If you plan to build your career in the aged care industry in Australia, you should not hesitate much. You will be glad to hear that this industry is one of the top industries that has been witnessing significant growth over the last few years. Due to this growth and the high demand for workers in the sector, numerous institutions are opening aged care courses, which can be an excellent opportunity for aspiring individuals like you.
But why is such a massive surge getting witnessed? Or, what are the other beneficial features of this sector? This blog discusses all the vital points.
Some vital statistics you should know
Here we present several vital statistics you should be aware of.
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- The aging population in Australia is high, with the number of people over 65 years of age found to be increasing at a steady rate.
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- As per a 2016 estimate, about 3.7 million Australians aged 65 or over constitute 15% of the total Australian population. This number is rising every day.
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- By 2050, the number of aged Australians will double.
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- This situation may pose a tough challenge for the Federal Government regarding social services and the economy. But, it has given rise to golden opportunities for passionate individuals to become aged care professionals.
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- The demand for workers to provide care and support to older adults and people with disabilities is expected to grow in the next 3 to 4 years.
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Top reasons why working as an aged care worker can be rewarding
From the statistics mentioned above, you can understand the availability of the job opportunities expected shortly. Working with older people who have reached almost the fag end of their lives can be a fulfilling experience for you. They may not have much strength available to perform even daily activities and, therefore, require help with individualised needs.
Here we discuss the top reasons people choose this career and enrol in the Cert 3 in Aged Care in Adelaide.
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- You can spend time with elderly people and be inspired by their life stories
As a professional aged care worker, you will get the chance to spend considerable time with older people. Remember that your clients were also at your age some years back. Throughout their long journey of life, they have seen a lot of things and gained a variety of experiences. As a part of your job, you will have this unique opportunity to listen to their life stories while sharing a cup of tea and snacks.
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- You can learn to view things from a different perspective
Your clients have come through many years of experiences in life and thus are well aware of the ups and downs that everybody has to face. Keep in mind that they were also employed at some time, maybe the best in their fields. In addition to that, they are also parents, spouses, or friends of someone. Listening to them can help you see things from a different perception, which may be crucial for your personal life.
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- You can celebrate achievements with an older person once they achieve their goals
As a compassionate aged care worker, you can think of celebrating achievements with your clients after they achieve their goals. These types of attitudes can make a massive difference to the lives of those people who have almost lost hope.
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- Once a person becomes old, they may need adequate support to meet their personal needs and achieve goals.
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- If they learn something new at this age, it may be challenging for them to achieve what they want. So, celebrating their achievements can be a huge boost to their morale.
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- Spending time with older people will help you develop a new appreciation of family and life
When you work closely with people at this age, it will be easier for you to think that everyone will reach this stage in their life and may require assistance. You will feel how they have worked all their lives, brought up children, and have witnessed a time that is mainly found in internet archives and books.
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- You can share the feeling of achievement when supporting an older person to develop new skills
Every human being has the habit of learning new things even at an older age. If provided with the necessary resources and support, an older adult can become a serious and meritorious student. Sometimes, people do not get the chance to pursue their hobby at a young age because of the need to raise a family or over-engagement with their work, and eventually want to fulfil their dreams when they reach old age. As an aged care worker, it will be your duty to provide that support.
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- Flexible working hours will help you maintain your schedule
One of the most significant benefits of working in the aged care sector is that you will not need to maintain a strict work schedule. Most of the workers are part-time, which allows them to attend to personal commitments. So, you can quickly fix your work schedule according to your plans.
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- You can work in a range of areas that need support
Aged care workers with a certificate 3 in aged care Adelaide qualification issued by an Adelaide college can work in a wide range of areas where people need help. You can work in dementia support, palliative care, respite care, and social support.
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- You will get trained in different skills to develop your career
As you will have to work in different areas and each area requires specific skills and knowledge, working in aged care offers an excellent opportunity for professional development. You can learn the following skills:
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- Preparing meals
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- Helping people with medication
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- Monitoring their health
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- Recording and reporting changes in health conditions
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- Providing individualised care needs
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- Promoting independence.
Final words
Adelaide can be a great place to start your career. To begin, search for the different aged care courses available in Adelaide institutions and get enrolled, whichever meets your requirements.