The peak body for allied health says AN-ACC is causing “devastating” job losses among allied health workers in residential aged care, with more than one in eight losing their jobs since the new funding model was implemented on 1 October.
An Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) survey has found that 37% of allied health workers – including physiotherapists, dietitians and occupational therapists – have seen their jobs affected by the implementation of AN-ACC, which thus far has not mandated a minimum requirement for allied health services in residential homes.
13% have lost their jobs, while 43% of those whose roles were changed have had their hours cut; additionally, 30% of respondents said they were planning to leave the aged care sector.
Bronwyn Morris-Donovan, CEO of AHPA (pictured), says the average amount of allied health care has dropped from the Royal Commission’s finding of eight minutes per resident per day to just five, and that AN-ACC has failed to address this.
“The loss of allied health practitioners in residential aged care has been swift and drastic – and is likely to have long-term negative impacts on residents and the rest of the care team who rely on them.
“The impact will cost the government more in addressing worsening complications, falls, fractures and hospital admissions.
“The government has said it will review the impact of the AN-ACC after 12 months. It will be too late by then. Once skilled allied health professionals have left the sector, it will be difficult to get them back,” she said.
