Benefits of Working in Aged Care
Aged care offers seniors the support they require to live as normally as possible. Aged care workers accompany older adults when handling their daily tasks, help them move around, prepare meals, dispense medicines, handle housekeeping tasks, help older adults with personal hygiene, run personal errands and offer emotional support and companionship.
This ensures that they enjoy a high-quality life while positively impacting their lives. Whether you’re looking for a career change, rejoining the workforce, or it’s your first time looking for work, aged care is an ideal place to begin. This article outlines five benefits of working in aged care.
1. Growing employment opportunities
In 2019, America’s population aged 65 and above was 16.5%, and is expected to increase to 22% by 2050. This means the demand for aged care services will also increase, improving your chances of landing a job. To qualify for an aged care position, you’ll need a Certificate III in Individual Support (Aging) or a Certificate III in Individual Support (Aging, Home, and Community), training, and working experience at an aged care facility, and first aid certification. You can access various aged care courses online to acquire the necessary knowledge and qualifications.
2. Bettering older adults’ lives
A senior without a family, friends, or any other support to look out for them and be there for them when they need help, can be a lonely, isolating experience. As an aged care staff, you’ll provide mental, physical, and emotional support the older adults may need while helping them better their well-being and lives.
3. Flexible working hours
Unlike other working environments with strict work deadlines, aged care provides a flexible work schedule, giving you time to attend to personal commitments and family issues that may require your attention, promoting work-life balance. Flexible working hours enable you to meet your responsibilities towards the elderly while giving you the freedom to plan your daily activities and move them around whenever necessary.
4. Multiple career paths
The aged care sector is vast, meaning you don’t have to confine yourself to a specific role throughout your career, and you can even choose your career preference. You can work as an Aged Care Support worker helping seniors with daily tasks in their homes or a Residential Aged Care Support worker where you work with older adults living in residential aged care facilities. You can also work as a Lifestyle Coordinator, where you plan, organize and instigate fun activities for the elderly.
As a Community Support staff, you’ll support people living in residential community homes with their daily tasks and arrange group activities. You can also work as a Nursing Assistant, meaning you’ll help other healthcare professionals in residential aged care facilities or hospitals.
5. Endless learning chances
In aged care, you’ll meet people from different walks of life. You can cooperate with colleagues from whom you can learn a lot, including perspectives, skills, and knowledge that can help you improve your work. Working in aged care also allows you to get involved in the seniors’ lives and gives you a chance to learn from their life experiences. Each senior also has different care requirements, helping you learn more while expanding your working experience.
Endnote
Working in aged care can be rewarding and fulfilling. Consider becoming an aged care worker to make a difference while reaping the benefits it brings.