Why you should consider a career in aged care

You might have an idea about what aged care work involves – but there are all kinds of ways to create a career in the sector.  

Physical care is an integral part of aged care work, but there are other roles, too; you could become a chef, a manager or a corporate leader. 

So what’s it like to work in aged care? 

We spoke to two people working in the sector to learn more about their journeys that led them to where they are. 

Finding flexibility and career progression as a nurse  

Megan Kerr, registered nurse and clinical team manager, Bolton Clarke 

Megan has worked in various locations for Bolton Clarke. She’s had part-time and full-time roles, and had flexible shift options when she started a family. This variety isn’t surprising considering her tenure with the company – she first joined it back in 1995. 

Since then, she’s progressed from a grade 2 to a grade 4 nurse. “There are so many different roles to explore and jobs to experience,” she says. 

No two days are the same for Megan in this stimulating and fast-paced environment. “There is no typical day in my current role – we need to prioritise and deal with situations as they come to hand,” she says. “When visiting a client’s home, something funny or special will happen every day.” 

The respect and care she has for people is at the core of how she approaches work, and aged care is a natural option for people with similar values of curiosity and kindness. “We are a guest in their home and want to help them achieve their goals in a cooperative manner,” she says. 

Throughout her time with Bolton Clarke, Megan has not only been able to progress professionally, but has learned much from the people she cares for. “Clients open up to us at times, and it’s a very special privilege to be a part of that,” she says. “Older Australians have worked hard all of their lives, and they have great stories and life experiences to share.” 

As in most caring professions, self-care is vital to prevent burnout, and Megan’s workplace offers a range of initiatives to support staff wellbeing, including employee assistance programs, access to discounted gym memberships, and resources for managing mental health along with general wellbeing. She’s aware of the need for balance and takes time for herself: “I make sure I have great days off to refresh and rejuvenate for the week ahead.” 

Megan is a big advocate for the aged care industry and has the experience to back it up. What advice would she have for someone considering entering the field? “Go for it! Come with an open mind, heaps of compassion, and a smile – you won’t regret it.” 

Job satisfaction and the joy of caring for others as a chef 

Beth Conway, chef manager, McKenzie Aged Care 

Beth had spent years working in hospitality and travelled abroad, “job-hopping” between different employers. Eventually, she felt disillusioned with the hospitality industry. “I was working every weekend, most nights or double shifts …” she says. “All my friends and loved ones were living these fabulous lives while I was slogging it out in a kitchen, missing out on life itself, and feeling very empty inside.” 

During a period of reflection, Beth realised the time she’d worked in the youth and community sector had felt very rewarding, and so she decided to return to study. 

“Aged care was a happy accident,” Beth says. She’d been applying for part-time roles to support her studies, but was offered a dream opportunity: a sous chef role in aged care. 

“It was a full-time position, working Tuesday to Saturday, finishing at 2pm on Saturdays. I had finally won my weekends back!” 

After accepting the role, it didn’t take long for Beth to realise that the job satisfaction she’d aimed to obtain through studying was being met in her new role. “The joy of providing nourishment for the body and soul came very quickly to me. I fell in love with my role, and with each of the residents I served.” 

There are, of course, challenging moments, such as complaints from residents’ families. Beth says people don’t always realise the amount of care that occurs in aged care facilities, the “millions of small moments of love that happen every day … Often the most important moments are the smallest of kindnesses: noticing a resident’s blanket has slipped, or knowing a particular meal is a resident’s favourite, and offering them a larger portion.” 

Her compassion and appreciation for her work, and the people she works with, is evident. On a personal note, working in aged care reminded Beth of her grandmother. “I made it my personal mission to make sure that everything I put on the table would make her proud,” she says. 

This work allowed Beth to combine her community values with the joy of food and cooking. And like Megan, she finds the work-life balance of aged care to be a huge benefit. “It is a very worthy career path,” she says. “You’ll be surrounded by fellow empaths and team players, full of compassion and love for their fellow human beings.” 

Whether it’s physical care, management or even work as a chef, there are all kinds of roles that are needed in aged care. Why not explore your options? A move into the aged care sector might just be the way to get the job you’ve always wanted.  

Explore aged care jobs on SEEK.