If you work in the aged care industry, you know how important it is to have good caregiving skills. The role of the aged care worker is not only to help their clients with everyday tasks like eating, dressing, and bathing, but also to be an important source of emotional support and companionship. If you’re new to this line of work or looking to hone your existing skills, try these six tips on how to improve your aged care skills that go beyond your aged care certificate.
1) Get Professional Training
One way to improve your aged care skills is to get professional training. This can help you learn about the different aspects of aged care and how to best provide care for your patients. There are many different types of aged care courses available, so you can choose one that best fits your needs. There are also a number of online classes that you can take from the comfort of your own home. This will allow you to gain knowledge without having to leave your current job or even change locations. The cost for these programs will vary depending on what type of program it is, but it may be well worth it if it helps with promotion or provides a better position in the field.
2) Volunteer
If you’re interested in improving your aged care skills, one of the best things you can do is volunteer. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to work closely with elderly patients and get first-hand experience in providing care. Plus, it’s a great way to give back to your community. You’ll make new friends, gain valuable knowledge and experience, learn more about yourself and grow as a person. It’ll also be good for your resume when applying for positions at nursing homes or hospices.
3) Learn From Peers and Mentors
As an aged care worker, it’s important to continuously develop your skills and knowledge. One way to do this is to learn from your peers and mentors. You can do this by talking to a peer or mentor after a shift about what went well, what didn’t go so well, any concerns that were raised, and ideas for improvement.
4) Teach Others
Aged care is a rewarding but challenging field. But a few things help, for example practice. The more you practice the better. As with any profession, the more experience you have under your belt the better. Working with older people on a regular basis will help build up your confidence and give you valuable knowledge. A good way to practice is also by teaching others your skills. Maybe take someone new under your wing and teach them what you do. It will be a great learning experience. Also be sure to always stay up to date on new innovations in the field.
5) Learn More Than What You Know
If you work in aged care, you know that providing quality care to seniors can be challenging. But it’s also rewarding. It also means you have to learn more than what you know. For example, you should know how the brain works. Understand the effects of dementia on someone’s memory and behaviour. Consider how much sleep a person needs at their age. Know what chronic conditions mean for medication and daily living. Understand how an injury or stroke affects balance and movement, as well as cognitive function. Be prepared for a high level of anxiety when discussing these topics with patients or their families.
6) In-person trainings and more
No matter what your age, it’s never too late to start learning new things. Attend an in-person training session. It will help you build confidence and get an idea of the resources available to you in the community. Visit a facility and shadow some staff members for a day or two as they go about their work. You’ll be able to see how they interact with clients, which is not always easy when they’re at home or out in public settings.