More care homes need support workers to account for Australia’s ageing population. This means hiring support workers who are committed to helping elderly people. Aged care workers are essential because they help the elderly with their everyday tasks.
Aged care workers recognise health problems, give medicine, and manage emergencies. They also offer respite care, which allows family members to take a break from caregiving. If you’re curious about this profession, it’s essential to find out more about what you’ll be doing and the training you’ll need.
Sage Education has training programs designed for aged care. We believe that everyone should have access to training courses when becoming an aged care worker. Just keep reading our guide on everything you need to know about aged care jobs!
Overview of the Aged Care Industry in Australia
Did you know Australia’s elderly population will continue to increase?
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) thinks that by 2057, about 22% of Australia’s population will be 65 or older. This change proves how essential it is for the aged care industry to support older Australians.
The aged care sector in Australia provides many different services that are made specifically for older people with different needs. These services include:
– Residential aged care: Nursing homes offer housing and support for elderly individuals. These places are suitable for those unable to stay at home due to health or mobility challenges.
– Home care: Elderly people can get the support they need at home. This care includes personal care, household tasks, and nursing. Support workers can travel to their homes for more convenience.
– Respite care: Respite care gives caregivers a short break. It also allows support workers to take over for a while. This gives the caregivers a chance to rest and makes sure that the elderly are taken care of.
– Transition care: Transition care helps elderly people move from the hospital to their home or aged care facility. These programs provide rehabilitation and support with coordinating services. They ensure that the transition is easy and reduce the chances of going back to the hospital.
Roles and Responsibilities of Aged Care Workers
Aged care workers support older Australians to stay healthy and independent. They have various tasks that focus on giving personalised care and assistance to each person. Let’s take a closer look at the main responsibilities of aged care workers:
Personal Care Assistance
An aged care worker will focus more on personal care tasks. This includes bathing, dressing, grooming, and using the restroom. Support workers must complete these tasks with care to respect the person’s privacy.
Social and Emotional Support
Aged care workers offer physical help and provide essential social and emotional support to
their clients. They can talk to the elderly patients to cheer them up and keep them company. It’s essential for them to build strong connections with the elderly to make their lives better overall.
Medication Management
Older people often rely on prescription medicines. Aged care workers must ensure that the elderly patient takes their prescribed medications. This includes following the right dosage and recognising any bad reactions. They may also assist in organising and giving the medicines, which needs to be done with great care.
Assistance with Mobility and Exercise
Elderly people must keep moving to stay healthy. Aged care workers help them out by using tools like walkers or wheelchairs. They also help with exercises or physical therapy that doctors suggest. In this job, you could even go on walks with the clients to ensure they stay active and have fun.
Meal Preparation and Nutrition Monitoring
To keep older adults healthy and full of energy, it’s essential to eat the right foods. People who take care of older adults have a big job of making and preparing meals that are good for them. They also make sure to keep track of what their clients eat and drink so they stay healthy and strong.
Housekeeping and General Support Services
Aged care workers assist with tasks around the house. They can clean, wash clothes, buy groceries, and run errands. These activities ensure that the living space is safe, tidy, and cosy for the elderly person.
Qualifications and Training for Becoming an Aged Care Worker
People need to have special qualifications and training to work in aged care. This ensures that they have the right skills and knowledge.
Sage Education has aged care courses that you can complete:
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing or Disability)
The Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing or Disability) can teach you the standard things about aged care. The main topics you’ll learn about are taking care of the elderly person and communicating with them positively. This course will also show you how to collaborate with others in hospitals or community centres.
Students can choose their own subjects. They can learn dementia care, provide palliative care, and use innovative communication methods.
Other topics include:
– Encouraging older people to be independent and make their own decisions
– How to build positive relationships
– Assisting elderly individuals with personal hygiene, grooming, and dressing
– Respecting individual preferences
The course offers a chance to work in places where older people are taken care of. During this vocational training, you will get to show off your skills through assignments, demonstrations, and observations at the workplace.
Certificate IV in Ageing Support
The Certificate IV in Ageing Support is an advanced course. It teaches you about dementia care, palliative care, and how to handle complex needs. This course will give you all the knowledge you need to help elderly clients with their personal challenges.
Many people choose to enrol in this course once they have finished the Certificate III. This is because employers typically prefer candidates who have a higher qualification that showcases their upskilling abilities.
This course also focuses on:
– The growth of leadership skills
– Adherence to legal and ethical principles
– Understanding of diverse cultures
– Maintaining a safe work environment
This program equips graduates with the necessary skills to assume supervisory positions and meet industry regulations. Through practical placements, students can apply their theoretical knowledge in practical settings. Continuous professional development ensures that graduates stay updated with the latest advancements in aged care, promoting a dedication to constant enhancement and delivering high-quality care.
Enrol with Sage Education for Aged Care Training
Working in aged care is a rewarding job. This is because you can help older people live a better life. You can also help with personal care or make strong connections with clients and their families.
Investing in the necessary skills and education allows people to begin a fulfilling job in taking care of older adults. They can play an essential role in improving the health, happiness, and respect of the elderly community.
Contact Sage Education to get the qualifications you need. You can also learn more about how these courses will progress your skills for working in aged care.
