Careers in Aged Care: 7 Things to Know in 2021 [Updated]

The aged care industry is expanding at a pace like no other. Australia’s ageing population is growing, and demand for professional support workers is growing with it. 

Pre-COVID, the aged care looked set to double by the year 2050, and the Australian government predicted there would be about 179,000 job openings over five years – in what is already a vast sector. 

2020’s COVID-19 pandemic shone a light on some critical vulnerabilities in the residential aged care system and attracted widespread criticism of current policies. As a result of the Royal Commission, which will be released in February 2021, we’ll likely see some long-overdue restructuring soon. Possible changes include a shift toward  “smaller, community-run aged care homes,” and more home-based care. The sector is also desperately in need of more skilled, passionate carers to step in and help improve the quality of care and enable our older citizens to live the life of dignity they deserve.

What this means for you is that once qualified, you’ll have plentiful job opportunities. Carers are in demand across the country, so whether you’re based in NSW, Queensland, Victoria or Western Australia, can get employment in the sector quickly and get started building a successful, fulfilling aged care career. And it’s doubtful that you’ll have to worry about unemployment with this kind of demand, making aged care a future-proof career.

As an Aged Care Worker, your duties will revolve around supporting your clients’ wellbeing throughout their daily lives. You’ll follow an individual treatment plan for each client, and liaise with family other health professionals.

Duties and responsibilities for a Aged Care Worker include:

A duty of care refers to the responsibility not to cause harm to another person (that you could reasonably foresee). This applies in aged care, and across all the caring careers – whether that be childcare, disability or community services, healthcare, or allied health. A duty of care is the minimum ethical standard that you must not fall below, or else face legal consequences.

A standard of care goes beyond this minimum duty. A standard of care refers to the quality of care provided. For example, ensuring that someone not only has a bed — but also making sure the bed is comfortable to sleep on.

There are many positions within the aged care industry to suit a variety of skills and personalities. There are careers in frontline support, administration, human resources, and catering as well as managerial and corporate roles. There are also a variety of situations you as a support worker can work within.

You may work as a personal carer with elderly persons or families with people who receive aged care. Career opportunities abound in community care where you can offer in-home care and services.

Alternately, you might work at a residential aged care facility, providing continuous nursing support. Or you might choose to work at a community-based aged care provider, or in respite care services for those at the end of their lives. 

Whether they work in community care, residential care or respite care, a support worker will report to the registered nurse or supervisor and work under their direction. With the appropriate professional development and career development opportunities, you can progress to supervisory roles and oversee other team members, or behind the scenes managing the overall operation of care facilities and support services.

Registered Nurses play one of the most critical roles when it comes to caring for the older adults in our society.

Without a doubt, working in the aged care sector can become an extremely rewarding and fulfilling career. However, it does come with its challenges both physically and emotionally. Caring for an aged person or one with a disability can have its physical demands. For example, if you are in a support role where you are required to provide hands-on assistance.

You may also be in a situation where you are required to manage someone with difficult behaviours or health issues, you may be working in an environment where you will experience grief and loss and you may be exposed to the emotion of friends and family throughout your career as a support worker.

There are several key skills and attributes that aged care workers require to build a successful career in the industry. Employers lookout for those with a caring and supportive attitude, good communication skills, patience and discretion and physically fit. Embodying a positive outlook, having a high level of professionalism and showing a natural empathy towards the elderly or disabled are also desirable traits of an aged care worker.

If you are planning to explore a career in aged care services, you might be wondering: what qualifications do I need to work in aged care services? There is a vast range of carer courses available to suit your needs.

What Qualifications Do I Need To Work In Aged Care?

While a qualification isn’t strictly required to work in aged care, gaining one will prepare you for working in the sector and enable you to begin working straight away. Many employers prefer workers with a qualification since they need less training and supervision to start with.

Whether you have the time to study full-time in class, or part-time via an aged care course online, there’s an option for you.

Whether you have the time to study full-time in class, or part-time via an aged care course online, there’s an option for you.

Available qualification types for aged care that can be studied at TAFE:

If you’re wondering how to become an aged carer, there are two main paths. You can study aged care, or take on a traineeship or apprenticeship.

In addition to your qualification, aged carers also need a first aid certificate. Some employers will require you to hold a driver’s license, a national police check, and manual handling training.

Need help putting together the perfect aged care resume? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Resumes for resume templates, samples, formatting tips and more.

If you love working with people and helping people a career in the aged care sector could be suitable for you. Working with the elderly or those with a disability that requires assistance can bring a huge amount of joy into someone else’s life.

You may become their personal assistant, their confidant, their emotional crutch, perhaps their cook or cleaner.

It’s more than just being a carer. Working in aged care gives you rewards that money can’t buy. You’ll go home each night knowing you have enhanced the lives of your clients. Maybe your care allows them to stay in their own home for as long as possible; perhaps you’re enabling them to have a better quality of life, providing them intensive support within a high care facility. Whatever path you choose, you’ll know that you’re making a difference every day.