Labour shortages in aged care are well known and experienced every day and the problem will only worsen as the population ages. The full effect of the ageing baby boomers is yet to be seen, but it is coming.
PWC Australia estimates “the number of Australians over 65 is expected to grow from 16% in 2021 to 20% by 2031. The number of NDIS participants is projected to increase by 84% by 2030. (PWC, 2022)
It is estimated that an additional 110,000 FTE workers will be required for the aged care sector by 2031. CEDA Chief Economist Jarrod Ball states, “at least 17,000 more direct aged care workers each year in the next decade just to meet the basic standards of care”. (CEDA, 2021)
People are also living longer, especially >80 years of age, and when coupled with a declining workforce ratio, the aged care sector will be under increasing pressure.
The aged care sector desperately needs solutions to increase the number and quality of care employees. There is no “silver bullet”, and it requires a multi-pronged approach, implementing a range of flexible and dynamic aged care staffing solutions.
As a recruitment and training partner to the aged care sector, we see the following 6 solutions as key to supporting and transforming the current labour crisis in care.
1. Increase the hourly rate for aged care Staff
How often have you heard applicants say they can get more money in the NDIS system than in aged care?
Yes, NDIS is competing against the aged care sector for staff, and it is estimated that last year there was a shortage of about 120,000 NDIS workers.
The proposed 15% increase for those who provide direct care in aged care will be more attractive than the current status.
However, the aged care sector must find other, more attractive employment incentives to attract quality aged care staff.
2. Support overseas Aged Care workers to come to Australia and join the aged care sector
Within the aged care sector, it is widely known that aged care workers originating from countries where the community look after their elders, as a collective community, have a natural affinity to provide care for the elderly. They also have a large amount of respect and dignity for the elderly, which aligns well with the outcomes of the Quality Standards.
Besides the many immigration complexities and hurdles, Australia’s rising cost of living exacerbates the problem. Then there is the recognition of overseas qualifications.
3. Partner with a company that offers Aged care staffing and RTO training qualifications
This is a unique solution where the recruitment of unqualified workers from other sectors is trained in-house in partnership with the recruitment and RTO company. This type of arrangement can be cost-effective and efficient for care providers Australia-wide while providing the necessary training and workplace support to aged care workers new to the sector.
Organisations such as Skilled Care provide current aged care workers access to free accreditation and training to upskill and expand their careers by specialising cross-sector.
4. Consider the idea of providing childcare associated with the organisation
There are two core benefits to consider when childcare is integrated into the aged care facility.
Firstly, it attracts people from the community that may have considered an aged care career but found the cost or inconvenience of childcare inhibitive.
Secondly, multigenerational integration has significant benefits, particularly for dementia residents, care providers and families.
Partnering with a recruitment company that is also an RTO that can provide Cert 3 Individual Support qualifications is ideal. It creates a seamless service tailored to the company’s procedures and values.
In the childcare sector, it is estimated by PWC Australia that “the number of people employed in childcarer roles is expected to increase by 30% between 2021 and 2025.” (PWC, 2022)
5. Implement technology that will support efficiencies in both residential and home care
Technology is advancing in the aged care sector. More options using the latest technology are being developed.
What is needed are technologies that will prioritise care and improve efficiencies.
The last Royal Commission recognised the need for innovative technology, such as described above, to enhance the quality of care in residential and home care sectors.
But, the key question is: will the technology reduce the number of steps a carer will take to perform their role, thus saving time that can be directed for direct care?
Communication technology (e.g. nurse call and home care systems) that provides portability,
in-room microprocessors, customisable, connectivity to clinical systems, real-time location, sonographic technology (protecting privacy) and artificial intelligence (AI) are all advanced in healthcare technology that can support the sector.
However the accessibility and affordability of new technology does present a barrier to
under-funded disability care and aged care providers.
6. Workplace training and development to attract people to the sector
Despite the negative press about the aged care sector, people have chosen aged care as a career path.
To attract more people, the sector must continue improving workplace training using various methods, including online training and support. Facilities could partner with an RTO to develop specific training needs that correlate with the organisation’s vision, mission and values.
Home care will be a significant factor as residential care moves towards a “sub-acute care” type or higher levels of care. Accordingly, aged care workers will require higher levels of skill, such as advanced wound management, palliative, behavioural and more advanced dementia care.
It will be essential that these skills are developed in the organisation and acknowledged.
Next Steps for the Care Sector
Partnering with a recruitment/RTO company, like Skilled Care, can support organisations embed nationally recognised training and education and reduce aged care staffing costs.
With these solutions in mind, care providers can further focus on improving the staff recruitment and retention and ultimately provide better care to those who need it most.
