The Importance of Continuous Learning in Aged Care Work

At Kapok, we mostly write for family caregivers. However, some of our readers are in a different position, where they’re paid care workers instead.

Professionals in the caregiving field still face many of the same challenges as family caregivers, including the risk of burnout and emotional exhaustion. Both groups can also benefit from continuing to learn and hone their skills, which is what we’re talking about today.

After all, there’s always something to be learned, regardless of your field of expertise. This is especially true in the fields of seniors and healthcare, as there are countless new developments and shifts in our knowledge.

Read on to learn how to work on improving your knowledge, upskilling, and becoming more competent, regardless of whether you’re a professional caregiver or someone supporting a family member.

How to Keep Yourself Up-to-Date

Upskill with Education

Many paid caregivers will have some type of formal qualification, as this is often required for their role. Even if formal qualifications aren’t needed, they always help to make you look more professional and may increase your chances of a better position.

But, have you ever considered further study? For example, a postgraduate course can enhance your education and take your career to the next level.

The benefits of an MSN MBA for aged care workers, for instance, are massive. Think loftier professional goals, heftier career aspirations, and perhaps, a role in upper management could even be within your reach. As a postgraduate student, you will be a cut above the rest – both academically, and in terms of your dedication to your professional development.

Obtaining a higher qualification is not all about career prospects, however. It also gives you major advantages in terms of upskilling, and simply being better at your job.

In the end, you only get out as much as you put in, and if you want to be the best quality aged care worker you can be, it pays to invest in your personal growth.

Focus on Lifelong Learning

When you’ve been in a job for a long time, it can start to get stale. The key to staying fresh when caring for the elderly is to maintain your passion for your work. Remain curious and inquisitive. Keep asking questions. You never know what you might learn!

The key to this is looking at each day as an opportunity to learn something new. In this way, you can make continuous learning a habit. With so many things changing in the healthcare space almost daily, cultivating continual growth in your industry is essential.

Remember too that learning doesn’t need to be just about your job. There may be other areas that you want to look into as well, such as personal development or even a hobby. Which types of learning energize you the most? What would you like to learn more about?

Keep Up-to-Date with Industry Research

Whether you’re formally educated or not, it pays to do your research into the advances that are constantly happening in the aged care industry. This will keep your knowledge relevant and up-to-date.

It will also help you stay abreast of any medical research that might directly affect your profession. If nothing else, doing this can assist with keeping you interested and focused on your career.

Maintain a Positive and Curious Attitude

When it comes to staying fresh long-term, your attitude is key. Staying positive and upbeat will not only help you get through the day, but it will also show in the quality of your work. We do better work when we are satisfied with our jobs, and your attitude can go a long way in influencing this.

Curiosity is also important for lifelong learning. Being curious means you’re always looking to understand more. In the case of caregiving, this includes considering whether there are more effective ways of addressing challenges and whether any new research applies to your situation directly.

For example, if you’re caring for someone with dementia, there are questions about when you try to reorient the person into the present and when you accept their reality instead. Learning more about person-centered dementia care and validation therapy could provide you with new techniques for supporting your clients. Some of the information is also fascinating in its own right.  

Consider New Challenges as an Opportunity to Upskill

On the job, put your hand up for that challenging task you’ve never done before. See it as an opportunity to gain a new skill, and better yet, impress your superiors.

By taking initiatives such as this you will be making progress in your development. You may also be considered for future roles or even a promotion!

And, regardless of the context, seeing challenges as an opportunity for growth is always a powerful tool. Having this mindset keeps you always looking for what you can learn and provides you with a positive mindset.

Look for Greater Responsibilities

As well as trying out new tasks, put your hand up to take on greater responsibilities at work. This will not only prove how capable you are, but it will also allow you to explore other areas of the business or organization that you may not have been exposed to previously. In aged care, there is always work to be done, and your managers will be grateful for a helping hand.

That said, it’s important to be wise when seeking more responsibilities, especially if you’re working full-time or are a family caregiver. Burnout is a big issue for caregivers and sometimes you may simply need to rest or focus on hobbies, instead of trying to do even more.

Always Focus on Communication

Whether you’re a professional or a family caregiver, communication is always crucial. This keeps everyone on the same page and ensures continuity of care.

This is a crucial area when caring for seniors, as there are often many people involved in their healthcare, not to mention all the family and friends that are connected. There are likely to be some family disputes and differences along the way too, which make communication even more crucial.

If you’re a professional caregiver, you’re likely not the only one providing care. Perhaps other colleagues are doing so too or family members do some caregiving tasks. Here, it’s crucial that you communicate your experiences with anyone else involved.

For example, noticeable changes in a senior’s behavior may be an indication of a health issue, like a UTI or perhaps early dementia symptoms. Family members and colleagues need to be informed so they can watch out for related changes and make informed decisions about what’s next.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of your position or qualifications, learning always comes with benefits. Along with the practical benefits it provides, upskilling can boost your self-esteem and help you feel more confident in your role.

And remember, learning doesn’t always need to be a paid professional qualification. There are many free or inexpensive caregiver events, including online courses, webinars, and in-person retreats. Caregiving books are a valuable resource too, giving you access to important information and some new perspectives about caregiving.