The threat stalking Australia’s aged care overhaul
“Without dedicated policy solutions, current aged care workforce supply shortfalls will become more pronounced over time.”
Failure to meet surging workforce demand in labour-intensive aged care will have cascading consequences for older Australians, according to a new 21-page Discussion Paper on Workforce Supply in Aged Care prepared for the National Aged Care Alliance (NACA).
The Commonwealth-funded report was authored by lawyer and consultant Beth Cox, co-founder of Apple Myrtle Consulting, and canvasses nine key discussion topics – including a call for Government to take on a greater role in workforce planning and development.
“Australia’s ageing population means there is growing demand for aged care services,” the report states. “Without dedicated policy solutions, current aged care workforce supply shortfalls will become more pronounced over time.”
Mounting workforce gaps
Aged care workforce shortages are tipped to intensify. Data obtained by AAP under Freedom of Information shows the sector will need 35,000 additional aged care workers this financial year alone, and a further 120,000 workers within a decade – including 94,000 personal care workers.
The Paper argues that Government uptake of new workforce data collection is “desperately” needed. Reliance on the Aged Care Provider Workforce Survey – conducted every four years on an opt-in basis – means existing information is “inadequate and piecemeal”.
Consequences for older Australians
The report is blunt about the impact of ongoing workforce shortages on older people.
“Distress from social isolation”, “disengagement from services”, “physical or emotional harm” and “increased vulnerability to premature death” are all listed as possible outcomes if workforce demand is not met.
A lack of workers could also drive greater dependence on “inappropriate care”, such as “extended hospital care” and “inexperienced labour-hire workers,” the Paper warns.
No substitute for more workers
The Paper concludes that implementing the new rights-based Aged Care Act 2024 is “resource-intensive” work. While technology can support efficiencies and additional training is needed, it stresses there is ultimately no substitute for more aged care workers.
NACA ’s membership spans consumer groups, aged care providers, unions and health professionals.
Read the report in full here.
