Becoming a Personal Carer to the Elderly and Disabled

There is a growing demand for personal carers in Australia as the country experiences both population growth and increased life expectancy. In the last 20 years the number of people over 85 years of age increased by 110%, compared with a general population growth of only 35%.

What this means for the Australian workforce is a massive need for personal carers who are trained in ageing and disability. So, in today’s blog we’ll be looking at employment essentials for aged and disabled carers in NSW. What they do. Where they work. And how to launch a career into this rewarding work sector.

What do Aged and Disabled Carers do?

Aged and disabled carers are employed by residential care facilities, hospitals, community service organisations, charities, and private families. The focus of their job is helping a person do the things they can no longer do for themselves -- while allowing them to retain maximum independence and mobility.

Your duties might include:

• Personal care: bathing, dressing, toileting, hair, grooming, shaving, cleaning teeth.
• Mobility: transferring from bed to wheelchair, assisting client getting into vehicles, assisting after a fall.
• Meals: cooking, preparing meals and beverages, washing up, tidying kitchen.
• Errands: grocery shopping, paying bills, helping with CentreLink paperwork, driving to appointments.
• Housekeeping: sweeping, vacuuming, making beds, cleaning bathroom, laundry.
• Companionship: providing emotional support and friendship.
• Social wellbeing: organising social activities, facilitating exercise, escorting during outings.
• Family interaction: liaising with family members and health professionals regarding the health status and wellbeing of a client.

Where do Aged and Disabled Carers Work?

Personal carers have a very dynamic working life and support their clients in a range of settings. Here are some examples:

• Home help and personal care to an elderly client within their own home.
• Personal care to residents at an aged care facility.
• Companionship and personal care to a disabled client in the family home.

How Much Can I Earn as a Personal Carer?

Weekly wages for full-time personal carers in Australia start at $1,265 per week. There are plenty of flexibility and options to work part-time in this occupation.

What Qualifications do I Need?

The CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support is a direct entry-point into aged and disability care. You can choose different study majors to reflect your employment preferences including:

• Ageing — learn how to provide personal care services to the elderly while facilitating their independence and social wellbeing.
• Disability — learn how to empower disabled people to live more independently while providing personal care services.
• Home and Community — learn how to provide personal care services to the elderly and disabled in private homes.

This is a nationally recognised qualification, and you’ll receive instruction from qualified trainers who have real-world experience working in aged and disability care.

Do I Need Other Certifications to Get a Job?

Yes. NSW aged and disabled carers working at hospitals, residential care facilities, and community service organisations will require the following:

• National Police Certificate (NPC)
• COVID19 Vaccination Certificate
• First Aid Certificate

Depending on your job role, some residential care facilities and hospitals may require you to also have:

• Annual flu vaccination
• Manual handling certificate (safe lifting and carrying training)

Looking for Aged Care with Disability Training?

Vigil Training College offers several training pathways for aged and disability care. The Certificate III in Individual Support with ageing and disability study major is a direct entry-point into this rewarding career. You can enrol online today, study now and pay later, or chat with our friendly support team. There are plenty of options.