How to become an Aged Care Worker

Aged care workers provide care, supervision and support for aged people in residential establishments, clinics, hospitals and private residence. They assist with the maintenance of personal care, domestic duties and management of illness. They also provide companionship and emotional support, and promote independence and community participation.

Personal requirements for an Aged Care Worker

Patient, flexible and understanding
Supportive and caring nature
Commitment to the rights of the elderly to live dignified lives
Able to accept responsibility
Good communication skills
Able to work as part of a team
Able to cope with the physical demands of the job
Able to perform domestic duties efficiently

Education & Training for an Aged Care Worker

To become an aged care worker you usually have to complete a VET qualification in ageing support or individual support. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You can also become an aged care worker through a traineeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional information

To work as an aged care worker, you must obtain a National Police Certificate and a Provide First Aid Certificate. An additional employment screening is conducted in South Australia. A drivers licence is essential for those providing community and home support care.

Duties & Tasks of an Aged Care Worker

Aged care workers:

Assist people with self-medication
Implement care programs for those in residential establishments
Provide in-home support with health issues and daily living tasks such as washing, dressing, eating, transport and budgeting
Assist with the delivery of activities to enhance the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of those in their care
Ensure those in their care are washed, dressed, fed and ready for educational and recreational activities
Assist during domestic activities such as eating meals and showering
Provide companionship and support during daily activities
Cook and serve meals, clean premises, wash, iron and perform other household tasks
Organise refuge accommodation
Implement appropriate strategies for managing problems related to dementia
Work with a team of health professionals, family, friends and carers to implement a support program.

Tasks

Assisting in personal hygiene and dressing
Providing companionship, friendship and emotional support
Accompanying aged and disabled persons during daily activities
Performing housekeeping tasks such as vacuuming and cleaning
May live in with the person
Assisting clients with their mobility
Arranging social activities
Preparing food for clients
May do shopping and run errands

Working conditions for an Aged Care Worker

Aged care workers work in private homes and community establishments and may be required to work evenings, weekends and public holidays, or live on the premises.

Employment Opportunities for an Aged Care Worker

Aged care workers may work in a variety of settings, including residential aged-care facilities, day therapy centres and special dementia care units. They may also visit clients in their homes.

Specializations

Aged Care Worker

Average age
41
Future Growth
Positive
Gender Share
74% female
Average full-time
43 hours
Weekly Pay
$1,564
Skill level rating
Medium skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
43%
Employment Size
332,500
Employment by state
ACT: 1.4%
NSW: 26.9%
NT: 0.7%
QLD: 18.2%
SA: 11.7%
TAS: 3.8%
VIC: 26.7%
WA: 10.5%
Age brackets
15-19: 1.4%
20-24: 7.3%
25-34: 16.9%
35-44: 18.4%
45-54: 27.1%
55-59: 14%
60-64: 9.9%
65 and Over: 5.1%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 15.5%
Bachelor degree: 12.1%
Below Year 10: 2.4%
Certificate III/IV: 42.6%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 3.5%
Year 10 and below: 11.4%
Year 11: 3.3%
Year 12: 11.6%
Years 11 & 10: 9.7%