric

Assessment 2 – Project

Assessment Technique: Project

Weighting: 40%     

Title: Care of the Older Person – Project

Guidelines

You must choose a condition related to the older person with mental illness or dementia or chronic illness. Discuss the care of an individual with this condition including

• Identify the chosen illness giving a brief description
• List two ways this condition may challenge healthy aging
• Analyse the role of the Healthcare Assistant in
  • promoting positive attitudes and the wellbeing of this older person
  • summarise the role of the Healthcare Assistant in providing their care
• Discuss the importance of effective communication with this older person, their family, and the multidisciplinary team when engaging with different care settings/services
• Evaluate the increasing levels of specific needs of this person by identifying at least one area that may require extra support in each of the following – physical, social, emotional, psychological, recreational, financial, environmental, and spiritual
• Analyse what you feel is the current approach to caring for this individual in End of Life
• Give two recommendations you feel would help improve current practice and services to promote a range of aspects of care including empowerment, advocacy, independence, individualised care, dignity, respect, choice, self-esteem.
• In your conclusion provide a short reflection

You must show evidence of research in at least one area of this project identifying source in your references

Word count: 1000-1200

Assessment Criteria

This assesses Learning Outcomes 4,5,6,11,12,13,14

• Understanding and application of concepts associated with caring for older persons (15 marks)
• Use of appropriate research and sources of information (5 marks)
• Analyse, evaluate, draw conclusions, and make recommendations specific to your area of work (15 marks)
• Evidence of reflection on the process (5 marks)