A Certificate III in Individual Support, CHC33021, is a course designed to teach people how to provide valuable and reliable care.
This care is tailored towards people needing extra support– including ageing Australians and people living with a disability– ensuring workers in these industries have the knowledge to provide the right type of support.
A Certificate III also ensures support workers have practical skills and experience in handling care.
But what exactly does this course involve, and how does it directly support and help older Australians?
In this article, we’ll detail what you can expect with a Certificate III in Individual Support and what kind of impact it can have on older people.
What is included in a Cert III?
A Certificate III in Individual Support is a tailored course that covers important topics in the support industry, from the ethics behind the work to mitigating health risks, supporting independence and more. Overall, the Certificate consists of 16 units, eleven core units and four related electives.
Furthermore, to complete the Certificate, workers must also undergo and complete a minimum of 120 hours of placement. This is a further requirement that ensures support workers receive the hands-on, in-person experience needed to provide real, reliable and tailored care.
It also ensures they can converse and learn from more experienced support workers. Ensuring they can learn skills and knowledge that may not be covered in the official course.
Careers Certificate III supports
While aged care is an important field, a Certificate III in Individual Support can help workers build careers in other fields as well. Many find work as disability support workers, personal care assistants and even residential care officers.
This course is vital to ensuring workers have the latest knowledge to provide real care. It may even help strengthen their confidence and provide the resources they need to propel their careers further in the care industry.
The lives of older Australians
Receiving more attentive, informed and tailored care can only help older Australians live their lives to the fullest. But what are the concrete impacts older Australians can expect from workers who have completed this Certificate?
Independence
Workers with the right skills and knowledge can tailor support further. This can be used to support older Australians, helping them pursue their goals and increase their independence. The right kind of care is not overbearing; it ensures that individuals are supported when they need it without controlling their everyday lives.
Further, workers who have completed this Certificate are more likely to know different care methods that support individual needs. This improved care can strengthen older Australians’ confidence and encourage them to go out more.
Safety and security
When we are older, accidents, falls, and other health risks can become more serious concerns. A support worker who has completed a Certificate III is trained in the latest care techniques and procedures. This means that if an emergency occurs, they can act much faster to help mitigate the damage and ensure older Australians receive immediate support.
Further, those who have completed the Certificate are trained to identify different warning signs. These could be issues with the safety of your home or even signs of abuse in relationships. They can then offer advice to help mitigate these risks or even report serious concerns if intervention is necessary.
Strengthened relationships
Fully trained and certified support workers can also help older Australians strengthen their relationships. This might mean facilitating support to and from community events or helping older Australians visit and communicate with family and loved ones.
People are inherently social, and with the right support, older Australians are better able to navigate and combat feelings of loneliness. Without this care, it can be easy to become isolated. Many older Australians experience depression and anxiety associated with this isolation.
Managing health care
Different health care and support systems have different processes that many can find overwhelming and confusing. A Certificate III in Individual Support ensures that support workers know how to navigate these concerns. This can help streamline care, ensure appointments are kept, and help older Australians maintain their health.
Supporting mental health
Having these complex issues handled and receiving improved care may also contribute to older Australians’ mental well-being. Living on your own can be stressful. Having a qualified support worker who can help older people navigate their health and support their goals may help to alleviate some of the stress and anxiety many are experiencing.
Putting others first
Support work is an incredibly rewarding and valued field of work.
Not only is a Certificate III in Individual Support a great way for a worker to advance their skills and career, but it also ensures older Australians receive the tailored support they need. If you are ready to improve your abilities and skills, consider taking the latest Certificate III.
