
AGED CARE CASE MANAGER
Gender Representation
87% Female
Median Age
42
Median Weekly Earnings
$2039
Average Weekly Hours
38 Hours
ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES
An Aged Care Case Manager plays a key role in coordinating personalised care plans for older individuals who require support to live independently or within care facilities. They assess the needs of clients—considering medical, emotional, and social factors—and create tailored care plans that ensure appropriate services are in place. This includes managing access to in-home support, residential care, allied health services, and community programs.
Aged Care Case Managers regularly monitor and adjust care plans as clients’ needs change, liaise with families and service providers, and advocate for the wellbeing and rights of the individual. Strong communication, problem-solving, and organisational skills are essential, along with compassion and an understanding of aged care systems and funding (e.g. Home Care Packages). This role suits those with experience in aged care, nursing, social work or community services. Formal qualifications, such as a Diploma of Community Services or a degree in a related field, are often required.
MARKET SIZE & ECONOMIC IMPACT
Australia’s aged care industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors, driven by an ageing population and increased demand for support services. As more Australians live longer, the need for aged care professionals continues to rise, creating strong job prospects and long-term career stability.
The industry plays a vital role in the national economy, contributing significantly to employment across the country. With ongoing government investment and reforms aimed at improving care standards, aged care remains a priority sector for both funding and development. Whether in residential facilities, home care, or community support settings, the aged care workforce is essential to Australia’s social and economic wellbeing.
EMERGING TRENDS & FUTURE OUTLOOK
The Australian aged care industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by changing preferences, demographic shifts, and government reform. A growing number of older Australians are choosing to age in place, leading to increased demand for home-based and community care services that provide personalised support in familiar environments.
A strong emphasis is now being placed on person-centred care, where services are tailored to the unique needs, values, and preferences of each individual. This shift includes recognising and respecting cultural safety, linguistic diversity, and inclusive practices—particularly for First Nations people, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, and LGBTQIA+ elders.
In response to the findings of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the government has committed to a series of reforms aimed at delivering safer, more transparent, and higher-quality care. These reforms are reshaping workforce standards, increasing accountability, and encouraging ongoing training and professional development across the sector.
Looking ahead, the demand for qualified aged care workers is expected to surge. There will be growing opportunities for those with multilingual abilities, mental health training, or specialised experience in dementia and palliative care. Technology will also play a bigger role, with innovations such as digital health records, remote monitoring, and assistive devices enhancing the way care is delivered and documented.
Overall, the future of aged care in Australia promises a more responsive, compassionate, and inclusive system—one that offers fulfilling and impactful career opportunities for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of older people.
CURRENT & EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
Specialise in High-Need Support Areas
With more clients presenting complex physical, emotional, and social needs, case managers can expand their expertise in:
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Dementia Care – Coordinate care plans for clients with progressive memory loss, liaise with families, and ensure continuity through home or residential care transitions.
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Palliative Care – Manage multidisciplinary support for end-of-life care, ensuring comfort, cultural sensitivity, and emotional support for families.
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Mental Health Support – Provide holistic care planning for older adults experiencing anxiety, depression, or cognitive decline, with strong referral and advocacy skills.
Specialising in these areas enhances your ability to deliver targeted care and may lead to senior roles in clinical coordination or consultancy.
Advance Through Professional Development
Case management is a stepping stone to advanced roles across aged care, community services, and health care sectors:
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Study a Diploma of Community Services, Diploma of Leadership and Management, or Graduate Certificate in Case Management.
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Progress into leadership roles such as Care Manager, Service Coordinator, Home Care Package Advisor, or Quality & Compliance Officer.
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Move laterally into related sectors like NDIS planning, disability support, or mental health coordination.
Upskilling Keeps You in Demand
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Build your knowledge in areas such as aged care reform, funding models, and trauma-informed practice.
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Complete micro-credentials in cultural competency, grief and loss support, clinical risk assessment, or advanced care planning.
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Stay updated with legislation changes, ACQSC standards, and Home Care Package guidelines to remain a confident, capable leader in the space.
Make a Bigger Impact in the Lives of Older Australians
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Act as the central point of coordination between clients, families, and care providers.
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Use your voice to advocate for vulnerable individuals and ensure their needs are heard.
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Enjoy a career that’s both deeply fulfilling and professionally respected, with clear progression pathways and increasing demand across Australia.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH
CORE SKILLS YOU NEED
Care Coordination & Planning
Analytical & Decision-Making Skills
Communication & Advocacy
Documentation & Compliance
Empathy & Emotional Intelligence
Looking to support older Australians through personalised care plans, advocacy, and coordination? A career as an Aged Care Case Manager allows you to make a lasting impact—connecting individuals and families to the right services, supporting complex needs, and promoting independence.
Whether you're stepping up from a care role or coming from a community services background, the right qualifications will help you lead with confidence and compassion.
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Certificate IV in Ageing Support
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Certificate IV in Disability
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Certificate IV in Mental Health
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Diploma of Community Services
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Diploma of Leadership & Management
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First Aid & CPR (HLTAID011)
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Manual Handling & Infection Control Training
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Short Courses in Dementia Care, Palliative Care or Cultural Competency