Concern over online elderly care courses

CONCERNS have been raised over “care of the elderly” courses which are being offered by several private colleges nationwide as online “distance learning” opportunities.

On its website, Wexford based Chevron Training, which calls itself “the leading training company in Ireland”, introduces a nationwide FETAC-accredited care of the elderly training course.

The course, a 40-hour module to be done at the participant’s convenience, is available as either a classroom-based or distance learning course — the distance learning option being €200 cheaper at €395.

Several other colleges also provide similar FETAC courses online.

Head of advocacy at Age Action Eamon Timmins said he was not aware such courses were available over the internet. Training like this, he said, should be more hands-on and in-person.

Mr Timmins said concerns had been raised with him by people who had taken courses which did not teach about medical elements a carer might have to deal with, such as the administration of medication and its effects.

Dermot Kirwan of the Friends of the Elderly warned of a “sub-culture” which exists around the provision of qualifications over the internet.

Mr Kirwan said many care attendants have “serious language difficulties” and questioned how someone could write a 1,500-word essay on the care of the elderly if they could barely speak English.

He said it was astonishing if a person takes a course online they don’t have to present in person for their exams.

“The problem with all distance learning courses if you don’t present yourself for the examination hall it loses meaning What happens with some places is that you show up for one day at the beginning, to show you exist, and that’s it.”

The concerns were being raised following an RTÉ Prime Time investigation into the care being provided to elderly people in their homes by private companies on behalf of the HSE.

The investigation highlighted the lack of regulation and monitoring within the homecare sector.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen said national guidelines and procedures for the government-run homecare packages scheme would be available in the new year.

However, Mr Timmins said guidelines were no good to keep the “charlatans and cowboys” out.

“We don’t want guidelines because they can be ignored. People can walk in off the streets and provide care to a vulnerable persons in their own home. We need regulation.”

A spokeswoman for FETAC said there are 900 registered FETAC course providers nationwide and they are all rigorously monitored.