Australia’s aged care industry employs more than 175,000 people, most of them in health care and social assistance. A career in aged care can take you all around the country, from the respite home in your neighbourhood to an administrative or policy role in a national program.
And the industry is growing every year. More qualified (and enthusiastic) carers are needed, including respite workers, disability care workers, and community care workers.
So what do these jobs involve, and how can you up-skill into a rewarding career?
Respite Worker
Many families choose to care for ageing loved ones at home, which is emotionally and physically fulfilling – but also challenging. Respite workers step in to provide care when the family or primary carer needs a short break (hence “respite”) to recharge or run errands.
Disability Care Worker
A disability care worker will supervise, support and care for people in residential or home care. They might do things like:
- Work with medical and allied health professionals
- Help the elderly or disabled person run errands and carry out daily tasks
- Design a care program for elderly people
- Support the individual and their family to access appropriate services
Disability care work is varied; you might spend part of your day in clients’ homes and some in the office, or work closely with residents in an aged care home.
Community Care Worker
Community care workers spend their time in the community helping elderly and disabled people to enjoy a better quality of life, similar to disability care workers.
Where the jobs are different is there in the name: community. They will be out and about, working with community groups and centres, coordinating services and helping families to access the care their ageing loved one needs.
Aged Care statistics to know
Australia’s aged care industry is understaffed to almost critical levels. That means the career prospects for someone starting out now (or in the next 18 months) are very positive, and you can expect to progress through an incredibly rewarding career.
Fast facts: salaries and job roles
- $65,000 is the average salary for Aged and Disabled Carers
- 35,800 newly qualified people are needed every year
- 67% of carers work part-time
- 80% of workers are female, 20% are male
- Certificate III and IV are the most common qualifications
Interested in learning more about a career in aged care, including respite care, disability care, or community care? TrainSmart Australia has more than 10 nationally recognised Allied Health courses on offer, including Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing), Certificate IV in Ageing Support, Certificate IV in Community Services and more. Browse our courses online or contact us to request course information.
