Aged care in Australia is starting down a path towards massive change.

Despite being one of the largest industries — one Australia is increasingly dependent on — it’s also one of the most understaffed, underskilled and underfunded.

These facts are baffling. The number of Australians over the age of 85 is expected to rise over 50% by 2058, to 1.5 million. Along with the increased frailty of our elderly population, this is the reason that qualified, caring aged care professionals are in demand.

Qualified and caring are the operative words in that statement. 

The Royal Commission inquiry into Australia’s aged care industry revealed that these two things are shockingly absent from the industry.

The path towards change in aged care requires many more dedicated, passionate and caring workers to enter the industry and make an impact. However, these traits aren’t inherent in everyone, and finding people with an innate capacity to care is rare. If you possess these traits, you’re exactly the kind of person this industry is crying out for.

As an aged care worker, you’d be able to dedicate your career to supporting those living out the later chapters in their lives. It’s a deeply rewarding career. But making the decision to become an aged care worker isn’t always straightforward. 

You’ll want to consider factors like:

That’s why this aged care resource library exists. To help you find the answers to these questions and understand how to navigate your new career path.

Australia’s ageing population continues to create opportunities for caring and passionate individuals to make a real difference. 

However, the terms, “caring” and “passionate” are not words that have been associated with the aged care industry over the past years. Instead, a Royal Commission inquiry into the lack of staffing, skill and care within Australia’s biggest sector has uncovered a tainted culture in industry that we’re so dependent on.

Annie Butler
Federal Secretary, Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation

The final Royal Commission report titled Care, Dignity and Respect, has been released. It details 148 wide-sweeping recommendations to overhaul the current state of aged care in Australia, and deliver more care and support. 

The call for qualified, skilled and passionate aged care professionals is a large part of the report’s recommendations. And the need for people like this is increasing as Australia’s ageing population becomes larger and more frail. 

Personal care workers make up 70% of the aged care workforce. However, qualifications aren’t currently mandatory for these roles. It’s still uncertain as to whether qualifications will be regulated in the future. Prime Minister Scott Morrison says:

“What I want to be sure of is that, the people who are providing care and the services they’re providing as part of [the aged care workforce]. That they’re properly trained and qualified to do that.”

Scott Morrison
Australian Prime Minister

The emphasis on qualifications and skills remains only one facet of working in aged care. The other crucial part is an innate desire to care for others, and a passion for making a difference to the lives of vulnerable populations.

The question you need to ask yourself is: could you become that carer?

The aged care industry needs people like you. Not only to offer outstanding care and support to the elderly. But also to begin tearing off a stigma that has shrouded the industry for too long.

Regardless of which role you pursue, a career in aged care is guaranteed to offer a range of challenges, mixed with heartwarming rewards in every situation.

If you’re ready to take your first step towards becoming a professional in this rapidly expanding and changing industry, it’s time to find your perfect course.