Overview

Step into the healthcare industry with confidence and compassion through our Diploma in Individual Support (Aging & Disability). This programme is designed to equip you with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to provide person-centred care to individuals requiring support due to aging or disability.

Why Choose This Programme?

Comprehensive Curriculum: Master 16 specialised units that focus on aging, disability, ethics, and person-centred care.
Flexible Learning: Complete the course through a 5-month asynchronous programme, complemented by hands-on practical sessions to ensure job readiness.
Empathy-Focused Care: Develop the ability to provide daily assistance, emotional support, and foster independence, promoting a higher quality of life.
Hands-On Training: Practical learning sessions in simulated environments prepare you for real-world caregiving scenarios.
Global Standards: The curriculum mirrors Australia’s Certificate III in Individual Support, aligning with international best practices.

Curriculum

The programme consists of 15 online modules and practical learning to ensure a well-rounded education in individual support.

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will be able to:

Understand and implement individualised care plans that meet clients’ physical, emotional, and social needs.
Demonstrate knowledge of ethical and legal principles in aged care and disability support.
Promote independence and well-being in individuals with aging-related challenges or disabilities.
Develop effective communication skills to foster collaboration with clients, families, and healthcare teams.
Apply safety and infection control standards to create secure caregiving environments.
Address the unique needs of individuals with dementia, focusing on person-centred strategies.
Foster community participation and social inclusion, enriching clients’ lives through meaningful interactions.
Perform end-of-life care with compassion, respecting clients’ dignity and wishes.
Gain practical skills to confidently manage real-world caregiving situations.

Course Modules & Synopsis

1. Provide Individualised Support Learn how to assess, organise, and deliver tailored support that aligns with individualised care plans, ensuring the holistic needs of clients are met. This module teaches monitoring and evaluation techniques for effective service delivery.

2. Facilitate the Empowerment of People Receiving Support Discover how to empower individuals by promoting autonomy, self-confidence, and active decision-making, creating a foundation for independence and improved quality of life.

3. Support Independence and Well-Being Focus on strategies to foster physical, emotional, and social well-being, enabling clients to maintain or regain independence while achieving their personal goals.

4. Recognise Healthy Body Systems Develop an understanding of healthy body systems, their functions, and the physical changes associated with aging or disability, allowing timely identification of potential health issues.

5. Communicate and Work in Health or Community Services Master effective communication techniques to build strong relationships with clients, families, and healthcare professionals, ensuring seamless and respectful interactions.

6. Work with Diverse People Learn to work respectfully and inclusively with people from different cultural, social, and economic backgrounds, fostering trust and understanding in caregiving roles.

7. Work Legally and Ethically Gain a thorough understanding of legal and ethical frameworks that guide caregiving practices, ensuring professional integrity and compliance in all situations.

8. Apply Basic Principles of Infection Prevention and Control Acquire the skills to implement infection control measures and maintain hygiene standards in caregiving environments, safeguarding clients and staff.

9. Follow Safe Work Practices for Direct Client Care Learn to apply safety principles and risk management strategies to protect clients, caregivers, and colleagues in all caregiving tasks.

10. Provide Support to People Living with Dementia Develop specialised skills to provide compassionate, person-centred care to individuals living with dementia, addressing their unique challenges with understanding and empathy.

11. Work Effectively in Aged Care Dive into the complexities of aged care, learning job-specific requirements, compliance protocols, and strategies to provide quality care for older adults.

12. Deliver Care Services Using a Palliative Approach Learn to deliver palliative care that addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of clients and their families, ensuring dignity and respect in end-of-life care.

13. Work Effectively in Disability Support Gain a deep understanding of the disability support sector, focusing on providing tailored care that empowers individuals to live fulfilling and independent lives.

14. Contribute to Ongoing Skills Development Using a Strengths-Based Approach Learn to assist clients in developing their capabilities and confidence by focusing on their strengths, fostering self-reliance and growth.

15. Support Community Participation and Social Inclusion Enable individuals with disabilities to engage in community activities, promoting social inclusion, psychosocial well-being, and an enhanced quality of life.

Practical Training Module Apply theoretical knowledge in simulated caregiving environments, gaining hands-on experience in real-world scenarios to prepare for professional caregiving roles.

Entry Requirements

This programme is ideal for anyone passionate about joining the healthcare industry, particularly roles such as Care Assistants or Disability Service Officers.

Minimum Age: At least 16 years old.
Local Students:
- At least a C6 pass in English at GCE O Level Examinations.
- Obtained at least 3 GCE ‘O’ level pass in English and any two other subjects, OR
- Nitec/ Higher Nitec Certificate.
International Students:
- Completion of a High School Qualification (10th year). OR
- IGCSE Passes in any 3 subjects including English.
- For language MER a Pass in CSM’s English Placement Test is accepted.
Mature Students: Aged 30 and above without the required Academic Qualifications but with the necessary work experience can be admitted on a case-by-case basis.

Course Details

Delivery Mode

Blended Learning: Asynchronous E-Learning modules combined with Practical Learning.

Assessment Methodology

The assessment of modules is guided by the following principles:

Coursework-Based Assessments: Evaluating learning outcomes through coursework.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): Assessing foundational knowledge.
Short Essay Questions: Testing application of theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios.

Career Opportunities

Graduates can pursue roles such as:

Personal Care Assistant
Health Care Assistant
Home Care Assistant
Therapy Assistant
Community Support Officer
Activity Programme Assistant