Online courses are an amazing way of training to become a carer. Many people who choose to do a career change and become a carer pick the option of taking online courses. There are many elderly care organisations which are licensed to provide classes in elderly care.

If you want to become a carer, the online course you will graduate from will be accepted in the elderly care field. Just be careful that the company you choose is certified to offer the courses and that you will not be scammed.

Being a carer is a complex job, so make sure to choose courses which offer both theoretical knowledge, as well as allow you to do practical carer sessions or trainings. Some examples of carer courses that might interest you as a carer are:

• Basic life support
• Dignity in care
• Effective communication
• Epilepsy medication training
• Stroke awareness
• Dementia awareness
• Risk assessment
• Safeguarding vulnerable adults
• Safe people moving and handling

Of course, these are just some examples of carer online courses available. If you are seriously thinking of following a career in elderly care, you should think about what you will feel most comfortable with. Nevertheless, as a carer you do need to know the key elements in elderly care.

While university degrees or college degrees are not obligatory to become a carer, it is advised that you undertake the Care Certificate. This is something which can be easily acquired after some online course too.

All in all, there are many different routes to take in order to become a carer. You can train to be a carer in whichever way suits you best. You need to remember that if you want to start working as an elderly carer, you don’t necessarily need qualifications. If you are working in a different field and have no prior experience as a carer, you can still become a carer.

In essence all that you need to be a carer is possess the right values and behaviours. It all depends on which carer jobs you aim to get.

A regular carer role might include:

• Conversation partner
• Support in social and physical activities
• Booking appointments
• Picking up prescriptions
• Helping with personal care (showering, dressing)

In conclusion, becoming a carer is a career that can be followed by almost anyone, if their heart is where it matters. Whether you have experience as a carer or not, you can still find opportunities that are right for you, depending on the level of experience.

As a carer, the qualifications are not mandatory from the start. You can learn more as you progress in your carer job. Some of the main qualities you need to have as a successful carer are being genuinely concerned and interested in bringing a positive change in someone else’s life. What many employers look for in a carer is someone to offer company and a bit of personal help. So if you are a kind, genuine, compassionate person with an out-going personality, happy to talk to other people and share life experiences, you will become a great carer.

Elderly care is a unique and rewarding field to work in. As a carer you will end each day spent caring for someone with a sense of reward, knowing that you’ve done good.