Working alongside the older people in our community can be as rewarding as it is challenging. It requires an individual who can tackle a range of obstacles while remaining optimistic, respectful, and empathetic.
Aged care work is founded on those particular individuals who excel at providing personal care.
Your drive to provide excellent care and support to the elderly brought you here. At Sage Education, we have boundless admiration for those who seek to improve the quality of life for others, and thus, it is only fitting that said individuals have a matchless education.
With that incentive, we have provided an informative guide to help you gain a complete understanding of your role as an aged care worker.
Taking inspiration from your passion to go the extra mile for others, we will also cover the benefits and challenges you will face within your role and where to find the best educative courses to help you prepare for them.
The Responsibilities of an Aged Care Worker
Regardless of whether you work in residential care facilities or the homes of your clients, you will be expected to assist your clients with a range of day-to-day tasks.
Listed below are some of the tasks that may require your assistance:
– Hygiene maintenance.
– Healthy meal preparation.
– The consistent maintenance of care records.
– The administration of medicines as directed by a nurse/physician.
– The organization of entertaining activities.
What You Should Know Before You Become An Aged Support Worker
Knowing your responsibilities as an aged care worker is one thing, but in order to thrive, you must hold yourself to a high standard with specific criteria.
Whether your passion leads you to work in an aged care home or otherwise, there are skills you must exhibit no matter where you work.
Skills You Need to Provide Aged Care Services
– Dedication.
– Eagerness to learn.
– Practicality.
– Attentiveness.
– Friendliness.
– Communication.
– Empathy.
– Patience.
– Reliability.
– Adaptability.
If you have recognised a skillset you may not be fully confident in, don’t worry – Sage Education’s Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing or Disability) course will help you bridge those gaps!
The Rewards of Working in the Aged Care Sector
Before we delve into our revered courses, we will guide you through the facets of your dream career that make it one of the most rewarding professions within the healthcare industry!
You Can Change Someone’s Life
By working closely with a vulnerable individual, you will gain a greater understanding of their unique needs, and by making the appropriate improvements, you will enhance their quality of life.
Offering your assistance is only the beginning. Your dedication to your client will inspire an uplifted sense of independence, which is especially appreciated by clients who are finding it difficult to adjust to residential aged care.
The work you do will encourage your clients to participate in new hobbies, get involved in the community, and, above all, make friendships and memories that will be cherished forever.
Furthermore, now is the perfect time to begin changing someone’s life within the aged care sector. As of July 2024, the new Aged Care Act will be finalised. This means that elderly Australian citizens and their needs will be at the heart of the aged care system instead of the funding of providers. Overall, this means the quality of resources available to you will only increase!
Every Day Promises Variety
When it comes to your daily duties, you should expect a wide variety of tasks that will differ depending on every individual you care for.
Being an aged care worker doesn’t just mean you assist with domestic chores; sometimes, your job is simply to be a friend to your clients and keep them company.
Additionally, because of the flexible nature of your job, you could be working early in the morning or late in the evening.
If you like a work schedule that is subject to consistent fluctuation, a role in the aged care services is perfect for you!
You Make Genuine Connections
More often than not, your clients will be genuinely warmed by your presence because they have a boundless appreciation for all that you do for them.
Nothing is more rewarding than establishing a true friendship with those whom you have helped grow. As you become an integral part of your client’s life, you will also grow closer to their close family and friends. There is no better example of the beauty and significance of social connection.
You Have Job Security
According to the Australian government, and more specifically, the Department of Health and Aged Care, aged care jobs are in high demand (and will be for a while).
More than 1.5 million people receive aged care services in Australia, meaning that there is no shortage of vacancies within the aged care industry.
By working in aged care, you’ll have access to an industry that is experiencing continuous growth. The opportunities are endless, and job security is guaranteed.
The Challenges of Being an Aged Care Worker
Every job has its challenges.
We shall address these challenges and provide you with methods to help you overcome them whilst maintaining your professionalism.
Dealing with the Loss of a Client
Unfortunately, the passing of a client isn’t uncommon in this field. When you lose a client that you’ve bonded with, you may experience grief and emotional distress.
Although grief isn’t something that can be fixed with a simple solution, there are some coping mechanisms that we recommend.
We recommend that you find exercise a balance between personalised care and professional practice, surround yourself with your loved ones, and allow yourself time to grieve.
Long Work Hours
Because of your inconsistent work schedule, you will likely be physically and emotionally exhausted some days. This especially applies to independent care workers who travel from home to home, which often results in a neglected personal life.
To avoid this, we recommend that you plan your schedule in advance and ensure to take a step back from your work regularly.
Resistant Clients
Whether your client is consistently uncooperative, is apprehensive about their care arrangements, or simply doesn’t get along with you, dealing with resistant clients is something you should prepare for.
Honesty and empathy are crucial to resolving any potential conflicts when they arise. Ask for your client’s input so that you can establish trust, the foundation of your bond, and make them a part of the solution.
Always maintain your warmth and politeness, even when the client isn’t being receptive.
Ultimately, if no solution can be reached, you can decide to finish your work with your client.
Transport
A lot of jobs in the aged care sector require that you drive. If you can’t drive, however, you may still be able to find a job as an aged care worker, which will prove to be more difficult.
To resolve this issue, we recommend that you plan your route appropriately, anticipating any hindrances to your journey (weather conditions, busy traffic, etc).
Why You Should Study with Sage Education
As a nationally Registered Training Organisation (RTO), we have provided matchless aged care training for over two decades!
Our esteemed courses are designed to increase our graduate’s employability, offering them a range of high-quality courses that are as accessible as they are transformative.
We have helped over 3000 graduates secure jobs with the help of our connections to the top employers in the industry, displaying specialised knowledge and invaluable practical skills.
Here is how we can help you find the perfect role in the aged care sector:
Our Certificate III in Individual Support Course
Our Certificate III in Individual Support course is perfect for those who are just starting in the industry!
Sporting a hybrid learning course structure, our course covers everything from providing individualised care to legal and ethical practices.
Accessible to all thanks to our flexible class schedules and government subsidy, our course is perfect for those who are just entering the aged care sector.
Our Certificate IV in Ageing Support Course
Our Certificate IV in Ageing Support course takes your education to the next level with specialised knowledge and excellently organised vocational placement.
This qualification is perfect for those who are already employed in the aged care industry and are looking to upskill.
With this course, you will learn everything from empowering older people to following safe practices for direct client care!
Enrol with Sage Education
Now that you have a complete understanding of your role, it is time to enrol with one of the top TAFE course providers in Australia!
To learn more about our ethos and how we have helped other thriving graduates, take a look at how we excel at transformative education.
Your dream of providing unsurpassable aged care is within reach – don’t hesitate to enquire about our courses today!
