Home Care Worker - is it for you? | HITsa Training & Employment

When choosing the career path of a carer you have many workplace options to choose from. Would you prefer working in an Aged Care Home, Home Care or Community Care? These workplaces/roles are all very similar but can also differ greatly. The hours, pay and work environments will or may be different.

Working as a Home and Community Care Worker is a popular career path with both young and older people. As a Home Care Worker, you’re able to make a difference in people’s lives, allowing your clients to live independently in the comfort of their own home.

Furthermore, working in Home Care can be a very rewarding job. If you have a caring nature it may be a great career path to take or consider. So, here are some great tips on why you should become a Home Care Worker and the steps to take to become one.

What is a Home Care Worker?

Most commonly, Home Care Workers provide in-home support to the elderly and those with disabilities or special needs. They will assist people in everyday tasks such as; cooking, cleaning, grooming, taking clients to appointments and more. Home Care assistants will often work in their client’s private homes and tasks will differ depending on the condition of the client.

How to become a Home Care Worker?

To become a Home Care Worker you will need to complete a Certificate 3 in Individual Support (Home & Community). This course will provide you with the skills and information needed to support people due to ageing, disability or special needs. Most commonly, you may also need a National Police Clearance, DSCI Screening and the completion of a First Aid Course.

Job Duties

Home Care Workers will assist their clients in a range of tasks. These tasks will often differ depending on the severity of the client’s needs and can be things like:

Cleaning the house
Meal preparation
Running errands
Taking clients to appointments or social events
Bathing / Personal Care
Administering medications
Providing companionship

Some clients may only require a carer to do the more physical tasks or get them from A to B. Whereas some may need help completing all tasks listed above. In addition, it can be common for a family to hire a Home Care Assistant to provide companionship to an elderly or disabled loved one when they are unable to. All of your client’s needs will differ greatly, and so will their personalities. So, you will need to adapt to each different clients.

Benefits of becoming a Home Care Worker

Becoming a Home and Community Support Worker comes with many benefits. The biggest one being that you’re making your clients quality of life better. You’re able to help your clients feel comfortable in their own homes, as well as help them with everyday tasks and provide companionship. Knowing that you’re able to make a difference in someone’s day will be enough to make you want to become a Home Care Worker.

Another benefit is that you’ll be trained and ready for when/if you ever need to be a carer for your own family members. You may have to become the sole carer for your parents or grandparents at some point in life. And if you already have experience as a Home and Community Support Worker, you’ll know exactly what to do. Plus, you will also save money by not having to hire a Home Care Assistant as you’re able to do it yourself.

Is this the job for you?

Furthermore, becoming a Home and Community Care Worker can be very rewarding. You’re able to help someone feel safe and comfortable while living independently in their own home. As well as improve their quality of life and make your clients day by doing simple tasks such as having a coffee and chat. As a Home Care Worker, your job is to make your client’s lives easier and more comfortable in their own home.

To become a Home Care Worker you will need to complete a Certificate 3 in Individual Support (Home and Community) and a First Aid Course. Obtaining a National Police Clearance and DSCI Screening would also be favourable. Doing these courses will provide you with the best chance to land a job within Aged Care or Home Care.

Lastly, HITsa Training & Employment offer a Certificate 3 in Individual Support (Home and Community) and a Provide First Aid Course. Enrol or enquire online today to kick start your career! If you want more guidance or information about working in Home Care, call our friendly team on 8375 2800.