When deciding whether to study aged care online, there are a lot of things to consider, like whether it is a job you’re cut out for. Will you find it enjoyable? Of course, most of the time, you only find out for sure once you’re actually in the role for real.
However, it should be relatively simple to gain some kind of idea of your suitability, something we aim to help you with within this article.
Why should someone choose a career as an aged care worker?
Well, aside from the extremely rewarding nature of the work, you can expect to earn, on average, $55k per annum, rising with your increasing experience. The aged care course also gives you access to an industry that’s growing year after year, along with the aged population in Australia.
What skill is needed to become an aged care worker?
We’re a helpful bunch at Online Courses Australia, and we really want you to achieve your career ambitions. So, in order to help provide extra clarity on the subject, we now look at the blend of experience and character traits you’ll need to carry out a role in aged care well.
Let’s see what they are…
Aged Care Worker: Real-World Caring Experience
While aged care study online will teach you the theory behind aged care work, one of the best things to prepare you is actual experience in a real-world setting. This doesn’t necessarily have to be professional experience, meaning that if you’ve ever had to care for a relative, you’ll have more experience than you’ll realise. Make sure you reach out to Aged Care facilities in your area for training and volunteer placement.
It’s not mandatory, as your aged care course will likely involve a work placement, but it will help.
Aged Care Worker: Good At Multitasking
As you study aged care online, you'll find out that no two days in the role are the same. In fact, most find that no two hours are the same, as you could go from preparing someone’s medication one minute to cooking their dinner the next, so being able to multitask is essential in keeping on top of everything of your responsibilities.
Not only do aged care workers have to deal with multiple aspects of an elderly person’s life, but there’s also a good chance that you’ll be looking after more than one person at a time.
Aged Care Worker: A Respect for the Elderly
While this might seem like an obvious point, having respect for the elderly is one of the most important traits to have; the people you’re looking after have lots of life experience and often don’t take too well to being patronised. An excellent aged care worker will adapt their approach to the person in question and always treat them with the utmost respect.
The life of an aged care worker can also be quite challenging, as not elderly people appreciate the help being provided. That said, acting respectfully goes an awfully long way in building positive relationships.
Aged Care Worker: Good Communication Skills
Something else that won’t be covered in your aged care short courses online is the ability to hold a good conversation. You may very well be the only person the elderly person you’re caring for sees on a day-to-day basis, so building a rapport with them can be really helpful.
Listening is just as critical, as the person cared for will appreciate someone who finds value in what they say. Having someone listen to you can do wonders for your self-esteem and confidence, and the best-aged carers are able to engage and relate to those they look after.
Study Aged Care Online Affordably & Flexibly With OCA
Aged care work comes in many shapes and sizes, but all roles have something in common - they’re rewarding in too many ways to count. The skills for each can also be learned conveniently and affordably thanks to CPD Endorsed video-based, short courses online from OCA.
Our student study demo shows exactly what an immersive learning experience we offer. By visiting us online at www.onlinecoursesaustralia.edu.au, you can find training that covers not just aged care but also 20 other professional industries. You’ll also see our flexible payment options that make our cheap courses even more affordable.
Alternatively, if you have any questions for us prior to enrolment, all you need to do is call us on 1300 611 404 or email us at [email protected], and we’ll do our utmost to answer them.
