What’s The Difference Between Aged Care & Disability Support?

As far as rewarding careers go, being a support worker is at the top of the list. You get to make a real impact in the lives of the elderly or people with disabilities, as well as work in a thriving industry. According to the Australian Government and National Skills Commission, the care and support workforce has grown three times faster than total employment across the entire Australian economy.

But what’s the difference between aged care and disability support work, and which is the right career path for you? Learn more about these two rewarding career opportunities, and how a Certificate III in Individual Support can start you on your way to a thriving career.

Aged Care vs. Disability Support Work; What’s the difference?

Aged care and disability support workers both provide essential assistive care to people in the community who need additional support. While an aged care worker, they only work with the elderly, while a disability support worker may work with someone of any age with a disability.

For an aged care worker, their role is more focused on helping their elderly clients retain their independence, while disability support workers help make life more accessible for their clients with varying disabilities.

While both types of carers may help with essential daily tasks, like bathing, grooming, dressing, administrating medications, using the restroom, and support their clients’ physical, mental and social needs, they will each be trained in the unique needs of their specialised area of either aged care or disability support.

 

Tasks an aged care support worker may perform:

• Personal care, including assisting with showering, dressing, grooming and toileting.
• Mobility support, helping clients move safely, including assisting with the use of mobility aids.
• Medical assistance, such as administering or reminding clients to take prescribed medications.
• Meal preparation and feeding, preparing nutritious meals and assisting with eating, if required.
• Household tasks, like cleaning, doing the laundry, and maintaining a safe, clean living environment.
• Social engagement, encouraging elderly clients to participate in activities, companionship and emotional support.
• Transport assistant, driving or accompanying clients to their appointments and outings.
• End-of-life care, to provide comfort and support for clients in palliative care.

Tasks an disability support worker may perform:

• Personal care, such as showering, dressing, grooming, toileting and other needs specific to the person’s disabilities.
• Mobility and equipment use, assisting with wheelchairs, hoists, prosthetics or other adaptive technology.
• Skill development, supporting clients in activities in gaining their independence, such as cooking, budgeting or communication skills.
• Behavioral and emotional support, including managing behaviour concerns and supporting their mental well-being.
• Education and employment assistance, helping clients study, search for jobs or integrate into a workplace.
• Recreational and community engagement, encouraging and supporting them in the participation of hobbies, social events and community programs.
• Advocacy and rights support, ensuring clients have access to the services and accommodations they need.
• Therapy assistance, working alongside physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists and other specialised care providers to implement care plans.

Can you work in either aged care or disability support with a CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support?

A CHC33021 — Certificate III in Individual Support is a 35-week course with specialised units to allow you to work in aged care support work, disability support work, or both. When studying for your certificate, you have a choice to study in one specialised area or both, giving you the option to pursue different career opportunities depending on your passions and interests.

CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) Course Requirements & Career Opportunities

Requirements:

To specialise in aged care support as an individual support worker, you’ll need to complete 5 specialised units, including:

• CHCAGE011 Provide support to people living with dementia
• CHCAGE013 Work effectively in aged care
• CHCPAL003 Deliver care services using a palliative approach
• CHCCCS044 Follow established person-centred behaviour supports
• CHCMHS001 Work with people with mental health issues
• HLTAID011 Provide First Aid

Career opportunities:

Studying a CHC33021 – Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) opens a number of doors for you and your career, including:

• Aged care worker
• Support care worker
• Community care worker
• Neighbourhood care worker
• Residential care worker
• Care assistant

CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) Requirements & Career Opportunities:

Requirements:

Working in disability support requires a number of specialised skills, which you learn during studying a CHC33021 – Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability), including:

• CHCDIS011 Contribute to ongoing skills development using a strengths-based approach
• CHCDIS012 Support community participation and social inclusion
• CHCDIS020 Work effectively in disability support
• CHCCCS044 Follow established person-centred behaviour supports
• CHCMHS001 Work with people with mental health issues
• HLTAID011 Provide First Aid

Career opportunities:

With your certification, there’s a range of career paths you can take, including:

• Disability worker
• Support care worker
• Community care worker
• Neighbourhood care worker
• Residential care worker
• Care assistant

 

Aged care or disability support work; Which is right for you?

Both aged care and disability support work are rewarding, fulfilling careers. However, choosing a specialisation, or even choosing both, to study and pursue for your career can be a difficult choice. We’ve broken down some of the top considerations when deciding between a career in aged care or disability support.

Why work in aged care support?

Rewards

Choosing aged care as your individual support specialisation will give you a fulfilling career with many opportunities. Aside from the great feeling of getting to help people each day, you’ll get a strong sense of purpose by giving back to the community.

Salary

The average starting salary of an aged care worker in Australia is between $60,000 to $70,000, depending on your role. This can grow as you further your experience and qualifications, or specialise in a particular area.

Career Growth

With different areas of aged care support, there are many opportunities to grow your career. Specialising in dementia care, palliative care or even future studies in nursing can open new pathways, starting with individual support roles.

Job Vacancies

Certified aged care support workers are high in demand, with a steadily growing aging population in Australia. There are tens of thousands of jobs in aged care support throughout the country at any time, with a high satisfaction rate. Many roles also give flexibility to work full-time, part-time or casually, even filling shifts for agencies in need of temporary workers.

Potential Challenges

Like any job, aged care support work can have its challenges. It’s a physically demanding job helping elderly clients with daily physical tasks, and can also be emotionally challenging at times when working with people with declining health or who pass away. However, it can feel rewarding to be able to nurture and support people in these times.

Why work in disability support?

Rewards

No two days working in disability support will be the same, offering diverse, interesting work. You’ll get to build deep connections with people, while developing new skills as you work with different people, all while getting satisfaction from helping your community.

Salary

The average annual salary for a disability support worker in Australia is between $70,000 to $80,000, depending where you work and your role. Like aged care, this can increase as your skills, experience and qualifications progress.

Career Growth

A career in disability support work can take you many places, including leading to a career in allied health, NDIS plan management and advocacy for people with disabilities. It’s natural for people to find their own passions within the field as they work with different people and disabilities.

Job Vacancies

With increases to the NDIS sector in Australia, there is immense growth in demand for certified disability support workers. There is expected to be a strong growth in the next five years, with strong job security and opportunities all over the country.

Potential Challenges

There are some challenges when working in disability support care, including navigating funding and support for your clients. Each client will have unique needs, with varying disabilities and mental health conditions that will need a diverse approach. However, overcoming these challenges can give you immense pride, and help you pursue different career paths as your passions form.

Study Aged Care & Disability Support At The Aurora Training Institute

At the Aurora Training Institute, we offer flexible options for studying to attain your CHC33021  Certificate III in Individual Support. Our courses are delivered on campus from one of our 3 campus locations. Contact us to learn more about studying with the Aurora Training Institute and how we can help you kickstart your career in support work.