You enjoy working with older people and have plenty of experience providing companionship and assistance. Whether you work in a family home, in a skilled nursing facility, or for a live-in care agency, you are committed to the care of older people. So where do you take your career in aged care from here?
Completing training and getting certifications are pivotal steps towards enhancing the level of care you’re able to provide. While it’s possible to work as a personal care worker without formal qualifications, it’s often a requirement to have a vocational qualification in aged care. Additional training and certifications can also open doors to more niche positions, such as working in palliative care or with an older person who has dementia. If you’re serious about a part-time or full-time career as an aged care support worker, ramping up your training will help set you apart from other care providers.
In looking for training, it’s a good idea to consult websites like seek.com.au or The Good Universities Guide to see what the minimum requirements are for working as an aged care support worker in your area.
Ready to start looking for additional training and certifications? Here are a few caregiver courses to consider when working with the elderly.
1. Vocational caregiver certification
Many employers will require you to have a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing, Home & Community). This course equips you with the foundations required to help with daily tasks such as medication administration, household chores, support with bathing, eating, drinking and dressing, taking clients to appointments, encouraging them to continue to pursue interests, doing grocery shopping, and more.
Where to get certified:
Various providers offer the Cert. III in Individual Support. Major institutes for on-campus study include TAFE NSW and Victoria University, while online modes of study (with work placement) are available through Open Colleges and Chisholm TAFE.
2. Nursing/Healthcare Assistant training
As a Nursing Assistant or Healthcare Assistant, you’ll learn valuable knowledge and skills that can benefit your work as an aged care support worker. If you’re looking to expand your job search, Nursing/Healthcare Assistant training can prepare you for roles in various healthcare settings, such as nursing facilities, hospice care, rehabilitation hospitals, etc.
Where to get certified:
Nursing/Healthcare Assistant training and certificates are available via TAFE institutes as well as online providers. Open Colleges offers Certificate III in Health Services Assistance, a nationally recognised qualification for entry-level roles as an assistant in nursing or as a nursing support worker, where you’ll learn how to observe client care plans, monitor patients, work with culturally diverse clients, and use medical terminology. If you’re after something a bit more advanced, a Bachelor of Nursing or Certificate IV in Ageing Support might be the way to go.
3. First aid and emergency care
Many care providers are CPR-certified, but you can boost your skillset with additional emergency training such as first aid. This can prepare you for simple cuts, burns and bruises, as well as teach you how to manage larger medical emergencies until the emergency services arrive.
Where to get certified:
The Australian Red Cross is one of the best places to go for a wide range of emergency and medical training such as First Aid.
Other organisations that offer first aid training include St John Ambulance and Australia Wide First Aid. You may also find some basic emergency training on offer at your local emergency services or fire station; it might be worth reaching out to them to see what they have on offer. If you work for an agency, this sort of training should be provided as a matter of course.
4. Hospice, palliative, and end-of-life care
Part of caring for the elderly may include watching them fall ill or reach the end of their life, and there are a number of certifications and training options that can help you navigate this emotional time.
Where to get certified:
The Victorian Department of Health provides an overview of the wide range of education and training programs in palliative care available in Victoria, many of which are also available nationally or as online modules. Alternatively, providers such as Australian Online Courses offer the Certificate of Palliative Care, an online course that equips you to care for clients with life-limiting illnesses or those who are nearing the end of their life due to old age.
It’s also worth checking with inpatient hospice units for end-of-life care training opportunities. Hospice care providers in this setting are well-placed to answer your questions and provide resources for what can be the hardest times in an aged care support worker’s role.
5. Dementia Training Program
The Dementia Training Program provides skills for caregivers who are working with patients suffering from dementia, which is an umbrella term that refers to a decline in memory, language, and other faculties that interferes with a person’s capacity to live their life normally.
Where to get certified:
Dementia Training Australia offers the program, which aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people living with dementia by offering training, practical resources, and training packages for the staff who support them. Courses cover a wide range of topics, including “Walking safely with dementia”, “Bedtime to breakfast – Caring at night for people with dementia”, and “Understanding responsive behaviours”.
6. Companion care training
Companion care can be thought of as “hands-off care” for elderly people who don’t require medical attention for mobility issues or chronic illness. This type of care aims to combat social isolation and loneliness, which can affect an older adult’s health and quality of life.
Where to get certified:
You don’t need to be medically trained or have care qualifications to become a companion carer. However, a kind, empathetic, and friendly manner are must-haves for anyone entering the field.
Despite the lack of official certification in the field of companion caregiving, many care agencies will offer training to those looking to get into this line of work. Skills in meal preparation or possession of a driver licence will also be looked upon favourably, but are unlikely to be essential to landing a role. Any other experience related to caregiving, like nursing or childcare experience, is generally also welcomed by agencies.
7. Training for specific conditions and needs
Do you have patients who have specific medical conditions or needs beyond the activities of daily living? Taking further education classes in these areas can help you better provide for patients, as well as appeal to families struggling with the same needs.
Where to get certified:
National bodies and charities for specific disabilities or illnesses are good places to start when seeking more information, additional training and certification, or relevant resources about certain conditions.
Parkinson’s Australia provides fact sheets, training, and support groups available to carers and health workers who work with patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease.
Alzheimer’s Association offers resources and tips on caring for Alzheimer’s and dementia sufferers.
Rare Cancers Australia offers an information kit for those caring for individuals affected by cancer, plus stories from carers in the cancer community.
Education doesn’t have to be expensive — but make sure it’s legitimate
Your continuing education in elderly care doesn’t have to be formal or expensive. Your training can range from reading library books (check out ones on ageing, health issues, and providing care) to online classes, which are often more affordable and flexible than in-person classes.
You can also join a caregiver body or support group to find inexpensive learning opportunities. Carer and Community Support offers support services for carers and provides info on upcoming events and group outings.
But before you choose any course or program, make sure it’s accredited and legitimate. Ensure the certification is widely recognised by agencies and families. If you’re unsure about a certificate or program, you can always call a local aged care agency and ask if they know of it. You can also search for testimonials and reviews from previous students to see if they’ve had a positive experience with the program or school.