Do You Have What It Takes to Become an Aged Care Worker in Australia?

With the increasing development of the ageing population, the need for health services and aged care workers has skyrocketed. Australia’s aged care sector is facing a shortage of 110,000 workers and risks not being able to meet basic standards of care. https://shorturl.at/dXeCP

This scarcity of staff has put even more stress on the already overcrowded aged care system. So, if you have ever considered working in senior care, now is the time to start.

Keep reading this blog to see what abilities you will need to enter this career. You'll also discover some of the obligations and duties you will be needed to accomplish, along with potential career paths.

Aged care worker duties and responsibilities

Aged care professionals have a vast and diversified job description. Your tasks will comprise analysing your customers' requirements, planning their medical treatments, and ensuring they follow them appropriately. In some circumstances, you may need to build personalised training programs and arrange crucial social events for groups of patients.

Daily chores may involve supporting people with their movement and helping patients get dressed. You may need to help with their general personal hygiene too. But most significantly, you will provide company, friendship, and continual emotional support.

Here are some of the top aged skills that you will need to function in this sector

Show strong communication skills.

In aged care, you are likely to engage with people from a varied spectrum of cultural and ethical backgrounds. Their native language may not match your mother tongue, and you will require necessary skills when it comes to verbal communication. Being able to communicate effectively and efficiently and adjusting your communication approach to the individual who you are talking to will be important to your professional function.

Keep calm in high-pressure circumstances.

In geriatric care, and healthcare in general, each day is different. Something in your day might turn suddenly; therefore, having the capacity to adjust yourself to the scenario and surroundings at hand can be essential to yourself and your residents. Being the pillar of stability will help your residents to feel at peace in their surroundings; remember, they are not at your organisation; you are in their home; therefore, making them feel comfortable at all times is necessary.

Be physically fit.

Aged care may be a physically hard profession. You need to be able to manoeuvre residents who require assistance moving, and you will be on your feet for much of the day. Keeping active and maintaining a degree of physical fitness will go a long way in this occupation.

Manage numerous things at once.

There’s never a boring moment in senior care, and you may have to wear numerous hats. At the time of writing, we are seeing a surge in the need for elderly care professionals, and by 2066, 21%-23% of the population in Australia will be aged 65 and older. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/older-people/older-australians/contents/demographic-profile

The need for aged care providers is expanding dramatically; therefore, you may need to look after several clients with various requirements each day. Juggling all your aged care jobs and obligations is an outstanding ability to have.

Display empathy and concern.

Delivering care on a comprehensive basis is the benchmark that needs to be reached for all residents. Transitioning to an aged care facility may be a tough journey for some, but offering a degree of emotional support can go a long way. You need to be able to balance this, since it is crucial you stay professional and establish professional boundaries with this. However, given your role is to satisfy your residents needs on every level, some may require more social involvement than others.

Maintain a degree of professionalism.

In your role as an aged care worker, you are going to learn about your seniors on a very deep level. They may engage in intimate and sensitive facts about themselves, especially as it is probable you will build a relationship with them because you are seeing the same people each day. It is part of your duty of care to keep this information secret, and it is only to be disclosed with the necessary staff if you consider the resident is in danger. This keeps everyone secure and respected.

Professional Qualifications

Certificate III in Individual Support Online (Ageing and Disability)

This certificate is suitable for people wishing to enter the lucrative aged care sector. You will learn the practical skills and gain the required knowledge to provide individual support to elderly customers.

CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support

This certification offers you the required knowledge, as well as practical, hands-on experience that you need. This will allow you to be job-ready in no time at all.

Aged care career roles

There are numerous various professional routes for you to select from, including:

• Accommodation Support Worker
• Aged Care Worker
• Personal Carer, or Personal Care Worker
• Assistant in Nursing (AIN)
• Care Team Leader
• Community Support Worker
• Activities Worker
• Personal Care Assistant
• Programme Coordinator
• Senior Personal Care
• Assistant Support Worker

In conclusion, the aged care industry is booming and there is a great demand for aged care workers. Do you want help other people and make a difference in their lives? Then this is a career opportunity for you. Get in touch with our team of professionals at MWT Education Consultancy for more information.