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Aged Care Support Workers help elderly people with daily tasks and provide company to improve their quality of life.
What do they do?
What do they do?
Personal Care
Personal Care
Helping with bathing, dressing, grooming and toileting needs of clients.
Medication
Medication
Giving medications and keep accurate records.
Mobility Help
Mobility Help
Helping clients with exercise and mobility aids.
Meal Preparation
Meal Preparation
Cooking and serving meals according to dietary requirements.
Housekeeping
Housekeeping
Keeping the environment clean, safe and tidy.
Companionship
Companionship
Providing emotional support and including clients in social activities.
Transportation
Transportation
Taking clients to appointments and outings.
Record Keeping
Record Keeping
Keeping detailed and accurate records of care provided.
What skills are needed?
What skills are needed?
Patience and Empathy: The ability to show care for the needs and feelings of older people. Wait calmly, help without rushing, and understand challenges elderly people face.
Patience and Empathy: The ability to show care for the needs and feelings of older people. Wait calmly, help without rushing, and understand challenges elderly people face.
Good Communication: The ability to talk clearly and listen to older people, their families, and doctors, using both verbal and non-verbal cues.
Good Communication: The ability to talk clearly and listen to older people, their families, and doctors, using both verbal and non-verbal cues.
Physical Strength: An ability to assist older people to move around, such as helping them stand up or walk.
Physical Strength: An ability to assist older people to move around, such as helping them stand up or walk.
Respecting Privacy and Dignity: A strong commitment to protecting the privacy of older people and giving them choices.
Respecting Privacy and Dignity: A strong commitment to protecting the privacy of older people and giving them choices.
Adapting to Changes: An openness to new situations and willingness to change work practices.
Adapting to Changes: An openness to new situations and willingness to change work practices.
Teamwork and Collaboration: A strong ability to work well with co-workers, doctors, and helpers to provide the best care.
Teamwork and Collaboration: A strong ability to work well with co-workers, doctors, and helpers to provide the best care.
Problem-Solving and Attention to Detail: Finding solutions to challenges and being accurate with work.
Problem-Solving and Attention to Detail: Finding solutions to challenges and being accurate with work.
Cultural Sensitivity and Respect: Treating people from different backgrounds with respect, understanding their traditions and beliefs.
Cultural Sensitivity and Respect: Treating people from different backgrounds with respect, understanding their traditions and beliefs.
Where do they work?
Where do they work?
Home Care is for elderly clients who need help with daily care in their own home.
Home Care is for elderly clients who need help with daily care in their own home.
Residential Aged Care Facilities are communal homes for elderly people who receive full-time care and can no longer live on their own.
Residential Aged Care Facilities are communal homes for elderly people who receive full-time care and can no longer live on their own.
Community Care Centers are community-based settings, where seniors meet during the day to socialise and get support.
Community Care Centers are community-based settings, where seniors meet during the day to socialise and get support.
How to become an Aged Care Worker
How to become an Aged Care Worker
Step 1. Decide if its the right job for you
Step 1. Decide if its the right job for you
+Pros and Cons
+Pros and Cons
WHY CHOOSE THIS JOB?
WHY CHOOSE THIS JOB?
Workers are in high demand, meaning good job security.
Workers are in high demand, meaning good job security.
It can be fulfilling to know you are mare making a difference to people's lives.
It can be fulfilling to know you are mare making a difference to people's lives.
There are opportunities for career progression, and variety throughout the day.
There are opportunities for career progression, and variety throughout the day.
The work is respected and appreciated.
The work is respected and appreciated.
You can work in different settings (Community, Home and Residential Facilities).
You can work in different settings (Community, Home and Residential Facilities).
THINGS TO CONSIDER
THINGS TO CONSIDER
Working in aged care can be physically demanding, and emotionally challenging.
Working in aged care can be physically demanding, and emotionally challenging.
You will usually need a licence and car to work in Home care and Community Care Centres.
You will usually need a licence and car to work in Home care and Community Care Centres.
It can be physically demanding
It can be physically demanding
Paperwork can be time-consuming and complex
Paperwork can be time-consuming and complex
The pay is lower than other jobs
The pay is lower than other jobs
You will need to pass a number of checks depending on the work you do, which can include a Police Check, NDIS Check and have up to date Vaccinations (this isn't the job for you if you have problems with identification)
You will need to pass a number of checks depending on the work you do, which can include a Police Check, NDIS Check and have up to date Vaccinations (this isn't the job for you if you have problems with identification)
+ Self asssessment
+ Self asssessment
Begin by assessing your suitability for working in aged care, considering your empathy, physical health, and interest in improving the quality of life for older adults:
Do you you have the right skills for the job?
Are you willing and able to complete the educational requirements? (See Education and Training below)
Are you able to pass the checks required? (See Checks below)
Do you have the English and computer skills for the job? Are you able and willing to work on them? (See Other Skills below)
Step 2. Prepare for the job
Step 2. Prepare for the job
+ Education and training
+ Education and training
Most Aged Care employers in NSW require workers to have a recognised qualification or be enrolled in a course that allows them to work while they study. Enrol in a recognised aged care program offered by TAFE institutions, Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), or Universities.
Depending on your career goals, this could include a:
Certificate III in Individual Support (through TAFE or an RTO)
Certificate IV in Ageing Support (through TAFE or an RTO)
Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing or Aged Care (usually through Universities)
SCHOLARSHIPS AND SUBSIDISED COURSES
Certificate III and IV courses offered by TAFE and RTOs are generally subsidised (free) for people seeking asylum.
Universities charge People Seeking Asylum full fees which are very high. Some Universities offer scholarships. Contact the University Program for more information.
REGISTERED TRAINING ORGANISATIONS
+ Experience
+ Experience
Work placement: Your aged care course will include a work placement, giving you practical experience to include on your resume.
Volunteer or Gain Experience: You can volunteer in many Aged Care Centres which is valuable experience to put on your resume.
Stepping stone jobs: Entry level jobs include Housekeeping, Kitchen Hand and Laundry Assistant in Aged Care Homes.
+ Other skills
+ Other skills
Language Support: You will need good English to communicate with clients. Look for English language courses or programs to improve your language skills. We can help you find a class that meets your needs.
Computer Support: You will need skills in using a computer to complete paper work. We can help you with computer tuition. Ask for a referral through the Asylum Seekers Centre.
Step 3. Look for work
Step 3. Look for work
+ Prepare your resume
+ Prepare your resume
Your resume needs to highlight your qualifications, relevant experience, and skills. Keep it clear and straightforward, and consider having it checked by a fluent English speaker for accuracy. Online translation programs are also a good way to check your language is clear.
+ Prepare for interviews
+ Prepare for interviews
Practise answering common interview questions and find help from a language tutor or mentor if needed:
Why did you choose to work in aged care? Focus on your passion for helping others, especially the elderly. Highlight any personal experiences or qualities that make you well-suited for this field.
Why did you choose to work in aged care? Focus on your passion for helping others, especially the elderly. Highlight any personal experiences or qualities that make you well-suited for this field.
How do you handle challenging behaviours or difficult situations with clients? Talk about specific strategies you use, such as staying calm, using de-escalation techniques, and focusing on the safety and well-being of the client.
How do you handle challenging behaviours or difficult situations with clients? Talk about specific strategies you use, such as staying calm, using de-escalation techniques, and focusing on the safety and well-being of the client.
How do you ensure the dignity and respect of your clients? Explain your approach to treating clients with respect, such as involving them in decisions about their care, protecting their privacy, and treating them with kindness.
How do you ensure the dignity and respect of your clients? Explain your approach to treating clients with respect, such as involving them in decisions about their care, protecting their privacy, and treating them with kindness.
How do you prioritise your tasks when caring for multiple clients? Talk about your time management skills and how you organise work based on the urgency and needs of each client while focusing on high standards of care.
How do you prioritise your tasks when caring for multiple clients? Talk about your time management skills and how you organise work based on the urgency and needs of each client while focusing on high standards of care.
How do you work as part of a team with other healthcare professionals? Highlight your teamwork skills, including communication, collaboration, and respecting the roles of other team members to provide care.
How do you work as part of a team with other healthcare professionals? Highlight your teamwork skills, including communication, collaboration, and respecting the roles of other team members to provide care.
What steps do you take to ensure a safe and clean environment for your clients? Talk about your commitment to hygiene, safety, and regular checks to keep the environment clean, free of hazards.
What steps do you take to ensure a safe and clean environment for your clients? Talk about your commitment to hygiene, safety, and regular checks to keep the environment clean, free of hazards.
+ Build your networks
+ Build your networks
Connect with professionals in the aged care field through social media platforms like LinkedIn. Join groups or associations related to Aged Care. Ask friends and family if they know people who work in aged care. Networking can help you learn about job opportunities and improve your language skills.
+ Contact Aged Care Providers
+ Contact Aged Care Providers
Reach out to local aged care facilities, nursing homes, and community care organisations directly. Send them an email or call to inquire about job openings and express your interest. Some employers may prefer to hire candidates who show initiative.
Check the My Aged Care website for facility contact details and ratings.
Search the Yellow Pages for child care centres in your area.
+ Register with Aged Care recruiters
+ Register with Aged Care recruiters
Search for recruitment agencies specialising in aged care and healthcare placements.
+ Checks
+ Checks
You will usually need the following certificates and checks:
National Police Certificate is required to make sure you have a clear criminal record. Your employer may provide this if you are offered a job.
First Aid Certificate - provides the skills to deal with medical emergencies. Check if it is included in your course.
NDIS Worker Screening Check - is needed if you work with NDIS participants.
Vaccinations - are needed to keep clients and staff healthy.
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