Where can you work following an aged care course in Melbourne?

Taking care of the elderly is a challenging yet rewarding job. If it’s something you can see yourself doing for the long term, then you should consider studying an aged care course and exploring all the options that await.

When you study aged care, you open plentiful opportunities to work in various settings involving elderly care – not only confined within an aged care facility.

These settings include clinics, home care facilities, hospitals, and residential establishments. 

So if you are looking into pursuing a career in aged care, then read on to learn what opportunities await you.

Is being a care worker a good job?

Aged carers play an important role in attending to the needs of older patients by providing physical, emotional, mental, and social support to not only the elderly in their care, but to their families, too.

If you are looking at moving into aged care and pursuing it as a long-term career, you need to enrol in aged care study in order to be equipped and certified to work with the elderly.

Working in aged care doesn’t only offer a strong, long-term career; it’s also one of the most rewarding decisions you can make in your lifetime.

• A long-term career in a demanding industry
• More work opportunities in various fields
• Job security and flexibility
• Marks a lasting impact to your patients

The industry is ready for compassionate and caring people like you!

What jobs are there in aged care?

There’s a continual increase of demand for aged care workers in Australia – our aging population tells us that there will be an estimated 1.5 million Australians who will be 85 or older by 2058! 

With this demand, the aged care industry needs qualified and professional aged care workers who will be dedicated and passionate in impacting the lives of the elderly.

If you are planning to pursue a career in aged care, here are some career pathways you can find yourself pursuing!

1. Nursing home worker

One of the most common jobs for those who finish an aged care course is working in a nursing home.

What does a care assistant do in a nursing home?

Aged care workers provide care, support, and supervision to the elderly, especially when they cannot do things independently.

Some of these activities include:

• Providing personal hygiene
• Giving medication
• Preparing meals
• Helping them with daily activities

Aged care workers ensure that patients will be cared for by looking after their health and wellbeing – especially their physical, mental, emotional, and social needs. 

Aged care workers plan daily activities and provide companionship to their patients. They are also good at implementing strategies and programs for people who have certain conditions, such as dementia.

2. Home care worker/Personal care assistant

Home carers or personal care assistants provide support to the elderly through personal grooming, hygiene, meal preparation, feeding, and housework. As the name suggests, this role is usually undertaken in the resident’s own home. 

Families of the elderly may not be able to offer reliable care for their loved ones, which is why they often need the assistance of an in-home worker.

Being a home care worker goes beyond the physical work; acting as a companion, you can make a real difference to the emotional and mental health of your client, too. 

3. Respite carer

Respite carers provide short-term care for families and caregivers going on leave or needing a break. They usually offer family support services in giving primary care and safety to the elderly without family members.

Respite carers fill in the role of attending to the patients basic needs and perform other activities usually done by the main carer or family members.

Types of respite carers can vary, such as:

• In-home respite
• Out-of-home respite
• Respite in a community setting
• Group home respite
• Emergency respite

4. Community aged care

Community aged carers are front line staff that aid in client relationships and provide quality care to the elderly, usually in their own homes.

Community aged carers can explore various pathways including non-government, non-profit, and private facilities. Community care can help support the elderly and retain their independence.

What qualifications do I need to work in aged care?

Working in the aged care industry requires skills and expertise to care for and support aged care patients. 

Education and training are two important factors that aged care workers need in order to provide a quality service.

Is it hard to work in a care home?

Working in aged care does come with its challenges, but the rewards it brings, too, are hard to put into words.

The value, care, and compassion you offer to those in your care is immeasurable, and along with childcare, it’s clear to see how aged care is one of the most rewarding career pathways you can pursue. 

Before you officially start working in a care home or any field in aged care, you need to be qualified.

Academia is here to support you to become the best you can be as an aged care worker. We offer two courses to help you fulfil your career goals!

Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33015)

Before entering the industry, you need to complete the Certificate III in Individual Support.

This course provides you with the groundwork required to provide individualised support to the elderly.

The Certificate III in aged care includes 150 hours of work placement; a wonderful opportunity to put your newly acquired skills into practice in a registered aged care facility. Academia will organise placement for you.

The Certificate III in Individual Support helps you to learn all the basics of personal care to the elderly such as:

• Facilitating the empowerment of older people
• Providing home and community support services
• Application of work safety practices 
• Providing support for people with dementia
• Compliance with infection prevention and control policies

Certificate IV in Ageing Support

Once  you complete the Certificate III in Individual Support at Academia, you can choose to advance your learning with the Certificate IV in Aged Care.

This certificate helps you to learn about leadership qualities, and is great for a candidate who wishes to pursue a leadership or managerial role.

 This course will equip you on how to:

• Provide care through a palliative approach
• Support the elderly with dementia
• Empower people with disability 
• Practise safety work practices

Gain practical work experience

Practical work placement is a key component of both our aged care courses.

During this time, you will see first-hand how an aged care facility operates in its day to day, and be able to apply new skills.

Get a first aid training certificate

In addition to gaining the right qualification, you will also need to obtain a number of certifications including First Aid and CPR. 

Explore Academia’s aged care courses in Melbourne

Interested in studying aged care in Melbourne? If you’re a Victorian resident and meet eligibility criteria, you may be able to study free aged care courses online with Academia!

Academia provides high-quality education that equips students like you with the skills and knowledge needed for a rewarding career in aged care.

Explore our Government funded courses in Melbourne, including aged care and childcare, and take the first step towards your rewarding career!

Whether you’re planning to upskill, change your career, or looking for an opportunity to advance further in the aged care industry, Academia has an aged care course for you.

Find out more about our aged care courses by filling out this enquiry form or contact our friendly team at our Melbourne campus on (03) 9671 4755.