Level 2 Certificate in Caring for the Elderly

funded by uk government
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Understand the essential principles of elderly care…

Free Online Elderly Care Course with Certificate

This free online elderly care course provides a comprehensive introduction to caring for older adults.

You’ll learn key care principles, health issues, legislation, and communication skills to support the physical, emotional, and social needs of the 65+ population.

funded by uk government

Fully funded through the UK Government’s Adult Skills Fund (ASF). No cost for eligible learners.

Level 2 Certificate in Caring for the Elderly

funded by uk government

Duration

Build confidence caring for older people in just 6–12 weeks.

Fully Accredited

Gain a nationally recognised, accredited Level 2 qualification.

Save £399

Fully funded for eligible adults through the Adult Skills Fund (ASF).

Free Online Elderly Care Course with Certificate​

Funding

100% online

About this free online course

The free online elderly care course is designed for those who wish to understand the principles of elderly care and learn more about common health issues and legislation that relates to caring for the elderly.

People in the UK now have an average life expectancy of 72 years. The population aged 65 years and over is growing faster than the working-age population aged 16 to 64, but not everyone remains healthy throughout their lives.

This is something you will look at in more detail during this course when learning what types of care an elderly person may need currently and at the end of their life.

Throughout this qualification, learners will develop their knowledge and understanding of working in elderly care. This course covers the principles of elderly care, health issues affecting the elderly, individual rights, and effective communication.

Tutor Support

Learn in confidence with support from a qualified tutor throughout the course.

Development

Join thousands of learners in growing both professionally and personally.

In 2023/24, NHS England saw over 1.4 million requests for support from older people, resulting in 859,000 receiving long-term care

Source: The Kings Fund

Course content

Your free course is split into manageable units.

There are no exams. You will complete assessment questions based on the skills and knowledge you have gained from the course units below…

Principles of elderly care in the UK

In this unit, learners will learn what caring for the elderly is, about aging populations and the range of care available. This unit also covers the role of the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Maintaining health and well-being in elderly care

In this unit, learners will discover individuality and independence’s role in elderly care, how important contact is between family/ friends and service users, and how maintaining health and well-being is key for care workers.

Health issues affecting individuals in elderly care

This unit will cover the signs, symptoms, and how to support service users with dementia, urinary tract health issues, pneumonia, wounds and healing, depression, and arthritis. The section will also cover end of life care.

Individual rights in elderly care

In this unit, learners will learn about safeguarding and protecting vulnerable adults, recognising abuse and responding to abuse, equality and diversity, and the legislation in place.

Minimising risk in elderly care

In this unit, learners will learn about risk assessments, manual handling, hazardous substances, risk of infections, dealing with incidents and safe administration of medicines.

Communication in elderly care

In this final unit, learners will learn about communication within elderly care settings, moving into a care home and the skills that are required for care workers.

How it works

3 simple steps to qualification…

fast track online enrolment

Fast-track online enrolment

You can begin your stress-free journey to qualification by completing the short form on this page.

Once submitted, we’ll instantly match you with a relevant training provider based on your location to complete your enrolment.

Free Online Special Needs Course with Certificate

Award-winning online learning

Enjoy a flexible and engaging learning experience through an award-winning online platform with support from a qualified tutor.

You can access first-class resources, interactive case studies, and support tools. All available on any device, anytime.

Free Online Special Needs Course with Certificate

Gain an accredited qualification

Your nationally recognised level 2 certificate proves you’ve developed essential new skills and in-depth knowledge. The qualification is accredited by either NCFE or TQUK, depending on your location.

It’s a powerful personal achievement that boosts confidence, enhances employability, supports CPD and opens the door to further study or career progression.

free course learners with certificates

Learner testimonials

Watch recent video testimonials from our learners…

Funded by UK Government

The level 2 certificate is available online through one of our approved training provider partners, with the specific provider depending on your location.

The course is fully funded for eligible learners in England through the Adult Skills Fund (ASF), formerly known as the Adult Education Budget (AEB), which supports adult learning and skill development across the country.

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Updated eligibility criteria

More people than ever now qualify for free courses…

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Check Your Eligibility

*View visa restrictions

Funding isn’t available for Skilled Worker visas, Student visas, Graduate visas, Sponsorship (skilled/seasonal) visas, or any visa with a study restriction.

If this applies, you won’t be eligible for funding.

Start Your Enrolment

FAQs

Is the elderly care training free?

If you meet the eligibility criteria then YES!

We connect you with learning providers that use government funding, in the form of the Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and the Adult Skills Fund (ASF). 

Is Caring for the Elderly a qualification?

Caring for the Elderly is a level 2 qualification.

The qualification is accredited by TQUK and regulated by Ofqual.

Is the qualification recognised by employers?

All of our courses are accredited by UK government-recognised awarding bodies. These include NCFE CACHE and TQUK, with whom we work closely to ensure our existing courses, and all new ones, meet approved standards of excellence and are certified as such. NCFE CACHE and TQUK are national awarding organisations that design, develops and certifies nationally recognised qualifications and awards.

All qualifications are regulated by Ofqual and are the perfect way to boost any CV.

Do you need qualifications to be a senior carer?

Qualifications are not always required to become a senior carer, but having relevant qualifications can greatly enhance your chances of securing a senior care role. Employers often look for candidates with certifications or diplomas in health and social care, as well as experience in the field.

Additionally, obtaining certifications in specific areas such as dementia care or medication administration can further demonstrate your expertise and dedication to the role. While qualifications are not mandatory, they can provide you with a competitive edge and help you excel in your career as a senior carer.

Do I need to sit an Exam?

No, there are no exams, all courses require you to complete assessment questions based on the knowledge you have just gained from the units.

How many free online courses can I take?

You can only take one course at a time but you can take up to 7 in one academic year.

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