Australia's ageing population is facing a growing crisis, with a projected shortage of over 110,000 aged care workers by 2030. The situation is particularly dire in rural and remote communities, where the dearth of skilled professionals is compounded by the departure of existing staff to more attractive sectors. This article explores the current staffing crisis in aged care, the causes and implications, and potential solutions offered by Australian nursing agencies.
The State of Aged Care in Australia
Escalating Crisis in Aged Care
The aged care sector in Australia is in a state of disarray, with an urgent need for skilled staff. This crisis has been propelled by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has laid bare the vulnerabilities of the sector. The death toll in aged care facilities has been alarming, with more deaths in January 2022 than the entire year of 2020-21.
Despite significant investment in protective measures, the virus continues to spread, revealing a deeply-rooted problem_ workforce shortages. As the pandemic rages on, the number of skilled workers in aged care is dwindling, leading to an escalation in adverse outcomes for residents.
The Diminishing Aged Care Workforce
Over the years, the aged care workforce has undergone significant changes, with a decrease in the number of Registered Nurses (RNs) and an increase in Personal Carers (PCs). In 1997, RNs made up 21% of the workforce, which had reduced to 11% by 2018. Conversely, the proportion of PCs increased from 50% to 70% over the same period.
The shift towards PCs, many of whom have limited training and health literacy, has been accompanied by a decline in job satisfaction and an increase in attrition rates. RNs, faced with low wages and lack of career progression, have sought employment in other sectors, leaving the aged care sector understaffed and struggling.
The Impact of Staff Shortages
Declining Quality of Care
The shortage of skilled staff in aged care facilities has severe implications for the quality of care. With fewer RNs and Enrolled Nurses (ENs), many care tasks are performed by PCs, who lack the necessary training and knowledge. This inadequate skills mix has led to serious problems, including medication errors, neglected dressings, and poor pain management.
Chronic staff shortages also result in increased workloads for the remaining staff, leading to burnout and high turnover rates. As a result, many aged care facilities are unable to fill shifts, causing further strain on the existing workforce and compromising the quality of care.
The Human Cost
The human cost of the staffing crisis in aged care is profound. Residents of aged care facilities are often frail and vulnerable, requiring high levels of care. However, due to staff shortages, many residents are not receiving the care they need, leading to increased morbidity and mortality.
Furthermore, the crisis is not confined to aged care facilities. Many older Australians prefer to stay at home as they age, leading to increased demand for community care services. However, the shortage of community care workers, combined with low pay and challenging working conditions, means that many older Australians are struggling to access the care they need.
Staffing Shortages in Aged Care: Potential Solutions
Fair Wages and Funding
Addressing the wage disparity between aged care and other sectors is a crucial step in tackling the staffing shortage. The federal government should support wage parity for RNs in aged care with their counterparts in acute care, primary care, and public hospitals. Additionally, carer wages, currently at $22.00 per hour, should be increased by 20%.
Career Pathways and Training
Establishing career structures in aged care could encourage recruitment and retention. This could involve subsidising education fees for advanced certificate or Masters degree studies, expanding the nurse practitioner program, and offering advanced training for ENs. A national register of carers could also be established, requiring ongoing retraining in infection control, dementia care, and palliative care awareness.
Backing the Workforce
Creating a publicly funded "travelling nurse" corps could provide staff replacement for rural and remote aged care services. State-based surge workforce units could also be established to provide infection control back-up staff during disease outbreaks.
The Role of Australian Nursing Agencies
Nursing agencies in Australia play a crucial role in addressing the staffing crisis in aged care. They provide a flexible workforce, capable of meeting fluctuating demand. These agencies offer a pool of skilled nurses who can be deployed to aged care facilities on short notice, providing a lifeline during periods of acute staff shortage.
One innovative solution is the launch of a virtual on-demand service for aged care by McLean Care. This service provides 24/7 access to a registered nurse and multidisciplinary allied health team, ensuring that care recipients receive timely and appropriate care. Still in its early stages, this virtual service represents a promising approach to tackling the staffing crisis in aged care.
The staffing crisis in aged care is a pressing problem, requiring urgent attention. While the challenges are significant, solutions are within reach. With a commitment to fair wages, career pathways, and innovative solutions such as virtual care, we can ensure that our older Australians receive the care they deserve.
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