Aged care management consultants are an increasing source of income for Australian aged care facilities. These individuals specialise in managing a number of different aspects of aged care, from policy development to training and education. The role is a growing one, with a variety of different benefits and challenges. However, there are some key points to consider before you decide to embark on this career path.
Career path
A career path in aged care management consulting requires you to have a background in management. As a management consultant, your role is to gather and analyse data for the purpose of making recommendations to stakeholders in the industry. You may also be asked to lead information-gathering initiatives and develop project approaches and strategies. After the project is complete, you might present your final report to senior stakeholders. As a senior care management consultant, you will assist in choosing the right care for your clients. You’ll help them understand their options, set budgets and choose healthcare providers. This role requires great patience and compassion, and you’ll need to be able to demonstrate this throughout the entire process. In order to become a consultant, you’ll need to complete a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, as well as some real-world experience and certification.
Education required
Before beginning work as a senior care management consultant, you should have an education relevant to the field. Many students begin by taking on internships or shadowing more experienced professionals. After graduation, they may find entry-level jobs, where they can practise what they have learned in the classroom. Several states also require that those working in the senior care industry be certified. Educated health care management consultants should have bachelor’s degrees, preferably in a field relevant to their job. Some examples include health management, public health care, finance, and social services. A master’s degree is also acceptable, although not required.
Job outlook
While the job outlook for management consultants has remained relatively stable over the past few years, this trend will likely continue into the next decade. Although there is still some uncertainty about the job market in 2021, there are still opportunities in the industry. Many major infrastructure projects, such as high-speed rail, new bridges, and highway construction, are expected to increase employment. Other major projects include health care reform, digitization of health records, and advancements in technology such as artificial intelligence. As a healthcare consultant, it is necessary to have some workplace experience before applying for a position. Most students complete internships or shadow experienced professionals prior to graduation. This helps them gain hands-on experience in the industry and often allows them to apply concepts they learn in classrooms.
Cost
A management consultant specialising in the aged care industry can provide a variety of services. They can provide assistance in planning and hiring caregivers, giving memory assessments, and exploring different living arrangements. They can also help with strategic planning and accreditation preparation. Other aged care consultancy services include organisational capability reviews, training and education, and aged care facility development. While these services are typically paid for by the client, some insurance plans cover the initial assessment and other time spent with a care management consultant. Even if the cost is not covered by insurance, the service can help families transition their elderly loved ones to a good living environment.
