Meet Denise, Care Worker in Home Health talks about developing a meaningful career through learning

Denise is great example of someone who embraces learning. As a Care Worker in Home Care Services she was keen to learn more about supporting customers with dementia, so she jumped at the opportunity to expand her knowledge by completing a Certificate III in Individual Support Traineeship, funded by Australian Unity.

Here Denise talks about her Traineeship experience, as well as the importance of having the opportunity to undertake further learning to progress her meaningful career and the gift of time to balance work and life to support her Real Wellbeing.

At first I found the course more challenging than expected, but when I completed it I was really happy to have done it. I did it because I wanted to learn how to do my job better, and it really did help me to understand not only the different people I work with, but also key policies and procedures.

The traineeship really gives that little bit more insight and knowledge into the people I care for, we learnt about the diversity of people and how to best support their wellbeing. A portion of the course was face to face, I learnt much more about people with dementia and learnt that there were 5 different types of dementia. It really opens you up to the best ways to support different people.

Not only did it highlight the importance of supporting those with dementia, but their carers too. Often people with dementia live with a spouse, children, and other family members, so it’s important to check in and ask them, “Are you okay?”. Then you can help them to find the right support to make things easier on them.

I was really grateful to have the opportunity to complete my certificate, I’ve also enjoyed how accommodating Australian Unity have been. Not only did they give me this learning opportunity, but when I recently downsized my work hours they were really supportive, offering me flexibility when anything in life came up.

Federal Funding provided Australian Unity with an opportunity to support new Care Workers wishing to complete a Certificate III in Individual Support. This qualification is ideal for care workers looking for a career in Aged Care, Home and Community Care and Disability.

If you’re interested in progressing your career through further learning, such as a traineeship, in the first instance, please discuss with your People Leader who can find out what options are available for you depending on the funding opportunities available at the time.