Working in Residential Care

If you have a heart to help people and you’re a community minded person; if you want to work in a growing industry with opportunities for career diversity, specialisation and development; if you’d like to work with like-minded individuals, then the Residential Care sector could be just the place for you.

1. You value caring for others. If you would like to use your skills to help add value to the lives of others and would like to work in an industry with like-minded people, then Residential Care could be just the place you’re looking for.
2. You value the elders in our community. Looking after the frail and aged takes patience and compassion, but the rewards are immeasurable. If you love hearing stories of a time gone by; if you can see beyond a frail body to the amazing life of the person within; if you feel that it’s a privilege caring for our older generations, then working in this sector will give you countless days of satisfaction.
3. A career in Residential Care can be close to home. Just as you like to work close to home, the frail and aged in our communities often seek to remain in their local communities when they move into care. Finding a job in Residential Care could possibly see your commuting time reduce in comparison to other employment opportunities. It’s likely that wherever you live, employment in the Residential Care sector will exist in your local area.
4. Residential Care is a great place to transfer your skills. Thinking of using your skills in a different industry? The Residential Care sector has a place for you. In a world where many industries are in decline, the Residential Care sector is a world where almost every skill is in demand. Whether you work in manufacturing, construction, nursing or marketing, the expansion of the Residential Care sector provides opportunities for workers from industries in decline to transition to alternative employment.
5. Education on the job. The chance to gain entry level qualifications, while you earn a living is not common anymore. Residential Care is one of the few places left where if you bring us a caring positive attitude, we will give you the education.
6. Working in the Residential Care sector is a clever move for your career.  Australia’s population is ageing. As a result, the Residential Care sector will continue to grow in response to increased demand for services.

The Australian Human Rights Commission has highlighted that “the number of Australians aged 65 and over is projected to more than double by 2054-55, with 1 in 1,000 people projected to be aged over 100. In 1975, this was 1 in 10,000 … Australians will live longer and continue to have one of the longest life expectancies in the world … The increase in the number of older Australians will therefore result in an increased demand for Residential Care services.”¹

The Department of Employment projections for employment growth show that the broader health care and social assistance industry (which includes Residential Care Services) is projected to make the largest contribution to employment growth (up by 258,000 or 18.7 per cent) over the five years to November 2019. Focusing on the Residential Care Services sub-industry, employment is expected be grow by 46,700 (or 21.6 per cent) over the same period.²

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¹ Australian Human Rights Commission Inquiry into the Future of Australia’s Residential Care Sector Workforce – 2015, p5-8.
² ibid

Staff Testimonials

Stories from our people

I definitely have the most ‘fun’ job here. I get to organise events and activities for our 850 plus Retirement Living residents. We have a brilliant team, (that I am lucky enough to also call my friends), who will muck in to help with anything. The enjoyment and appreciation from the residents is so rewarding. The most memorable comment I had was from a resident who was widowed and had been really struggling." She said, “You have saved my life, I had nothing to live for and now I have never been busier

Suzie Spencer

Lifestyle & Activities Coordinator

Retirement Living, RSL ANZAC Village

Over the years, RSL LifeCare has become more than just an employer; they've felt like family. They've supported my professional growth and provided invaluable support to Spur Ranch and our veterans. The RSL LifeCare team has always been there for me, making my experience truly rewarding.

Max Streeter

Spur Program Manager

Veteran Services

Since joining RSL LifeCare in 2017, I've had a wonderful time delivering events for our residents and clients. I wholeheartedly support our purpose to care for veterans and seniors, and I strive to deliver this with everything I do. Over the years, I've made some amazing memories with our residents and have met incredible individuals with inspiring stories.

Kerry Morris

Manager Events & Community Engagement