Aged care providers, workers and consumers are being encouraged to complete an online survey to have their say on the development of a national workforce strategy for the sector.
The aged care workforce taskforce, chaired by Professor John Pollaers, is due to report to the Minister for Aged Care Ken Wyatt by 30 June.
Public submissions are currently being sought on the strategy’s five imperatives:
- why the aged care industry matters
- industry leadership, mindset and accountability
- industry workforce organisation and education
- industry attraction and retention
- translating research and technology into models of care and practice.
“I urge senior Australians, their families, community members and aged care staff to get involved by going to the taskforce’s online consultation hub and completing the survey,” said Minister Wyatt.
The survey closes on Friday, 16 March.
A second phase of public consultation will take place in May and June seeking feedback on an exposure draft of the strategy.
A second workforce summit will take place on 17 April, following the first summit in December.
Complete the online survey here.
The taskforce is also holding a community consultation in Hobart for consumers, providers and workers on 15 March.
Click here for more information and to register.
Related coverage: Workforce strategy: what the aged care sector is telling taskforce
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Oh my lord not another forum!!! Not another “what does the aged care workforce needs”
By all means gather the information but then what?
I have been in the industry for only 10 years and it seems there is a yearly forum of what aged care and its workforce require but I haven’t seen alot of changes other than further reporting mechanisms in place.
However saying that can the following be added to the discussion table:
Can we please please please please please – change the way training is delivered.
The care of our vulnerable in aged care requires a minimum of 12 months training.
ALL care workers require further training when they are successful in acquiring work in this sector. Why is the training 8 Weeks in duration? Why isn’t enough training conducted on Dementia / How to Respond to Behavioural Issue’s etc.
I mean a Leisure and Lifestyle Certificate is 12 months in duration, the difference in this sector’s training within aged care and care workers is a massive chasm, hence Carer Certificates should have the minimum 12 Month training requirement. This is a wonderful place to commence.
Posts over the years from this group always highlight from people working within the industry at the coal face that the training is a high priority for people entering this workforce.
So with all this information will there be ANY changes?
Another aspect to talk about – ACFI – this model supports our elderly to remain ill and helpless.
There should be a better way to assist our elderly in a restorative approach to care.
Any changes for the better for our elderly living in an Aged Care setting under an ACFI model the $’s are reduced. Why? There is no cure for Dementia and other illnesses that Aged Care workers support, they all need ongoing care. eg: If we can assist that person who has come into an aged care setting to become strong and walk well rather than rely on a wheelchair isn’t that better for the individual? Or using a Montessori Method to regain the ability to use utensils to eat independently?
Another to discuss and close to my heart:
Why isn’t there funding for Leisure & Lifestyle Staff – it certainly is under the Accreditation Agency Standard. L&L are looked upon as something we have to have in most places and not an extension of care – however we are constantly told that Activities is what sells the place.
Not enough training given to Care & Nursing staff in how a holistic model of care can assist them in their daily duties working alongside Leisure & Lifestyle Staff!! The list of a robust activity program is well researched and proven in how this benefits our Residents.
How would the public react if it stated there is only 1 Care Staff Member or 1 Nurse for 100 people to provide an activity program too? This is what is happening in the industry – when cuts are made it is also to the Leisure & Lifestyle program – many of whom do not have a budget – we are required to “Raise Money” for activity items.
You do not have to be Einstein to see how many, many of our Residents would not be getting access to an activity program that they deserve.
I wait with interest on this forum and its outcomes and also when what is discussed for the betterment of our Aged Care workforce and thus just as important for the residents in our care is implemented and when.