We Need to Work Together to Resolve the Care Worker Shortage Crisis

With 20% of the population expected to be aged over 65 within the decade, and 76% of Australians aged over 60 preferring to retire in the comfort of their own home, the demand for home care workers is higher than ever.

To help meet this demand, Prestige Inhome Care is investing in educating people of all ages and backgrounds on the benefits of becoming a home care worker.

Prestige InHome Care's Acting CEO Thea McCroary says, “We’re partnering with local training organisations to help encourage young people to consider a career in home care. We’ll also support them in gaining their qualifications: Certificate IV in Ageing Support.

We’re also exploring further avenues to address people who are working in other industries or are studying to become a home care worker or nurse. Plus, those who are wanting to re-enter the workforce. The flexibility of home care makes it an ideal choice for a person who has young children.”

Aside from the industry’s growth and job security, a drawcard for many who may have experienced reduced work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the benefits we’re advocating include:

A rewarding career

Home care workers form close, meaningful relationships with their clients and provide care that makes a genuine difference to their quality of life.

Opportunities for all

People who don’t yet have the qualifications or experience can start right away as a Home Care Attendant, providing companionship and domestic support to clients, while studying to become a Personal Care Attendant.

McCroary says, “Prestige Inhome Care workers who meet certain eligibility can even complete their studies free of charge through our Prestige Academy.”

Flexibility

Home care is an around-the-clock service, with options to work weekdays, school hours, nights and/or weekends. This flexibility allows home care workers to structure their work around their personal commitments, like studying or caring for their own children or parents.

McCroary says, “We also go one step further here and place our employees’ shifts close to their home and with clients that match their backgrounds and/or interests.”

Ongoing training and development

The industry offers many opportunities to grow and progress through a variety of regular aged care and disability support related training.

McCroary says, “Prestige Inhome Care also offers further training through our cutting-edge online learning platform which is accessible to our employees 24/7.”

Click here to find out more about Prestige InHome Care