Care Worker

Summary

Care workers provide care, supervision and support for children, people with disability and aged people in residential establishments and in their own homes.

Duties & Tasks

Care workers may perform the following tasks:

  • assist people with their self-medication
  • implement programs of supervision and care for those in residential care
  • provide in-home support with health issues and daily living tasks such as washing, dressing, eating, transport and budgeting
  • assist in the delivery of activities to enhance the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of those in residential care
  • make sure that those in residential care are washed, dressed, fed and ready for educational and recreational activities
  • assist those in residential care during domestic activities such as eating meals and showering
  • provide companionship and support during daily activities for those who are sick or aged
  • cook and serve meals, clean premises, wash, iron and perform other household tasks
  • organise refuge accommodation
  • implement appropriate strategies for managing problems related to dementia
  • work with a team of health professionals, family, friends and carers to implement a program of support.

Specialisations

Aged Care Worker

An aged care worker offers support to assist aged people in the maintenance of personal care, domestic duties and management of problems related to dementia. They also provide companionship and emotional support and promote independence and community participation.

Attendant Care Worker

An attendant care worker concentrates on providing personal care assistance to people with disability in the home or workplace. These duties may include bathing, lifting, moving, dressing, grooming, exercising or feeding people with disability.

Disability Support Worker

A disability support worker provides direct support to people with disability in the home, at work and in social situations. They also work with other health professionals to maximise the individual's physical and mental wellbeing.

Home Care Worker

A home care worker provides in-home assistance and care for people unable to care for themselves and/or their families because of sickness, disability or old age.

Working Conditions

Care workers work in private homes and community establishments. They may be required to work evenings, weekends and public holidays and may be required to live on the premises.

Personal Requirements

  • patience, flexibility and understanding
  • supportive and caring nature
  • able to accept responsibility
  • good communication skills
  • able to work as part of a team
  • able to cope with the physical demands of the job
  • able to perform domestic duties efficiently.

Related Courses:

Related Careers