Aged and Disabled Carers are part of Australia’s largest and fastest-growing industry (Health Care and Social Assistance). Many workers are female and part-time work is common. Vocational Education and Training is the main entry pathway for a career as an Aged and Disabled Carer.
Explore the topics below to learn everything you need to know about becoming an Aged and Disabled Carer.
Some duties you can expect to undertake as an Aged Care Worker or Disabled Carer include:
Feeding, showering, dressing and administering medications
Preparing meals for the client
Tidying and cleaning, including helping with personal care and hygiene
Engaging with family members
Assisting with mobility, transport, social activities and light exercises
Providing social and emotional support
May assist with shopping and other errands
Following health and safety guidelines
Also known as: Personal Care Worker; Personal Carer, Support Worker
As an Aged Care worker you may work from the client’s own home, in a residential aged care facility or a nursing home.
As a Disabled Carer you will likely work from the client’s own home. If they are elderly, you may work in a residential aged care facility or a nursing home.
The aged care industry is booming like no other.
Australia’s ageing population is growing and the demand for professional support workers is growing with it. The number of people working as Aged and Disabled Carers is expected to grow very strongly over the next 5 years from 266,900 in 2021 to 341,800 in 2026. That’s a 28% increase or an extra 74,900 jobs. (Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business Projections)
What this means for you is that once qualified, you will have lots of career opportunities and a future-proof career.
There are several key skills and attributes that Aged and Disabled Carers need to be successful in their role.
Caring, supportive and empathetic attitude
Good communication
skills
Patience
Discretion
Physically fit
Positive outlook
Professionalism
A relevant qualification or Traineeship is required to start your career in Aged Care / Disability Care.
You will want to ensure that your chosen course is nationally recognised, even if it’s an online course.
Courses for you to consider:
Traineeship
A Traineeship is another pathway to enter a career at an aged care facility. This enables you to gain practical experience in the industry, learning from senior staff members and working directly with clients. A Traineeship means you can study and work at the same time, receiving formal and on-the-job training.
First Aid Certificate
When working with the elderly or those who need medical assistance, it’s essential to be prepared for a medical emergency by having a current First Aid Certificate.
A qualification in Aged or Disabled care can open up a range of opportunities and can lead to a career such as:
Contact us on 1800 007 400 to discuss our training and employment opportunities.
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