Community Support Worker

A Community Support Worker, also known as an Aged Care Assistant or Aged Care Nurse and Home Care Worker, is responsible for the health and wellbeing of the elderly population and those with disabilities, who are no longer capable of caring for themselves.  

Community Support Workers typically assist with (depending on level of qualification and location of the patient and their personal needs): 

• Showering, dressing, toileting and personal hygiene
• Shopping, meal preparation and meal consumption
• Household chores - cleaning, laundry, change bedding
• Provides emotional support and companionship 
• Assist with social outings, shopping and appointments
• Liaise with social works and other service providers
• Communicate with family and friends of the client

To work in the aged care industry you can start out in an Assistant in Nursing role. To work in this capacity you need to complete a qualification such as a Certificate III in Health Services or Certificate III in Aged Care.  This qualification includes a mandatory 120 hours of work placement training.   You can then progress from this role, to Endorsed Nurse, Endorsed Enrolled Nurse and then Registered Nurse.

Prior to becoming an 'Aged Care Registered Nurse' you will need to have all the practical experience and qualifications of a Registered Nurse (RN) with at least three years practical full time experience. Registered Nurses work as part of a multidisciplinary team alongside other skilled professionals including doctors, surgeons, specialists, therapists, specialty nurses, social workers and many others to provide ongoing patient care to people who are sick, disabled, injured or recovering from surgery.  Registered nurses deliver primary health care predominantly in hospitals, clinics, assisted living facilities, aged care facilities, Government or military institutions, community or school settings, in the home or in outpatient facilities.  

Read about all other Specialty Nursing Roles here