Australia has a growing population of elderly and disabled individuals, which has resulted in a demand for aged and disabled care careers. These careers require individuals to provide care and support to the elderly and disabled, enabling them to lead a fulfilling life. Aged and disabled care careers are varied, and they include positions such as nurses, support workers, personal care assistants, and occupational therapists. Aged and Disabled Careers in Australia
The aged and disabled care sector in Australia is a dynamic and growing field that offers numerous employment opportunities. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the number of people aged 65 years and over is projected to increase from 3.7 million in 2011 to 8.7 million in 2051, while the number of people aged 85 years and over is projected to increase from 0.4 million in 2011 to 1.8 million in 2051. This means that there will be an increasing need for aged care workers in the coming years. Aged and Disabled Careers in Australia
Furthermore, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has transformed the way disability support is provided in Australia. The NDIS provides funding for people with a disability to access the support they need to achieve their goals and lead an ordinary life. This has led to an increase in the demand for disability support workers, creating more job opportunities in the sector.
Roles in Aged and Disabled Care
Aged and disabled care roles are varied and offer a range of opportunities for individuals to work in different settings and with different clients. Some of the roles include:
- Nurses: Nurses play a critical role in the care of the elderly and disabled. They work in hospitals, nursing homes, and in the community, providing medical care and support to patients. Nurses are required to have a degree in nursing and must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
- Support Workers: Support workers provide assistance to the elderly and disabled with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and cooking. They work in a variety of settings, including nursing homes, hospitals, and in the community. Support workers are required to have a Certificate III in Individual Support or a related qualification.
- Personal Care Assistants: Personal care assistants provide support to the elderly and disabled with personal hygiene, mobility, and other daily activities. They work in nursing homes, hospitals, and in the community. Personal care assistants are required to have a Certificate III in Individual Support or a related qualification.
- Occupational Therapists: Occupational therapists help people of all ages to maintain or regain the ability to participate in everyday activities. They work with the elderly and disabled in nursing homes, hospitals, and in the community. Occupational therapists are required to have a degree in occupational therapy and must be registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia.
Skills Required for Aged and Disabled Care Careers
Aged and disabled care careers require a range of skills to be successful in the role. Some of the key skills include:
- Compassion: Aged and disabled care workers must have a compassionate nature and be able to empathize with their clients.
- Patience: Working with the elderly and disabled requires a lot of patience, as clients may require assistance with basic tasks, and may take longer to complete them.
- Communication: Communication is a critical skill for aged and disabled care workers. They must be able to communicate effectively with clients, their families, and other healthcare professionals.
- Teamwork: Aged and disabled care workers often work as part of a team, and they must be able to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals.
- Attention to detail: Aged and disabled care workers must have good attention to detail to ensure that they provide the best care possible.