Aged care workers are an integral part of the recovery, rehabilitation, and daily support network for older Australians. They assist the elderly by following health and safety guidelines with personal care, domestic duties and mobility, and conjointly provide companionship and emotional support to improve their quality of life.
Aged care workers are valuable members of our community who make a positive impact on the lives of the elderly and their families. After all, helping our seniors is the most heart-warming job in the world as each moment in their life counts. But not everyone is apt for the role. Tending to the complex needs of our ageing population, an aged care worker needs a special combination of skills along with an optimistic attitude and a firm resolve to succeed and provide the best care and support possible for the elderly.
Let’s browse through the skill sets that will optimise your ability to provide valuable service to the community.
Patience is a key skill to master, to be your client’s rock. Aged care workers need to be calm and extremely patient as most of our seniors are slow-paced in their actions, which can sometimes be annoying. Listening to them, connecting with their emotions, helping them with mobility issues, and having a positive disposition can improve their physical and mental health.
When working with the older generation, understanding the nuances of verbal and non-verbal communication is an essential skill to learn. A caring gesture, a friendly smile, positive body language, and effective communication build trust and instills a sense of compassion and confidence- the key components of any care process.
An amicable relationship with your clients and interaction with their family members, doctors, etc. will help you perform your job more efficiently.
Showering this skill can help seniors live happy and healthy lives. They need someone to empower them, make them feel comfortable, cared for, and heard. Empathy is a virtue that can help you build strong and harmonious relationships with the people you work with.
To maintain a high level of professionalism you need to be respectful towards the elderly. At such an age they often feel belittled and depressed. Working for them with dedication and sincerity, supporting their dignity, and respecting their rights and preferences without being non-judgemental will generally resonate better.
Aged care workers need to be dependable and reliable. Sometimes you ought to work besieged or for unusual hours, and respond immediately to situations or changes. You should be versatile to cater to the unique needs and challenges of your clients.
An Aged Care Workers job is physically demanding. It will keep you on your toes as you need to help clients with impaired mobility. Hence, it’s important to maintain your own health and that of your clients.
Aged care workers must keep an eye to notice any change in behaviour, habits, or health of their clients to be able to assess and analyse the distinctive needs of the elderly and provide tailored assistance accordingly.
A responsible aged care worker should be punctual to work, having the ability to perform job responsibilities at the appointed time. Prioritising work is a good way to show initiative and commitment toward your tasks.
Each day of your work will be different as you’ll be caring for multiple clients on any given day with schedules subject to changes. You need to be an adept multi-tasker to ensure that all your duties are completed to perfection.
As aged care workers use their discretion and judgment in delivering appropriate care as required, they are trained to be multi-skilled and confident to act duly and conscientiously in sensitive situations. Wondering how to acquire these skills?
Our CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support is designed specifically to meet the needs of the aged care industry that will help you learn the appropriate skills to care for the rights, interests, and empowerment of clients. You’ll gain knowledge and experience in providing support to the elderly with complex needs, and working with groups of elderly individuals.
Experience quality trainer support that will enhance your ability to work confidently, effectively, and safely in a variety of health and community services environments and deliver high-quality care for our seniors.
You’ll be ready to apply theory as well as practical knowledge once you complete the course and start working. This course will build on your current knowledge of direct service work and client support, enabling you to make a positive uplift in their lives.
Graduates of CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support get qualified to take up entry-level roles in residential aged care facilities or work for an agency. Become an Accommodation support worker, Assistant hostel supervisor, Care supervisor, Day activity worker, Residential care worker, Care team leader, Personal care worker, and Program coordinator – social programs to make a difference.
“The simple act of caring is heroic”- Edward Albert. Assist the seniors to live dignified lives and empower them to achieve higher levels of self-dependence, self-reliance, community participation, and prosperity. Enrol in CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support at KAL Training.