How to become an aged care worker and make a difference

Do you love taking care of others and like spending time with the elderly? If the answer is ‘yes’, a career in aged care might be for you! 

The aged care industry provides many career opportunities, giving you a range of ways to make a positive difference in the lives of elderly individuals. As an aged care worker, you’ll not only gain experience and skills, but play an important role in improving the quality of life for seniors. 

What do you need to work in aged care? 

There are a wide variety of jobs available in the aged care industry, all requiring a different level of skills and knowledge. Individuals working in aged care generally share the same qualities: 

• Respectful. 
• Empathetic. 
• Discrete. 
• Compassionate. 
• Service-orientated. 
• Positive. 

You’ll also need: 

Great communication: In many aged care roles you’ll spend a lot of time talking with residents, their families and other aged care employees. Therefore, having good communication skills is essential. 

Physically fit: Physical fitness is crucial for many aged care roles. In some cases, the role can be physically demanding as you’ll need to help clients with mobility issues. 

Professionalism: Anyone working in an aged care setting must be professional. Residents living in aged care need to be respected at all times and employees must remain discreet and professional as they carry out their duties.

Patience: This is an essential skill needed when caring for residents. Your ability to remain calm, understanding and patient is vital in creating a supportive and positive environment for residents and their families. 

Problem-solving: In aged care, it’s important to be able to think on your feet and resolve issues as they arise, from unexpected health concerns to managing resident’s changing needs.

What qualifications do you need to work in Aged Care?

What qualifications you need will depend on the position you are applying for. The Australian Government website outlines how to get into the aged care workforce: 

There are various pathways to enter this field, suitable for students, job seekers, and professionals.

Requirements:

While there are no minimum qualifications for entry-level care and support workers, many roles and organisations require formal qualifications. You will need a worker screening check and, depending on your role and location, you may also need an up-to-date COVID-19 and/or influenza vaccination, and checks for working with vulnerable people or children.

Training opportunities:

New care and support workers can access fee-free TAFE and subsidised training options. 

Becoming an aged care nurse

There are several pathways into the aged care sector for nursing students, enrolled nurses, and registered nurses.

Requirements:

Aged care nurses must hold a relevant qualification, such as a Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Nursing (for enrolled nurses) or a Bachelor of Nursing (for registered nurses). Nurses must also be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

Examples of jobs available in aged care

Some examples of jobs available in aged care include: 

• Assistant Nurse.
• Registered Nurse
• Enrolled Nurse
• Catering Attendant
• Chef.
• Leisure & Lifestyle Therapist.
• Physiotherapist
• Exercise Therapist
• Laundry/Cleaning Assistant
• Maintenance Officer
• Administration

Working at HillView Care – Aged care on the Gold Coast

At HillView Care, our dedicated and compassionate team is the heart of our success and is why our residents love our Merrimac and Ashmore aged care homes. We value friendship and a strong team spirit, creating a supportive and caring environment. 

If you’re passionate about aged care, we want to hear from you! Visit the HillView Care careers page to see what positions are currently available, complete the form, and attach your resume to get started.