We all want to receive the best quality of care as we get older, so it helps to understand the training requirements for aged care professionals. This article explains the necessary qualifications for different aged care roles, so you can feel confident with your carers.
At Absolute Care & Health, all our team members are highly trained professionals who are selected for their experience, their integrity and the values they demonstrate. We strive to help our clients experience their best lifestyle. Helping others is the reason we come to work every day.
Learn more about our approach to in-home aged care. If you have any questions about us or our team, let’s have a chat.
Training requirements for aged care professionals
The aged care industry has very high standards for the qualifications and training necessary to become a nurse or caregiver. At Absolute Care & Health, we also go to the effort to ensure all our team members share our vision for helping clients achieve their lifestyle goals and enjoy a happy, healthy life. We also require a police check, working with children check, and employment references.
Here are the training requirements for three of the most common and important professions in the aged care industry:
1. Personal caregiver training requirements
To become a personal caregiver, also called a personal care attendant or assistant (PCA), workers will need a Certificate III or IV in one or more of the following areas:
- Individual Support
- Ageing Support
- Aged Care
- Home & Community Care
- Health Services Assistance
- Disability
In addition to this, personal caregivers must also have a current First Aid and CPR certificate.
A personal caregiver may also be a student nurse undertaking a Bachelors/Diploma of Nursing with at least one set of placements completed, giving them both technical knowledge and practical experience. Enrolled nurses and registered nurses are also qualified to work as PCAs.
Read more about our approach to personal care.
2. Disability support worker training requirements
A disability support worker must have a Certificate III or IV in Disability. This qualification teaches disability support workers to use a person-centred approach and to empower people with disabilities to achieve greater levels of independence, self-reliance, community participation and well-being.
Some support services for people with disabilities can also be provided by PCAs, depending on the circumstances, type of support, and relevant additional training of the individual.
Read more about our approach to disability care.
3. Nurse training requirements
Certified aged care nurses must be either registered nurses or enrolled nurses with current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Enrolled nurses have completed at least a diploma level qualification and registered with AHPRA. They are qualified to perform a wide variety of nursing care within an aged care setting either in the client’s home or in residential aged-care facilities, including administering and monitoring medications.
Registered nurses have completed their degree level qualification and registered with AHPRA. They are qualified to perform all the same tasks as enrolled nurses, and they can also create patient management and care plans.
Why choose Absolute Care & Health
At Absolute Care & Health, we believe in providing the highest quality in-home care services. We truly care about the wellbeing of all our clients, and we want you to be able to experience the best possible lifestyle.
We know that our caregivers are the most important people on our team, and we achieve the best outcomes for our clients with the very best team. The Absolute difference is:
- We care for our caregivers and take pride in their knowledge and experience
- We recruit people who share our values and genuinely care about others
- We help our caregivers develop their skills in a supportive and friendly environment
- We actively encourage our caregivers to undertake additional training and education
If you have any questions about our caregivers or our services, we’d love to help. Send us a message or talk to our friendly team on 03 9827 8899.
