The ITI Trade in Old Age Care Assistant is a specialized vocational course powered by NCVT (National Council for Vocational Training). This trade is designed to train individuals in elderly care, basic healthcare, hygiene management, and emotional support for aged individuals. With the increasing population of senior citizens worldwide, professionals trained in old age care are in high demand in both government and private sectors.

The course equips students with technical skills, patience, and a compassionate approach to elderly care. It is an excellent choice for those seeking employment in hospitals, nursing homes, old-age homes, rehabilitation centers, and home-based caregiving services. The Old Age Care Assistant ITI trade is specifically designed to meet the healthcare industry requirements of both Indian and international markets, offering diverse career opportunities in the field of elderly care and healthcare support.

Scope of Practice

The Old Age Care Assistant (OACA) trade is structured in alignment with the General Duty Assistant (GDA) and Home Health Aid (HHA) courses. This course ensures that students receive a comprehensive knowledge base, hands-on training, and exposure to various real-life situations that require professional geriatric care.

Upon successful completion of this course, candidates will receive a certification of skills attained and will be eligible to perform the following activities:

  • Understand and describe the role of a basic healthcare provider for the elderly.
  • Assist in fulfilling basic healthcare needs of ambulatory and conscious elderly individuals.
  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of key issues in geriatric care.
  • Enhance their counseling and management skills related to old-age care institutions.
  • Develop skills in resource management, advocacy, and networking.
  • Demonstrate methods to maintain personal hygiene for elderly individuals.
  • Implement infection control measures to ensure a clean and safe environment.
  • Perform essential clinical skills required for providing basic healthcare services.
  • Promote safety measures by using protective devices and demonstrate precautions for handling medical equipment.
  • Exhibit professional behavior, personal qualities, and characteristics of a skilled Geriatric Care Assistant.
  • Manage bio-medical waste disposal professionally and ethically.
  • Demonstrate professional techniques for feeding elderly individuals.
  • Execute Basic Life Support (BLS) techniques, including Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
  • Respond appropriately in medical emergencies and facility-related contingencies.
  • Communicate effectively and demonstrate a professional appearance and demeanor as a Geriatric Care Assistant.

Training Outcomes

By the end of the training, candidates will be certified to perform the following activities:

  • Assist elderly individuals in bathing and personal hygiene maintenance.
  • Help with grooming and dressing elderly patients.
  • Support individuals in eating and drinking, including assisted feeding methods like Ryle’s Tube (RT) feeding.
  • Help maintain normal elimination through hygienic practices.
  • Provide perineal hygiene and catheter care for patients with urinary issues.
  • Implement infection control measures in home and institutional settings.
  • Deliver specialized care for patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Effectively communicate with geriatric, paralytic, and immobile patients and their caregivers.
  • Assist elderly individuals in coping with health and emotional changes.
  • Provide interventions for paralytic or immobile patients at risk of falls.
  • Work within professional limits, competence, and authority.
  • Cooperate effectively with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers.
  • Maintain a safe, healthy, and secure environment.
  • Follow the code of conduct while carrying out responsibilities.
  • Adhere to bio-medical waste disposal protocols.
  • Provide medication assistance for semi-conscious or immobile patients.
  • Prevent bed sores and injuries for bedridden elderly individuals.
  • Identify potential risk factors and immediately inform doctors, nurses, or family members.

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Understand the healthcare scenario in India and the role of old-age caregivers in addressing emerging needs.
  2. Develop a strong understanding of the responsibilities of a Geriatric Care Assistant.
  3. Gain knowledge of basic medical and nutritional terminologies relevant to elderly care.
  4. Learn and apply anthropometric measurement techniques for accurate record-keeping.
  5. Follow legislation, guidelines, and protocols relevant to the healthcare industry.
  6. Work efficiently within organizational systems and frameworks.
  7. Recognize professional boundaries and seek supervision when a situation is beyond one’s competence and authority.
  8. Continuously update knowledge and skills to maintain competence within the field of geriatric care.
  9. Develop effective communication skills for interacting with patients, nurses, and medical professionals.
  10. Learn how to identify and adapt to rapidly changing situations in elderly care.
  11. Acquire a basic working knowledge of computers for record management and patient data maintenance.
  12. Understand first aid procedures, triage systems, and emergency response methods.
  13. Learn the importance of disaster preparedness and the role of a caregiver in crisis situations.

Career Opportunities

After completing the ITI Old Age Care Assistant trade, candidates can find employment in multiple settings, such as:

  • Government Hospitals & Healthcare Centers
  • Private Nursing Homes & Clinics
  • Old Age Care Homes & Assisted Living Facilities
  • Rehabilitation Centers
  • Home Healthcare Services
  • Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) Working for Elderly Care
  • Hospice and Palliative Care Units
  • Self-Employment as an Elderly Care Provider

Employment Sectors

Graduates of this course can secure job opportunities in sectors like:

  • Healthcare & Medical Services
  • Social Welfare & Humanitarian Organizations
  • Rehabilitation & Therapy Centers
  • Old Age Welfare Programs (Government & Private)
  • NGOs & Charitable Institutions Focused on Elderly Care

Advantages of ITI in Old Age Care Assistant

  • High Demand: With increasing elderly populations, the need for skilled caregivers is on the rise.
  • Compassionate Career: Offers a meaningful career helping elderly individuals lead a dignified life.
  • Diverse Job Roles: Opportunities in hospitals, nursing homes, old age homes, and home-based caregiving.
  • Self-Employment: Graduates can start their own caregiving services or work as independent elderly care providers.
  • Practical Training: Hands-on exposure to real-life caregiving situations ensures job readiness.

Conclusion

The ITI Old Age Care Assistant trade is an ideal program for individuals passionate about working in elderly care and healthcare support services. This course provides comprehensive training in geriatric care, patient assistance, and healthcare management, making it a valuable and rewarding career choice. With a growing demand for skilled elderly caregivers, this ITI trade opens doors to numerous employment and self-employment opportunities in both India and abroad.

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