If you want to pursue a career in caring for the aged but don’t have years of experience, there are plenty of ways to build up your resume and train on the job. One option is to enrol in Certificate III in Individual Support Ageing Home and Community, which will help you learn basic caregiving skills. At the same time, you work with seniors in an aged care home or community setting. And here’s what you need to know about this career-focused training program:
What Is Certificate III in Individual Support?
Certificate III in Individual Support Ageing Home and Community is a qualification that gives you the skills and knowledge to provide quality care to people with a disability or chronic illness. This certificate will give you the skills and expertise to work within residential aged care and community aged care services, providing support with activities of daily living.
With a Certificate III qualification, you’ll be able to help people maintain their independence by assisting them with tasks such as cooking, dressing, taking medication, grooming or bathing. You may also be involved in helping residents with their social interactions.
Who Is Eligible for This Course?
The course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to work as an individual support worker. The course will give you solid knowledge and understanding of the aged care sector, including legal and ethical responsibilities, working in residential senior care facilities and home-based old care services.
The course will also cover safety and risk management procedures, infection control, dietary assessment, nutrition management and hydration techniques. It covers a wide range of topics, including memory assessment, grief counselling and financial planning, all essential skills when working with this age group.
What Will You Learn?
A Certificate III in Individual Support trains you to provide support to people who are aged. You will learn to care for their needs, such as personal hygiene and meals. You will also learn how to handle dangerous situations like falls or strokes. In addition, some modules cover health and safety at work, working with challenging behaviours, communication skills and quality assurance. This qualification is suited for those who want to work with older people in a caring environment.
How Will You Be Assessed?
This qualification is delivered through a mix of theory, practical and workplace-based learning. Assessment is primarily through coursework; however, there is some opportunity to undertake assignments and projects. The following may also be included as assessment tasks:
- Case studies
- Practical exercises
- Reflection statements
- Practicum placement
- Short answer questions/ essay questions/ short answers
Job Opportunities
Careers in caring for the aged can range from a certificate III qualification to a bachelor’s degree. With certificate III, you may be able to find employment as an individual support worker, care attendant or personal care assistant. And if you are considering becoming a nurse but have not yet attained your degree, you can complete this course before studying nursing.
There are many benefits to working as an aged care worker. One of the most important benefits is that it is a meaningful job and one that people enjoy doing. It is also a very flexible career where you can choose how much you want to work, full-time, part-time or casual.
Working with older people can be very rewarding and satisfying because they appreciate your assistance, care and attention. They are often more appreciative than younger people, too, so it could be an exciting change from caring for children or other family members who don’t always show appreciation.