Graduate Certificate in Care of the Aged

Australia - like many countries - is witnessing the phenomenon of an ageing population, and it is estimated that by 2056, one in four Australians will be aged over 65 - two million of whom will be older than 85.

An ageing population poses new challenges for Australia's existing health care, particularly aged care services. The goal of aged care is to ensure that all older Australians receive the quality person-centred care they require.

QUT Online's Graduate Certificate in Care of the Aged seeks to provide existing health practitioners with the opportunity to specialise in meeting the complex care needs of older Australians. With the aged care industry already representing $21.6 billion in 2019-20 - a number that is only expected to rise - there has never been a better time to upskill.

The specialised skills you acquire will inform your understanding of healthy ageing and appropriate health assessment frameworks, while equipping you with a nuanced understanding of age-specific health practices such as skin and wound care, and caring for older people with dementia.

Develop a nuanced understanding of health promotion principles, and apply these the management of chronic illness and disease prevention.

Provide specialised care for older Australians suffering dementia, based on an evidence-based understanding of dementia's physical, psychosocial and behavioural presentations.

Administer complex skin and wound care to older people, managing challenges to provide optimal wound management.

Accurately assess and respond to the full range of health care needs that older people require, demonstrating a sound knowledge of eHealth and assistive technologies.

Administer outstanding at-home care for older Australians and their families who need additional support - including personal care, domestic assistance, social support and transportation.

Monitor the health and well-being of residents at an aged care facility or in a hospital, while managing medication, wound care and other clinical services.

Provide complex aged care in a community setting - such as a group home - and care for a diverse range of clients.

Deliver individualised support to elderly residents living in residential care, with a focus on providing services that promote independence and enhance residents' quality of life.