How to become an aged care worker

First published: November 2023, revised April 2024

The aged care industry encompasses the services provided and delivered to care for the elderly population. The Department of Health and Aged Care governs the quality of these services and focuses on continuous improvement and development, with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission in charge of government funding and budgets to the sector.

There have been significant developments to this industry in the past few years. In 2023, the eagerly anticipated 15% aged care pay rise came into effect to recognise the hard work and contribution aged care workers bring to the healthcare sector. Australia is still facing a workforce shortfall of roughly 35,000 workers, so as part of the workforce retention strategy, the opportunity for career development and growth is bigger than ever.

We have compiled reasons why working in aged care is a fantastic career move both on a personal and professional level. To find out how to become an aged care worker, keep on reading.

What is an aged care worker?

An aged care worker in general terms is someone who provides care and support to the elderly population in a residential aged care facility. Their main tasks throughout the day will be to:

• Assist with Activities of Daily Living (ADLS), including personal hygiene (showering and grooming), toileting and feeding
• Providing personal and emotional assistance through companionship and recreational activities and engaging with resident families
• Taking residents and clients out on day trips and helping with tasks like shopping, going to the doctors and running general errands
• Empowering residents to achieve their personal and daily goals
• Attending to each residents’ individual needs – aged care homes can be split into high, low and dementia care
• Upholding hygiene and cleanliness standards

Aged care workers can work in a variety of settings, such as:

• Residential aged care (nursing) homes
• Retirement villages (assisted independent living quarters)
• Community and home care (visiting the client in their own home)
• Hospitals

Depending on what region you work in, your job title can vary. You can be employed as an assistant in nursing, personal care worker or can be referred to as a care giver.

Steps to become an aged care worker

Aged care qualifications

To become an aged care worker in Australia, the easiest route is to obtain a relevant qualification. These qualifications generally take a maximum of 12 months with full time and part time study options available. Both Australian citizens and residents, and overseas visa holders can study these courses in Australia but the institution that you can attend may differ based on visa status.

Qualifications that will open up an aged care career path are:

• Cert III/IV in Ageing Support
• Cert III in Individual Support
• Cert III in Health Services Assistance
• Cert III in Allied Health Assistance

Generally speaking, there are no prior educational requisites for these courses. However, as you are providing direct resident care, you need to meet personal requirements. You need to provide a National Police Check to prove that you have a clear criminal record and need to be of sound mind to look after others.

During your study, you will undertake at least 1 placement within aged care services that will be of a minimum of 120 hours to provide you with hands on experience. The cost of an aged care course in Australia can be subsidised if you are a citizen or resident. If you are an overseas student, you will pay between $5000 – $10,000 AUD.

Skills an aged care worker needs

To be successful in the aged care industry, it is imperative that you demonstrate the skills needed to look after your residents in every way that they need. Firstly, it is vital that you have a passion for helping others. You will be working with people who need varying degrees of attention, personal and medical needs, so being adaptable to your environment is a necessity. High attention to detail is desirable to ensure everyone receives the highest level of care you can offer.

Excellent communication and the ability to converse with those from a variety of cultural backgrounds will allow you to succeed in this industry. If working in a residential aged care home, residents will come and go, so being able to build rapport will add ease to more of the difficult tasks. Listening to your residents and being able to understand from their point of view will gain trust with them and their families, as well as demonstrating to your peers and management that you are the model employee.

Your excellent medical skills are a given, but these need to be delivered with empathy and understanding. Do not forget, if you work within an aged care home, you provide care in the residents’ home and respect should be shown as such. Displaying compassion through acknowledging their feelings and requests is the core of the values of the healthcare sector. Most people enter the aged care sector as they have a genuine desire to help people in any way that they need.

Getting into the aged care industry

If you are considering becoming an aged care worker but do not have the time or funds to commit to study at present, there are other ways you can get into the industry:

• Volunteering – A vital part to the home and residents, volunteers often offer their time to provide companionship. This can be done in a one-on-one situation, as part of a pet/animal therapy session or assisting with resident outings. Equally, you may want to help with daily tasks such as offering administrative support or assisting with recreational activities or help with the upkeep of the home. Volunteering always looks fantastic on a resume and may open doors if you get on well with the staff at the home. Find and apply for aged care volunteering opportunities.
• Traineeships/apprenticeships – These programmes offer simultaneous hands-on experience and study so you can obtain a relevant aged care qualification and gain experience at the same time. Traineeships usually are unpaid and can last up to one year, whereas apprenticeships are longer (three – four years on average) and are paid. Volunteering can open the door for a traineeship or apprenticeship if there are currently none available in your area. Traineeships/apprenticeships can be found Australia – wide.

There is not always educational requisites when working in aged care, and you can work in aged care without a certificate depending on the role.

Becoming an aged care worker in Australia from overseas

You can start your journey to become an aged care worker in Australia with temporary resident status. A lot of educational institutions offer courses to overseas entrants, with most agencies accepting those who are on a working visa. To study in Australia from overseas, you need to obtain a Student Visa (500) to do so. This visa allows you to attend college and work in your relevant field at the same time. Well known institutions offer all the courses you need to enter the aged care industry with many migration agent organisations specialising in student, and work and study visas.

If you are a healthcare registered clinician, such as a registered nurse, you may be able obtain an AHPRA registration to work in your relevant field in Australia. Find out more about moving to Australia from overseas as a registered nurse in our blog.

Need more information on becoming an aged care worker?

Our industry expert consultants are here to assist you on your career journey, from initial conversation, to aged care resume building and work placement. We are recruiting aged care workers on a temporary, contract and permanent basis across Australia.

To find out more about our services, view our FAQ below and get in contact below: