Are you looking for a career where you can truly make a difference to the lives of others in the community? Australia’s baby boomer population is aging, and by becoming an aged care worker, you can touch the lives of older people and help them live their lives with independence and dignity.
Compared to all other industries, the community care services and healthcare industry is expanding at twice the rate. Health Workforce Australia has predicted that Australia’s demand for nurses would significantly exceed supply, with a projected shortfall of 85,000 nurses by 2025 or 123,000 by 2030.
If you are passionate about being a caregiver and would love to work in one of the fastest-growing industries in Australia, then you can consider undertaking a course like Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33015) or Certificate IV in Aged Care to achieve your goals.
These certificates will require you to carry out activities such as maintaining the personal care and support of your assist clients in various ways. You will also learn about palliative care services.
Not only will you gain the knowledge to provide social, physical, and psychological support for the elderly as well as the disabled, but you will gain an entryway into Australia’s healthcare industry and can possibly undertake further studies to take your career further.
In this blog, you will find out what Aged Care work involves, potential career paths, and certifications.
What does a Career in Aged Care entail?
This can be one of the most challenging and demanding jobs within the healthcare industry, but it also brings with it many rewards and opportunities that can lead to a truly gratifying career. Aged care workers are known by many names, and are also often referred to as support workers, personal care assistants, home care assistants and community care workers. You will take care of your patients either in their own home, or in a community care environment.
Plentiful Career Opportunities
In the next 3 decades, that is, by the year 2050, it is said that the number of people requiring aged care in Australia is set to double. This will rapidly escalate the demand for professional support workers, which is already very high!
Once you have completed your Certification course, you’ll find ample opportunities available to gain a position within the aged care sector. Once you have an entry into the healthcare system in Australia, you can go on to build a successful and highly satisfying career, where each day is different and work is very stimulating.
A Multitude of Roles
Depending on your skills and personality, you can choose from a multitude of roles. You can choose a career in frontline support, human resources, administration, and also managerial and corporate roles. You can work with the elderly or those with disabilities, and empower them to live a contented and happy life to the best of their abilities.
As a support worker, you can work in various departments, the settings of which may also vary. Some roles may be located in residential care where you can offer your support and services to people at their home, or others may be at an aged care facility or in a community-based facility.
Every Day is Rewarding, Yet Challenging!
Working in the aged care sector can be an extremely rewarding and fulfilling career, but it’s not without its fair share of challenges. It can take both a physical and an emotional toll. For instance, you could be in a support role where you are required to provide hands-on assistance and may have to manually help your patient from the bed to the wheelchair and vice versa.
You could also be required to manage someone with difficult health issues or behaviors. At times, you can expect to work in an environment where you may experience grief and loss. As an aged care worker, you will also be exposed to the emotion of friends and family and you yourself could be affected by this. While you should be compassionate, to provide the best care you will need to detach yourself emotionally from your patients so that you are not affected yourself.
What are the skills and attributes you should have?
Aged care workers must possess certain skills and attributes to establish a successful career in the healthcare industry. A caring and supportive, empathetic, and compassionate nature is very important. You should possess strong communication skills, have plenty of patience and be physically fit. You should always have a positive outlook, be very professional, and have the ability to guide and support the elderly or disabled.
Make a Difference!
Does all of this sound like something you’d like to do? Aged care workers are in great demand in Australia, and you’ll have a career that is recession-proof and very rewarding! As you assist others, you’re sure to get a world of happiness yourself.
Explore roles like that of a personal assistant, where you can provide companionship, provide emotional support and undertake small tasks that will help them lead a better life. You will get satisfaction in having enhanced the lives of your clients and becoming the person they rely on to help them with their daily lives. As such, this career comes with high levels of responsibility and dedication as well.
The Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33015) is the perfect starting point for a career in Australia’s Aged Care sector. To know more, contact an MWT counselor today!
MWT Global Academy will put you in touch with overseas career opportunities in Community Care that will transform your future. We’ll provide you with end-to-end counseling and support, from the time you make the decision to explore overseas jobs, till you have obtained your visa and are able to settle down abroad!