5 Things You Should Know About Working in Aged Care
Wednesday, March 21, 2018, 6:00 PM | Leave Comment
Millennials are usually referred to as ‘job-hoppers’ and a generation that doesn’t exactly nurture company loyalty.
However, the reasons this generation is likely to have anywhere from two to six employers in their lifetime are far more complex than wanting more financial stability.
This generation is definitely changing the career game, and some of the most attractive companies or even job roles are those that give them a sense of purpose.
They want validation and guidance, certainly, but they also want to feel like a part of something bigger and significant.
They want their companies to share the same values as them, whether they’re environmental, social, political or any other.
This is exactly why working in aged care has become an increasingly appealing occupation for the millennial generation.
Featured photo – Source Pexels
Not only are you bringing joy to others, but they also feel the joy themselves. They feel like they’re truly making a difference, and by listening to the elderly, they gain tremendous experience as well. If this is a cause dear to your heart and you feel like this is a career path you should take, it’s vital to arm yourself with information before you dive into something that’s as important as aged care.
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Care
When you think about the words ‘aged care’, the emphasis should always be on the ‘care’. You have to have an incredible amount of love, kindness and ability to not just physically, but emotionally care for those who need it.
You will be a companion, a confidant, someone they can share their stories with, and this simply won’t work if you don’t have the level of empathy and devotion that the job requires.
If you’ve always been a giving spirit who wants to give back to those who have given so much in their time, or you’ve had a quarter-life crisis epiphany that made you question your life choices and forced you to realize that you need to get out there and bring more joy to others, instead of wallowing in self-doubt, then you’re already on a good path.
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The skill
Working in aged care is a huge undertaking and an enormous responsibility. You need to have a number of certifications in different areas of care such as individual and aging support in order to be deemed qualified to work in this field. This is why it’s crucial to look into trustworthy and verified aged care training options.
The demand for aged care workers is projected to increase significantly in the following years and decades, so if a change of career in this direction is on your mind, you better get a head start and begin your training as soon as possible.
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It will be challenging
Knowing that another human being is at times completely dependent on you can be overwhelming and downright scary.
You must be aware of the fact that this isn’t an easy job. You will have to show a great deal of responsibility and develop excellent organizational skills.
It’s not all fun and games. You will often be the person in charge of scheduling medical appointments and making sure the person in your care takes their medication on time.
There will be times when all these responsibilities will be an inconvenience to you, but you have to prove that you’re reliable, someone that can always be counted on to be there on time and do what needs to be done.
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The moodiness
Growing old can be difficult for some people, especially those who were either always afraid of growing old, or those who simply dread being a burden.
People don’t like the feeling of being helpless and sometimes completely dependent on other people’s help.
Situations will arise when the person you’re caring for is not in the best of moods, and they may even take it out on you, which is why it’s paramount that you arm yourself with patience and show them that you’re there for them no matter what.
Make them feel like they’re still relevant and that their time isn’t over. Over time, the ‘fussiness’ will decline, and they will begin to see you as a friend rather than hired help.
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You’ll get more than you bargained for
People from past generations are like time capsules. By listening to their stories, you may end up learning more about life than you ever thought possible.
Even though they may be physically unable to teach you new skills, they’re still darn good teachers, and while you may start as an aged caregiver, you might end up with an entirely new set of skills that will help you navigate not only your work life, but your personal life as well.
You can learn a whole lot about love, family values, history and who knows what else. You just have to be interested, be all ears, be a sponge that will soak up all the wisdom that is just bursting to be passed down.
Ultimately, what you stand to gain is a higher appreciation for life, and who knows where that will take you next.
Image 2 – Source Pexels
Image 3 – Source Pexels
