Awareness of mental health and dementia

Overview

Framework:
RQF
Level:
Level 2
Unit No:
A/651/1518
Credits:
3
Guided learning hours:
30 hours

Assessment Guidance

Assessment guidance:

Where there is reference to mental health or dementia within the criteria, then learners should cover both.

AC 9.1a: Whilst this unit is specifically around mental health conditions and dementia, the learner should acknowledge and reflect that mental health and wellbeing relate to every person.

AC 9.3c: A strength-based approach focuses on individuals’ strengths, resources and what they can do themselves to keep well and maintain independence. Whilst the Level 2 learner may not yet be familiar with this term, they should be encouraged to understand how this term relates to and builds on person-centred approaches and active participation.

AC 9.5a, the learner should be encouraged to reflect on their existing knowledge of the appropriate legislation and guidance and how this supports individuals living with a mental health condition or dementia.

Any knowledge evidence integral to skills-based learning outcomes may be generated outside of the work environment, but the final assessment decision must show application of knowledge within the real work environment.

Aim

This unit looks at dementia and mental health and will help learners to understand what these are and the importance of early diagnosis. It will also develop an understanding of the impact that mental health and dementia have on an individual, and the importance of providing person-centred care to meet their needs.

Unit Learning Outcomes

9.1

Understand the needs and experiences of people living with mental health or dementia

Assessment Criteria

  • a)

    Explain what is meant by the terms:

    • mental health
    • mental wellbeing
  • b)

    List common types of mental health conditions

  • c)

    Explain what is meant by the term dementia

  • d)

    Describe how living with a mental health condition or dementia can impact an individual's:

    • everyday life and the lives of their families and carers
    • health and wellbeing
    • care and support needs
9.2

Understand the importance of early identification of mental health conditions and dementia

Assessment Criteria

  • a)

    Explain how to recognise early indicators of mental health deterioration

  • b)

    List early signs and symptoms of dementia

  • c)

    Explain why early identification of mental health needs or dementia is important

  • d)

    Describe how an individual’s care and support needs may change when a mental health condition or dementia is identified or there is a decline in the individual’s condition

  • e)

    Identify ways to engage with and signpost individuals living with a mental health condition or dementia and their families and carers to other services and support

9.3

Understand aspects of personalised care which support an individual living with a mental health condition or dementia

Assessment Criteria

  • a)

    Explain how positive attitudes can support individuals living with a mental health condition or dementia

  • b)

    Explain why it is important to recognise a person living with a mental condition or dementia as a unique individual

  • c)

    Explain how using person-centred approaches and encouraging active participation can enable and encourage an individual living with a mental health condition or dementia to keep well and maintain independence

  • d)

    Describe barriers individuals living with a mental health condition or dementia can face in accessing healthcare services

9.4

Understand the reasonable adjustments which may be necessary in health and care delivery for an individual living with a mental health condition or dementia

Assessment Criteria

  • a)

    Identify reasonable adjustments which can be made in health and care services accessed by individuals living with a mental health condition or dementia and the importance of planning these in advance

  • b)

    Explain how to report concerns associated with unmet health and care needs which may arise for individuals living with a mental health condition or dementia

9.5

Understand how legal frameworks and guidelines support individuals living with a mental health condition or dementia

Assessment Criteria

  • a)

    Explain how key pieces of legislation and guidelines support and promote:


    • human rights,
    • inclusion,
    • equal life chances
    • and citizenship 

    of individuals living with a mental health condition or dementia