“To care for those who once cared for us is one of the highest honours.’’
Are you a person who can take care of people with love and affection? Does taking care of the needs of aged people give you satisfaction? If yes, this blog is for you.
By 2036, around 23% of the total population in New Zealand will be aged 65 or over. The aged care sector in New Zealand employs over 33,000 people, and with the increasing demand, this only is expected to grow more.
Aged care in New Zealand enables older people to live with confidence and participate in society for as long as possible.
Many elderly people live independently in their own home, retirement village, rest home, hospital or respite facility and need assistance. Support by aged care workers is provided with the elderly’s wellbeing, mobility, personal care and daily activities.
Entry-level roles in aged care don’t usually require any relevant qualifications or experience. However, you can study healthcare courses that include on-the-job training, which prepares you for the roles such as support worker, home aide, home care support worker, healthcare assistance, health assistant, and caregiver. More advanced roles in aged care will benefit from a Level 4 qualification and higher. Such qualifications are for roles such as Senior Support Worker, Team Leader, Supervisor, Trainer/Assessor.
Education providers provide training for aged care work, from entry-level up to post-graduate level. These providers are registered with NZQA, and the Qualifications are assessed for pay equity equivalence by the Ministry of Health which gives you an opportunity to earn $27.00 an hour. To know more about the healthcare qualification and pay parity click here.
The tuition fees for international students for the NZ Certificate in Health and Wellbeing courses at Levels 2, 3 and 4 range from $2000 NZD to $10000 NZD. The fees for Levels 7, 8 or 9 is higher.
If you already have an overseas qualification related to aged care, check if it is recognized by the sector. Roles listed on New Zealand’s Long Term Skills Shortage List must be comparable to the standard of the New Zealand qualification on the list.
To work in aged care, the person must be practical, organised, responsible, supportive, understanding and able to relate well. The job can be physically demanding so the key is to be fit and fine.
New Zealand law requires nurses, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists to be registered with a professional body or council in New Zealand.
If already registered overseas, you must provide evidence of holding a New Zealand registration and a current practising certificate before applying for a work or residence visa.
To know more about the registration process, check the respective professional council in New Zealand link mentioned below.
The minimum pay for aged care workers is subject to the 2017 pay equity settlement. The current median wage set by the Government is NZ$ 27.00 per hour.
Income varies according to the role undertaken: It is important to show respect and stay professional when working with older people. Aged care workers can make a real difference in people’s lives. Though the work is challenging, the rewards are huge.
If you are interested in helping others and are looking to be a part of the fastest growing industry, please get in touch with Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd at [email protected] or call on +64 09 3790219. Our experienced team of licensed immigration advisers will be happy to guide you.
Vandana Rai is a Senior Licensed Immigration Adviser and has built a reputation around her rare set of skills, which could be considered ideal for her legal profession.