A Day in The Life of an Aged Care Worker

An aged care worker is a dedicated professional entrusted with the responsibility of providing comprehensive care to our diversified elderly individuals. Their role encompasses both the physical and emotional well-being of residents, ensuring that their unique and varied needs are met. Whether it’s assisting with daily activities such as bathing, showering, or medication administration, or offering emotional support and companionship, an aged care worker plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life of our ageing population in Australia.

In the life of an aged care worker, no two days are ever identical. It comes with challenges, and new learnings, the varied nature of the role means that each day presents new opportunities to assist and connect with different individuals.

A typical day might commence at the crack of dawn, visiting residents in their rooms to help them kick start their morning. This could involve aiding them with their bathing routines, whether it’s a shower or a bath, or ensuring they take their prescribed medications. These initial interactions set the tone, ensuring every resident begins their day feeling refreshed and poised to embrace whatever lies ahead.

Building deep bonds and trust with those we care for is paramount. It’s through these relationships that we earn the privilege of supporting them in their daily lives. While navigating the challenges of high staff turnover, especially when caring for multiple residents, teamwork becomes crucial. With the collective efforts of our team, we manage these hurdles. The sheer joy reflected in the eyes of those we support, just by our mere presence, is profoundly rewarding. As much as we give, we receive in return.

An insight from Ali Rajani, a verified aged care worker

“Building relationships with our residents is highly important, as it assists us to understand their needs and provide optimum care to bring smiles to them.

Actively listening is the key to building great relationships, as our resident requires someone to hear them out. This is one of our job roles to provide them this type of emotional support.”

Embarking on a journey in aged care, whether studying or working, demands a profound sense of empathy, patience, and a genuine ability to connect with older individuals. For an aged carer, these aren’t just desirable traits; they’re essential. Additionally, effective communication, both verbal and written, is key for those in the field.

An insight from Ali Rajani, a verified aged care worker

“As for formal qualifications, a Certificate 3 in Individual Support stands as the baseline requirement to enter the aged care sector. This qualification trains us at a foundational level, teaching us the basics of understanding our ageing population in Australia. Effective communication is key to success, but to be precise non-verbal communication, which we all share regardless of any background or culture, plays a vital role. Commencing our conversation with a positive body language solves the majority of the problems.

Some expressions of non-verbal communication, which I’ve learned from my residents who are diagnosed with dementia, is when they show unusual behaviours such as wandering, explains me that most of the time, they are in urge of toileting or starving(food). Understanding their body language (non-verbal communication) assists me to provide my residents an optimum care, within my scope of practise.”

InterCare offers flexible course schedules – be it day, night, or weekend, ensuring that learning fits into your life. Our commitment to students extends beyond the classroom with regular support sessions led by seasoned trainers. Coupled with user-friendly and easily accessible online study materials, our courses are designed to captivate and educate.

Pursuing a course in aged care is more than just academic enrichment; it’s a gateway to one of the most fulfilling roles in the healthcare sector. Upon completion, you’re not just equipped with knowledge but also bestowed with an opportunity to profoundly impact lives. Your role in the aged care industry goes beyond routine care; it’s about enhancing the quality of life for the elderly, offering companionship when they need it most, and assisting them with their daily activities.