Free Aged Care Training for Carers and Families

Whether you're caring for a loved one, exploring a career in aged care, or just want to better understand how to support older Australians, there's good news — you don’t need to spend a cent to start learning. Free online training, including MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses), are available from universities and organisations around the world. Here's a list of reputable, no-cost courses you can enrol in today.

1. Understanding Dementia – University of Tasmania

Platform: Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre
Length: 7 weeks (online, self-paced)
Topics Covered:

• Types of dementia

• Brain changes

• Care approaches

• Communication and behaviour

👉 Start here

2. Preventing Dementia – University of Tasmania

Platform: Wicking Dementia Centre
Length: 4 weeks
Topics Covered:

• Dementia risk factors

• Prevention strategies

• Brain health

👉 Start here

3. Caring for Older People – on FutureLearn

Platform: FutureLearn
Length: 2 weeks (3hrs)
Topics Covered:

• Introduced you to the partnership model and provide you with some practical tools and strategies for creating your own care plan.

  **Free during 2 week trial- then small fee involved.

👉 Start here

4. Understanding Multiple Sclerosis – University of Tasmania

Platform: Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre
Length: 6 weeks (self-paced)
Topics Covered:

• What MS is and how it affects the body

• Symptoms and progression

• Treatments and daily life management

• Strategies for carers and support workers

👉 Start here

5. The Parkinson’s MOOC 

Platform: Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre
Length: 4-6 weeks
Topics Covered:

• information on the symptoms of Parkinson’s,

• risk factors and pathology,

• medicines and medical devices,

• allied health therapies; and

• strategies for living well with Parkinson’s.

  **currently not open for enrolments but last ran Feb 2025. Keep eyes peeled for next release date.

👉 Start here

6. Understanding Dementia MOOC – Starts August 6, 2025

The University of Tasmania also offers the highly rated Understanding Dementia course, returning on August 6, 2025. This 7-week online course provides a comprehensive introduction to the science of dementia, its impact, and practical care approaches.

• Cost: Free

• Time commitment: ~3 hours/week

• Who’s it for? Family carers, aged care workers, health professionals, and anyone wanting to learn more

• Certificate of Completion available

👉 Start here

7. Dementia Training Australia (DTA)
DTA provides a wide range of online dementia training specifically for carers, aged care workers, health professionals, and volunteers.
Their website hosts short, practical courses on topics like changed behaviours, communication, safe environments, sleep, and medication use.
All training is free and self-paced.

👉 Explore courses at dta.com.au

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Free Training:

• Set a schedule: Treat it like a real course — 1–2 hours a week can go a long way.

• Apply what you learn: Try to connect the content to your real-life experience.

• Use a notebook or app: Keep key takeaways for quick reference.

• Don’t be afraid to skip ahead or revisit sections.

These free courses are a great way to grow your knowledge, build confidence, and better support yourself or those in your care. Whether you're a family member, new support worker, or aged care professional, learning is one of the best tools you have.

💬 Know another great free course for carers or aged care professionals?
Drop it in the comments below — let’s keep this list growing to support others on their journey.