Personal Care Worker
Personal care workers provide assistance and support to individuals in their homes and other community settings through activities and programs designed to develop and maintain wellbeing.
Personal care workers may perform the following tasks:
- assist with lifting and turning bedridden patients
- assist clients with personal care needs such as showering, eating and dressing
- assist clients with mobility and communication needs
- apply appropriate procedures for clients with dementia or chronic disease
- make sure that an adequate supply of clean clothing and linen is available for the client and that soiled items are removed and cleaned
- observe and report any changes in the client's condition and report any complaints about care to a supervisor
- assist with rehabilitation exercises and basic treatment
- perform basic procedures such as applying and changing dressings
- assist clients to develop language, literacy and numeracy skills as required
- assist with implementation of plans and programs for individuals or groups to encourage and assist clients to achieve increased levels of independence.
Personal care workers are usually required to carry out rostered shiftwork that includes night and weekend work. Some positions may be casual.
With experience and further training, personal care workers can become enrolled nurses or registered nurses.
Personal Requirements:
- good communication skills
- patience and understanding
- supportive and caring nature
- commitment to the rights of elderly and disabled people to live dignified lives
- able to cope with the physical demands of the job
- able to lift heavy weights.
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