SEEK’s new Healthcare Pulse Report starkly shows the problems the aged care sector is facing.
There are record numbers of jobs across all states and territories in SEEK’s 25-year history and yet the number of candidates applying for the positions in the sector is down 52%.
Nursing, which is a hot topic in the Federal Election, illustrates the dilemma.
“Along with surging demand across the board and for Aged & Disability Support roles, there’s been a distinct increase in the need for nurses,” said SEEK Analytics Manager, Shanika Yapa.
“Over 2021, we’ve seen a huge change in the level of demand for Nursing roles. This has largely been driven by aged care and general medical nursing roles.”
The attention to aged care brought on by the Aged Care Royal Commission and a dramatic shift in attitudes towards mental health and wellbeing have compounded the need for a strong Allied Services workforce. Job ads for Psychology, Counselling and Social Work, and Speech Therapy roles are 52% and 47% respectively above pre-pandemic levels.
Recruiting in regional areas remains particularly challenging, states SEEK, with fewer candidates applying for each role.
Southern Cross Care NSW & ACT announced in February it was going to close an aged care home built in 1979 and a low-care hostel that was caring for residents with complex difficulties, blaming it on ongoing staffing shortages.
