Online training - Call us on 1300 009 924
Online training - access your course anytime, anywhere! Call us on 1300 009 924
Community Services

Common Duties of an Aged Care Worker

By Vanessa Pomeranetz
Vanessa Pomeranetz

Aged care workers play a vital role in supporting elderly individuals to live with dignity and independence. Their responsibilities extend beyond physical care, often involving emotional support and coordination with healthcare professionals. Whether you're considering a career in aged care or already working in the sector, understanding the common duties of an aged care worker is essential for delivering high-quality care.

Provides Essential Personal Care to Clients

Personal care is at the heart of aged care work, ensuring that clients are comfortable and able to maintain as much independence as possible. Aged care workers assist with a wide range of daily activities to help clients manage personal hygiene and mobility.

Assist with Daily Living Activities Such as Bathing, Dressing, and Grooming
Helping clients maintain personal hygiene is a key duty. Aged care workers assist with bathing, dressing, grooming, and ensuring clients feel clean and comfortable throughout the day, always respecting their dignity.

Help Clients Move Around and Transfer Between Positions
Many elderly clients face mobility challenges. Aged care workers provide physical support to help clients move safely and comfortably, using mobility aids where necessary.

Assist with Toileting and Manage Incontinence Care for Clients
Managing toileting needs is another crucial aspect of aged care. Workers assist clients with bathroom use, changing incontinence aids, and ensuring proper hygiene.

Support Oral and Skin Care
Aged care workers help with brushing teeth, caring for dentures, and ensuring skin remains clean and moisturised to prevent infections.

Provide Feeding Assistance, Including Meal Preparation
Aged care workers often assist with preparing meals and helping clients who have difficulty eating independently, ensuring clients receive proper nutrition.

Offers Emotional and Social Support to Enhance Well-Being

Beyond physical care, aged care workers provide emotional and social support that enhances clients' overall well-being. Many elderly individuals face loneliness, and providing companionship can make a significant difference.

Engage Clients in Social Interactions and Activities
Aged care workers help clients stay socially active by engaging in conversations, playing games, or encouraging participation in group activities. This helps combat feelings of isolation.
 
Offer Mental Support by Listening and Providing Emotional Reassurance
Offering a listening ear and emotional reassurance is essential. Aged care workers provide support, empathy, and companionship during difficult times.

Handles Practical Tasks to Support Clients' Daily Living

In addition to personal and emotional care, aged care workers assist with practical tasks to maintain a safe and comfortable living environment.
 
Assist with Household Management
Aged care workers help with light household chores like cleaning, laundry, and keeping the living space organised and safe.
 
Run Errands and Manage Appointments
Workers assist with running errands, such as grocery shopping or picking up prescriptions, and may also accompany clients to medical appointments.
 
Support Clients in Taking Medications
Helping clients manage their medications is another key duty. Aged care workers ensure medications are taken as prescribed and monitor dosages as needed.

Maintains Accurate Documentation and Reporting

Accurate record-keeping is an essential part of aged care. Workers document the care they provide and report any changes in the client’s condition.
 
Keep Detailed Records
Aged care workers maintain records of the care they provide, including meals, tasks, and any health concerns, ensuring continuity of care.
 
Ensure Confidentiality and Privacy
Maintaining confidentiality is crucial. Aged care workers ensure client information is kept private and secure, in compliance with privacy laws.

Collaborates with Healthcare Professionals

Aged care workers often collaborate with nurses, doctors, and therapists to provide holistic care. This teamwork ensures that clients receive comprehensive care that addresses their physical and emotional needs.

Upskilled Provides the Necessary Training to Excel as an Aged Care Worker

If you’re looking to start or grow your career in aged care, Upskilled offers nationally recognised qualifications designed to provide you with the skills needed for success in this vital sector. Our courses are industry-aligned, ensuring you gain practical, job-ready skills.
 
Earn Nationally Recognised Qualifications
Upskilled’s CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) and CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) provide foundational skills and open doors to a variety of roles in aged care.

Flexible Learning Options
We offer flexible online learning to help you balance education with other commitments. Study at your own pace and fit learning around your lifestyle.
 
Receive Personalised Support
Upskilled provides personalised support throughout your learning journey. Our team is here to guide you, ensuring you have everything you need to succeed.
 
A career as an aged care worker is both rewarding and impactful. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, enrol in one of Upskilled’s courses today and make a difference in the aged care sector.

Vanessa Pomeranetz
Vanessa Pomeranetz is a Marketing Specialist working at Upskilled. Beyond the professional world of marketing, she can be found sipping a Chatime, playing or watching soccer and spending time with her wonderfully loud Italian family.