Nurses’ unions call for carer to resident ratios – but aged care staffing not just a numbers game

Nurses’ unions call for carer to resident ratios – but aged care staffing not just a numbers game 

The big news for us this week has been the Queensland Nurses Union’s campaign for a registered nurse be rostered on at all times and a carer to resident ratio introduced in our aged care homes. 

They argue that we have staffing ratios for childcare – so why not aged care? 

Minister for Aged Care Ken Wyatt has promised more “hands-on’’ training for aged care workers – welcome news for residents, families and staff – but the Government is unlikely to push for ratios. 

Why? 

Staffing ratios are not easy to implement in aged care. Generally providers decide what staff they need on the floor based on the number of beds occupied and the care needs of residents. More residents with dementia or an increase in occupancy will see more nurses on the floor – fewer residents will see less. 

The Government is also aware the majority of providers are struggling to find enough staff to meet their current needs, particularly in rural and regional areas. 

We often hear stories of providers in country areas stalling new aged care beds or delaying opening new wings because of lack of staff. 

Forcing providers to stick to a staffing ratio could force some to close their doors or fail their accreditation – leaving them unable to take in new residents until they are re-accredited. 

Aged care to become one of our biggest employers 

The fact is aged care is tipped to be one of the most in-demand jobs over the next five years – but it’s also predicted to have the most vacancies thanks to an ageing workforce, lower salaries and demanding roles. 

The National Disability Insurance Scheme is also set to expand to over 475,000 clients, creating even more competition for care workers. 

Governments are doing more to encourage people to consider aged care as a career. The Victorian Government has just announced it will make a range of TAFE courses, including the Certificate IV in Ageing Support and Diploma of Nursing, free to drive up enrolments. 

Not-for-profit provider Royal Freemason’s Benevolent Institution has introduced a program for its workers to become registered nurses – offering workers the chance to progress their career. 

Helping workers upgrade their skills is an important step. But there needs to be a national plan for the aged care workforce – so we can ensure residents are being cared for and workers enjoy a rewarding and valued career too. 

Last year the Federal Government set up an Aged Care Workforce Taskforce to tackle this challenge. It’s due to report to Minister Wyatt on 30 June – we will be waiting to hear what they say. 

 

https://www.agedcare101.com.au/contributors/annie-donaldson
https://www.agedcare101.com.au/contributors/jill-donaldson-care

Popular Articles

View All Articles
Article Img
What makes a great retirement village manager?

As anyone who lives in a retirement village will tell you, the village manager is a central figure who is critical to the success of the village and the happiness and wellbeing of village residents. But there’s no doubt the village manager plays an essential role. So, what is the role of a retirement village manager?

Article Img
Retirement villages without exit fees? They’re happening!

Retirement villages without exit fees? They’re happening! Now, some of Australia’s largest retirement village operators are looking at new ways to pay for retirement villages that don’t include exit fees – indeed, there are calls for some exit fees to be banned.

Article Img
What sort of profits do retirement village owners make?

The number of Australians over the age of 75 is expected to increase by 70% over the next six years. The number of Australians over the age of 80 is expected to triple to more than 3.5 million over the next 40 years. As the number of older people in Australia surges, so too does demand for age-appropriate housing – such as retirement villages, which offer an affordable lifestyle, community, and ongoing health and wellness support.

Article Img
73% of Australians willing to sacrifice inheritance for aged care

Nearly three-quarters of all Australians are willing to sacrifice their own inheritance so their parents and grandparents can enjoy the retirement they deserve, according to a new report by B2B aged care service CompliSpace.

Article Img
Volunteers are the backbone of the aged care sector, and more are needed

Tens of thousands of people, of all ages, such as 90-year-old Lily Burns and 20-year-old Charlise Hannagan, volunteer in aged care homes. The Change Makers is the theme for this year’s National Volunteer Week, 15 to 21st May, which celebrates the vital work of volunteers.

Article Img
What is the Future of Rental Retirement Villages?

Across Australia there are approximately 300 rental retirement villages – but few more are likely to be built, which is an unfortunate situation for older Australians. Rental retirement villages operate much like normal rentals, but they offer older Australian with limited financial means the opportunity of housing security, health and lifestyle support, and a welcoming and safe community.

Article Img
This is the food that you can get in residential aged care

Uniting NSW.ACT is aware of the criticism that is often levelled at the food served in residential aged care homes. The Not For Profit is passionate about the food served to residents and determined that as well meeting residents’ nutrition needs, their food looks and tastes delicious and as well as catering to their individual desires as much as possible.

Article Img
Unique test can predict if you have dementia up to nine years earlier

An international research team led by Queen Mary University of London, UK, has developed a new method for predicting dementia with an over 80 per cent accuracy and up to nine years before diagnosis. The new method provides a more accurate way to predict dementia than memory tests or measurements of brain shrinkage, two commonly used methods for diagnosing dementia.

A special thanks to our contributors

Icons
Caroline Egan

DCM Media, agedcare101

Caroline has a wealth of experience writing within the retirement and aged care sector and is a contributing journalist for the Villages.com.au and agedcare101 blog and accompanying newsletters.

Icons
Ian Horswill

Journalist

Ian is a journalist, writer and sub-editor for the aged care sector, working at The DCM Group. He writes for The Weekly Source, agedcare101, villages.com.au and the DCM Institute fortnightly newsletter Friday. Ian is in daily contact with CEOs of retirement living, land lease and the aged care operations and makes a new contact every week. He investigates media releases, LinkedIn and Facebook for a good source for ideas for stories.

Icons
Lauren Broomham

Retirement and Aged Care Journalist

Lauren is a journalist for villages.com.au, agedcare101 and The Donaldson Sisters. Growing up in a big family in small town communities, she has always had a love for the written word, joining her local library at the age of six months. With over eight years' experience in writing and editing, she is a keen follower of news and current affairs with a nose for a good story.

Icons
Jill Donaldson

Physiotherapist

Jill has been practicing as a clinical physiotherapist for 30 years. For the last 13 years she has worked solely in the Aged Care sector in more than 50 metropolitan and regional facilities. Jill has also toured care facilities in the US and Africa and is a passionate advocate for both the residents in aged care and the staff who care for them. She researches and writes for DCM Media.

Icons
Chris Baynes

DCM Media, agedcare101

Chris has been a journalist and publisher in the retirement village and aged care sectors for 11 years. He has visited over 250 retirement villages and 50 aged care facilities both within Australia and internationally. Chris is a regular speaker at industry conferences plus is a frequent radio commentator.

Icons
Annie Donaldson

Nurse and Carer

Annie has a long career in both nursing and the media. She has planned and co-ordinated the medical support from both international TV productions and major stadium events. In recent years she has been a primary family carer plus involved in structured carer support.