How To Become A Carer

After A Royal Commission found that Australia is currently facing an industry-wide shortage of support workers, the Government is encouraging Australians across the country to look into care roles in the aged care industry. Off the back of this, the national campaign A Life Changing Life was launched.

At Prestige Inhome Care, we are passionate about providing person-centred support and tailored care to those who need it most. Our individualised plans mean that our care workers are continuously developing their skills and knowledge in the aged care space.

Why Become A Carer?

There are a number of reasons you should become an aged care worker. They include:

Knowing that you’re making a difference in the lives of the elderly and people living with a disability
Diverse roles, allowing you to focus on a particular area of aged care
Career options – this includes training, support, and flexible work options available
Form meaningful relationships and share joy with older people and people living with a disability
Lived experience – you have cared for elderly parents or have been a primary carer for someone and have gained an appreciation for the personal rewards to be gained

Aged Care Qualifications

You may be thinking, “What qualifications do I need to be a carer?” To become a carer, you need to have the following qualifications:

Certificate III in Individual Support
Certificate IV in Ageing Support
Certificate IV in Disability

Certificate III in Individual Support

Whether you are going to be providing individualised support and care to someone in their home or in a community setting, this course will ensure you are well-equipped to provide the best personal care possible.

You should expect to gain the following from this course:

Foundational skills and knowledge
Exercising appropriate discretion and judgement when it comes to a variety of situations
Procedural knowledge and techniques
Relevant theories and concepts

There are no pre-requisites needed for this course, however, there are a number of requirements needed to ensure you can perform your 120 hours of work placement:

Current HLTAID011 Provide First Aid certificate
Current National Police check (gained no earlier than 3 months prior to going on work placement)
Proof of vaccination for Covid 19
A Health Status check (immunisations status)

Career pathways:

Home care provider
Personal care worker in a nursing home

Certificate IV in Ageing Support

No matter if you are new to the industry or are an existing employee in the aged care sector, this course will ensure you are given a broad overview of the industry.

You should expect to gain the following from this course:

The ability to carry out day-to-day activities related to maintaining an individuals well being
Learn to provide service to people with varying degrees of needs
Develop cultural awareness and respectful practices
Work with groups of older people comfortably

There are no pre-requisites needed for this course, however, there are a number of requirements needed to ensure you can perform your 120 hours of work placement:

Current HLTAID011 Provide First Aid certificate
Current National Police check (gained no earlier than 3 months prior to going on work placement)
Proof of vaccination for Covid 19
A Health Status check (immunisations status)

Career pathways:

Accommodation Support Worker
Community Support Worker
Assistant in Nursing
Home Care Assistant
Care Assistant
Personal Care Assistant
Care Service Employees
Personal Caregiver
Care Workers
Personal Care Worker
Community Care Worker
Residential Care Worker
Community Hours Worker
Support Worker

Certificate IV in Disability

If you are wanting to help people with disabilities move towards positive changes in their lives, this course will help you develop your skills and knowledge around caring for people with disabilities.

You will gain the following by doing this course:

Support for direct client care
Provide person-centred services
Strategies when it comes to complex needs
Improved communication style
Applying legal and ethical guidelines
Learn how to effectively network

There are no prerequisites needed for this course, however, additional immunisations may be required in response to changes in Government regulations or at the request of the placement host organisation.

Career pathways:

Disability Support Worker
Residential Support Worker
Disability Coordinator
Client Services Coordinator
Lifestyle Support Worker
Home Care Support Worker
Service Coordination Officer
Recreation Coordinator
Disability Support Coordinator
Community Support Worker

Become A Carer At Prestige Inhome Care

At Prestige Inhome Care, we provide a range of services – this includes nursing, 24-hour care and disability support, across Melbourne, Sydney and the Sunshine Coast.

Not only are we Australia’s fastest-growing in-home support service with over 800 staff, but we also have a fantastic culture that rewards and recognises staff achievements.

Whether you have lived or prior experience, or no experience at all, we can support you with your career. If you don’t have any experience, you can start at Prestige Inhome Care as a Home Care Attendant.

For permanent employees, we can support you to complete a Certificate III and Certificate IV in Aged Care. Best of all, our Carers can learn on the job and get their qualifications while they work.

To get started with us, you will need: