A career in aged care

Aged care osteopath

Overview

Working in aged care allows osteopaths to impact the quality of life, mobility, and independence of older Australians. This career path focuses on providing targeted care that addresses the unique health needs of older adults, such as pain management, stability, and fall prevention.

What it’s like to work in aged care

Osteopaths in aged care settings provide hands-on therapy, exercise-based treatments and pain management to improve elderly patients’ physical and emotional well being.

Osteopaths who work with older Australians are trained in a range of manual therapy, exercise prescription and other evidence-based techniques that can assist in managing various conditions associated with aging.

Aged care settings

Osteopaths who work in aged care can work across different settings; areas where osteopaths can provide their expertise include:

Fall prevention: reviewing residents post falls to assess injuries/concerns and adjusting plans (eg gait, stability, postural, functional capacity and other activity-based assessments)
Comprehensive musculoskeletal and health care assessments: incorporating a biopsychosocial focus (e.g. assessing client needs against physiological capabilities and injuries)
Developing therapy plans and providing interventions to meet older Australians' needs, goals, and preferences and support their wellness and quality of life (eg, exercise-based therapies, hands-on pain management therapies, pain education).

What it's like to be an osteopath working in aged care

Working as an osteopath in aged care can be a profoundly rewarding career path, offering the chance to make a significant difference in the quality of life for older Australians.

Pros and cons

Pros:

Impactful work: opportunity to alleviate pain and improve older adults' independence and mobility.
Rewarding relationships: build long-term relationships with patients, their families, and the multidisciplinary team.
Varied caseload: each patient presents unique challenges, ensuring diverse and interesting work.
Professional autonomy: in many settings, osteopaths enjoy a degree of autonomy in developing treatment plans.
Interdisciplinary collaboration: work alongside other healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other allied health professionals, for comprehensive patient care.
Career advancement: most roles will provide ongoing opportunities for advancement to senior leadership and management roles.
Flexibility: this will vary between employers; however, many roles offer the flexibility to work across multiple areas of osteopathy, enabling part-time positions and flexible working hours.

Cons:

Emotional challenges: working with elderly patients can be emotionally demanding, especially when dealing with end-of-life care or chronic conditions.
Physical demands assisting patients with mobility can be physically demanding.
Bureaucracy and paperwork: navigating and complying with aged care regulations can be time-consuming.
Resource constraints: some aged care facilities may have limited resources or budget constraints, affecting treatment options.

Typical tasks and duties

Assessing patient health: focusing on musculoskeletal health and overall well being.
Developing and implementing treatment plans tailored to individual needs may include manual therapy, exercise prescription, fall prevention advice and treatment, and lifestyle advice.
Monitoring and adjusting treatment plans based on changes in the patient’s condition.
Working as a part of a multidisciplinary team with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care is provided.
Liaison with key stakeholders and coordination of clients and other healthcare professionals to reach outcomes suitable for everyone involved.

Skills and experience needed

Clinical skills: proficiency in osteopathic techniques and a thorough understanding of health issues that affect older Australians.
Communication: excellent communication skills to explain treatment plans, listen to patient concerns, and work with other healthcare staff.
Empathy and sensitivity: ability to provide compassionate care and understand older Australians' unique challenges.
Problem-solving: adept at assessing patient needs and providing advice and treatment as necessary.
Relationship building: with key stakeholders, clients and their families.
Autonomy: to work independently when needed.

How to become an osteopath in aged care

1 Qualify and register: complete your degree and register with the Osteopathy Board of Australia.

2. Experience: gain geriatric experience through placements or roles in multidisciplinary teams.

3. Ensure yearly compliance: keep up to date with your yearly registration standards

4. Training: proactively undertake chronic pain management and fall prevention training.

Further qualifications, training or requirements

Training or certifications in geriatric osteopathy or related fields can be beneficial.
Continuing professional development (CPD) courses focused on aged care, chronic pain management, or palliative care.
Willingness to undergo a National Criminal History check.
Generally unrestricted Australian working rights.
Professional indemnity insurance (some employers provide it).

Salary ranges

Entry level rates are around $35 per hour. This rate increases based on experience in the role and depends on the position secured. Salaries and hourly rates can vary widely based on location, type of employer, and level of experience. Generally, they may range from a starting position in the lower percentile to more experienced roles attracting higher compensation.

Who employs an osteopath in aged care

Employment opportunities include aged care facilities, residential care providers, and home care agencies.

Usual career trajectories or pathways

Starting in general osteopathic practice before focusing on aged care is recommended. Career pathways include moving into senior roles in aged care, teaching, research, or management positions within aged care organisations.

This career pathway is not just about treating illness but also about enhancing the quality of life, promoting independence, and supporting the dignity of the elderly. This role requires a blend of scientific knowledge, technical skills and deep compassion.