Care of the Older Person (QQI Level 5)

This QQI Level 5 course prepares you to work directly with older adults in a range of care settings, including nursing homes, residential care facilities, and community home support services. You will study the physical, emotional, and social needs of older people, learning how to support independence, dignity, and wellbeing in everyday life. Practical modules cover personal care, moving and handling, medication awareness, and dementia care. A significant portion of the course involves supervised work placement, typically in a local nursing home or with an HSE-funded home support provider, giving you real hands-on experience. A typical week combines classroom learning, skills demonstrations in a simulated care environment, and reflective practice assignments.

Entry to this course is generally open to applicants who have completed the Junior Certificate or equivalent, though individual Colleges of Further Education set their own entry criteria. A Leaving Certificate is not always required, making this course accessible to school leavers, returners to education, and career changers. Useful subjects include Biology, Home Economics, and SPHE, which provide helpful background knowledge. Mature applicants aged 23 or over are welcome and are assessed on relevant life or work experience. HEAR and DARE access routes may be available at participating ETB colleges. Garda vetting and a satisfactory occupational health check are required before placement.

The outlook for graduates in this field is very strong. Ireland has a rapidly ageing population, and demand for qualified care workers in both community and residential settings continues to grow significantly. The HSE home support scheme is expanding, and private nursing home providers consistently report difficulty filling frontline care roles. Employment is widely available across all counties, with both full-time and flexible part-time positions on offer.