Guide To Becoming An Aged Care Worker In Australia

Many different paths lead to a career in aged care. Here we provide an overview of becoming an aged care worker and what you can expect along the way. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to move up the career ladder, this guide will help you navigate your way to a successful future in aged care. Lets discover how you can become an aged care worker in Australia.

What Is Aged Care Work And What Are The Responsibilities Of An Aged Care Worker?

Aged care work is the term used to describe the care and support provided to older people who need assistance with daily living. Aged care workers typically have a broad range of responsibilities, including but not limited to; providing personal care, assisting with medication, helping with meals and other daily living activities, as well as offering emotional support. Sometimes, they may also be responsible for transporting and escorting clients to appointments.

Aged care workers usually collaborate closely with other health professionals, such as nurses, doctors and physiotherapists, to ensure that older people receive the best possible care.

What Skills Or Traits Do You Need To Become An Aged Care Worker In Australia?

If you’re wondering how to be an aged care worker in Australia, you’ll need a few skills and traits to succeed.

• Patience
  One of the most important skills that you need to become an aged care worker is patience. Caring for older people can be challenging and you must remain calm in difficult situations. Additionally, being patient when communicating with older adults is important, as they may have difficulty hearing or understanding you.

• Physical strength
  Another important skill you need to become an aged care worker is physical strength. This is because you will often need to lift or move older people and assist them with bathing and dressing. It is also important to be physically fit to keep up with the job’s demands.

• Emotional strength
  In addition to physical strength, you must also have emotional strength to become an aged care worker. This is because the job can be emotionally demanding and you will need to be able to deal with difficult situations. You should also be compassionate and caring, as this will help you form bonds with the elderly in your care.

• Good communication skills
  Communication skills are essential for aged care workers. This is because you will need to communicate effectively with elderly residents, their families and other healthcare team members. By communicating effectively you decrease the chance of misunderstandings.

Step-By-Step Process On How To Become An Aged Care Worker In Australia

Becoming an aged care worker in Australia is a rewarding way to make a difference in the lives of older adults. However, there are some aged care job requirements you need to qualify for:

• The first step is to take an accredited aged care course from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). The government approves these organisations to deliver vocational education and training (VET) programs with nationally accredited qualifications. First Base Training offers a range of courses that provide the skills and knowledge needed to work in aged care.

• You will also need to apply for a National Police Check and be vaccinated to protect yourself and the residents that you will provide care for. Some organisations might also require you to have a NDIS Worker Check.

• Once you have met all the requirements, you will be ready to start your career as an aged care worker!

The Challenges And Rewards Of Working In Aged Care

Being an aged care worker can be both challenging and rewarding. Before you dive into research on how to apply for an aged care job, you should consider how working in aged care can be emotionally and physically demanding. After all, you may be required to work long hours, including evenings and weekends. Sometimes, you may even have to deal with difficult behaviours from residents, such as aggression or dementia.

On the other hand, the rewards of working in aged care include the satisfaction of helping others and the opportunity to form close bonds with residents. You may also find that you have more job satisfaction than you would in other industries. Additionally, you may have the opportunity to advance your career by taking on additional responsibilities or training.

Tips For Succeeding In The Aged Care Industry

The aged care industry is among the most rewarding sectors. However, it can also be challenging and demanding. If you’re considering a career in aged care, here are a few tips to help you succeed:

• Make sure you are genuinely interested in working with and caring for older persons. The best carers are those who are patient, empathetic and respectful.

• You should maintain being physically fit and able to lift moderate weights. Being physically fit will help you do your job both safely and effectively.

• Organisational skills are essential in aged care as you’ll need to keep track of multiple patient needs and schedules, paperwork and medications.

• Maintaining good communication skills is vital as you’ll need to build rapport with your patients and their families and maintain positive relationships with your colleagues.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a successful career in aged care.

Get Qualified To Become An Aged Care Worker With First Base Training

At First Base Training, we are passionate about helping people achieve their goals. Our team of experienced educators will guide you through your qualification with ease ensuring you have the skills and knowledge necessary to work in the aged care industry. With over a decade of experience in delivering effective training programs, we know what it takes to provide our students with a quality education that leads to success.

If you’re looking for a reputable RTO that provides nationally recognised qualifications in aged care, disability and early childhood education and care, look no further than First Base Training. Contact us today and get qualified to be an aged care worker!