How to become an Aged Care Worker

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

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.

  • Average age
    Average age
    47 years
  • Future Growth
    Future Growth
    Very strong
  • Gender Share
    Gender Share
    80% female
  • Average full-time
    Average full-time
    43 hours
  • Weekly Pay
    Weekly Pay
    $1,265
  • Skill level rating
    Skill level rating
    Lower skill
  • Unemployment
    Unemployment
    Lower unemployment
  • Full-Time Share
    Full-Time Share
    33% Full-Time
  • Employment Size
    Employment Size
    175,800 workers
  • Employment Size
    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%
  • Employment Size
    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%
  • Employment Size
    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%
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