Studying aged care? Different types of facilities & work opportunities
Whether you’ve decided to make a significant career shift or are passionate about providing care to the elderly, researching aged care courses is a critical early step.
Looking forward to an exciting career in aged care gives considerable rewards. Not only does it gives you genuine fulfilment when you’re caring for your patients, but it also gives you an opportunity to leave an impact on their life.
Are you considering aged care as a long-term career in the next years to come? Interested in studying aged care and getting the right qualification to enjoy a long and fruitful career?
While researching aged care courses, you might also be interested in learning the different kinds of facilities that you might find yourself working in!
Once you’ve launched your career in aged care, you could find work in…
Residential aged care homes
The residential aged care home is considered to be one of the most popular and well-known aged care facilities.
Aged care workers who find employment in residential homes provide round-the-clock care and service to elderly patients.
These patients require care as they can no longer look after themselves, whether that’s due to illness, injury, or simply old age.
Aged care worker will also need to expand their list of day-to-day tasks to include social care services such as preparing and serving healthy meals, and planning and running activities for the elderly.
Respite care
Respite care is the name given to care that is usually only temporary. Whether it’s planned or a last-minute emergency, respite care can take place in the patient’s own home or in a facility.
Respite care is when someone else takes care of the person you cre for. It is an opportunity for the regular carer to take some time off, whether that’s to go on holiday, do regular activities, or simply to take care of yourself.
Respite care can be as little as a few hours a week, or can extend to overnight care, for example, over a weekend.
Respite carers pay attention to medication management, treatments and scheduling of activities for the patient.
Full-time family members who find themselves caring for a loved one rely on respite care to give them a well-earned break. Respite care benefits all:
- The regular carer has an opportunity to step away from their duties and focus on themselves
- The patient still receives the best possible care and attention
- The respite worker finds fulfillment in helping both the carer and their patient!
Respite care centres are made available through:
To be qualified to work in respite care facilities, you will need to complete your Certificate III in Individual Support.
Short-term care opportunities
If you would like to earn your way in gaining experience in working with the elderly, you can apply for short-term aged care opportunities after completing your Certificate III in Individual Support or Certificate IV in Ageing Support.
Countless possibilities await you when you explore short-term care to patients such as:
Transitional care
Provide care to the aged who lives independently after being hospitalised
Restorative care
Help the aged fully recover from a health condition by offering restorative care services helpful for those who are at risk in living alone
Multi-purpose services
Provide a variety of aged care services to regional and remote areas where there is a lack of proper aged care facilities.
Find out more about short-term care here.
Jumpstart your career in aged care by studying in Melbourne
Ready to dive into a rewarding and fulfilling career in aged care?
First up, you’ll need to get the right qualifications and training! Prepare for the challenges that lie ahead when you enrol in Academia’s aged care courses in Melbourne.
We’ll help you succeed in your aged care career by providing you with a high-quality education that teaches you more than theory: each course includes placement in an aged care facility where you can apply your newly acquired skills to real-life situations.
Certificate III in Individual Support
Find out how to offer compassionate individualised support and follow safety practices for health and care.
Students who study this course learn how to provide support to patients, nurture relationships with patients’ families, and facilitate the empowerment of older people.
Learn through workshops, tutorials, and practical training, including a 120-150 hour placement.
Whether you end up working in residential care or a home environment, this course is the first step towards a successful aged care career!
Find out more about the Certificate III in Individual Support.
Certificate IV in Ageing Support
If you are currently completing Certificate III in Individual Support, you are eligible to continue your studies with the Certificate IV in Ageing Support.
Learn specialised aged care techniques for elderly that have complex needs.
Units in Certificate IV in Ageing Support include:
- Support to the elderly with dementia
- Providing care through a palliative approach
- Safety work practices
- Empowerment of people with disability
During this course you will also complete 120 hours of work placement and be assessed through written exams.
Learn more about the Certificate IV in Ageing Support.
Enrol in our aged care courses at Academia
Start a rewarding career in aged care when you enrol in our courses at Academia.
Our team of certified and experienced teachers will help you prepare for the aged care career you’re craving.
Find out more about our aged care courses by filling out this enquiry form. If you’d prefer to chat over the phone, give our friendly team a call using the numbers below:
