What aged care looks like in Australia
The elderly’s limited strength, medical needs, and physical challenges require careful attention.
Providing proper support and care for people in this phase of life is an important matter. So if you are working your way towards becoming an aged care professional, you need to know what aged care services look like in Australia.
Aged care services play a crucial role in caring for the ageing population. And these services may look different in various countries because of differing healthcare systems, demographics, and regulations.
Not all family members have the time and the capability to take care of their elderly relatives.
Aged care services make it possible for older Australians and their families to benefit from full-time care for this vulnerable community.
So if you’re looking at aged care as a career where you can grow long-term, you should enrol in Academia’s aged care courses that will equip you to be a certified and qualified aged care worker.
But first, let’s look at what aged care looks like in Australia.
Government funded aged care courses
Thanks to the Victorian Government’s Skilled First initiative, eligible domestic students can study a range of courses, including aged care, for free. Academia is a contracted training provider eligible to offer Skills First Funding courses.
Find out more about our free aged care courses online and see all Government funded courses in Melbourne.
Fact #1: The Australian Government funds aged care services
Since the elderly can no longer live independently, they often need the funds to support themselves.
One of the Government’s goals in providing excellent aged care services is to keep all costs as affordable as possible.
Who funds aged care in Australia?
The Australian Government has funded aged care services since the enactment of the Aged Care Law in 1997.
The Australian Government provides subsidies for eligible individuals who need home care or aged care services.
How much does the Australian government spend on aged care?
There’s been a total expense of $23.6B on aged care services in the past two years, with 60 percent of this expenditure on residential home care.
Fact #2: You need to be accredited to be an aged care provider
Managing and working in aged care facilities requires compliance with Australian standards and laws.
This ensures that optimum health and safety standards are being met.
Compliance with Australian standards and regulations is a must so that aged care facilities are guaranteed to provide high-quality care, support, and services 24/7.
To become an aged carer, you need to be qualified and certified by completing a Certificate III in Individual Support for aged care.
Who owns aged care homes in Australia?
Both private and public entities own aged care homes in Australia. There are a small number of public aged care homes owned by the Government.
Fact #3: Australia has various aged care services
Residential aged care homes are the most common type of aged care facility.
However, in-home care is also popular, and as clients age in both in-home and nursing home care, they require varying levels of geriatric medical services and dedicated care.
Other aged care facilities in Australia available for the elderly include:
- Dementia aged care
- Respite care
- Home care
- Short-term care
Top-tier professional aged care workers are trained to deliver palliative care services and implement specialised methods of care.
Fact #4: There’s an increase in the demand for aged care workers
Australia’s growing demand to cater to the ageing population means alumni of aged care courses are put in an ideal position when they graduate.
When you study and complete an aged course in Australia, you increase your capability and opportunity to fill in one of the 400,000 vacant positions set to open up until 2050.
Following successful completion of an aged care course, you can pursue a range of roles and positions, including:
- Aged care manager
- Personal care assistant
- Aged care worker
- Respite aged care
- Specialist aged care
Your career can take you many places! Explore the aged care career pathway here.
Are you ready to become part of the growing aged care sector in Australia?
Enrol in Academia’s aged care courses in Melbourne
Are you planning to enrol in an aged care course?
Academia provides high-quality education that equips both local and international students with the skills and knowledge they need for a rewarding career in aged care.
Become a certified aged care professional today and explore our Government funded courses in Melbourne.
Certificate III in Individual Support
Provide individualised support to the aged and apply safety practices for their health and care with the Certificate III.
Plan empowering activities for older people through workshops, tutorials, and practical training in residential, aged care facilities, and community settings.
The Certificate III in Individual Support (Aged Care) includes 150 hours of work placement to put your skills into practice.
Certificate IV in Ageing Support
With this course, you can aim for a leadership position in your workplace to manage and lead your co-workers.
The Cert IV in Ageing Support will teach you how to:
- Practise safety work methods
- Support people living with dementia
- Provide care through a palliative approach
- Empower people with disabilities
Complete the Certificate III in Individual Support first to be eligible to continue with the Certificate IV in Ageing Support.
Find out more about our aged care courses in Melbourne
We invite you to speak to our course advisors today to learn more about enrolling in an aged care course with Academia. If you’re an Australian or New Zealand resident, make sure to ask us about the Skills First initiative, too.
Contact Academia today by filling out this enquiry form or by calling us today on (03) 9671 4755.
