The release of the latest report into Australian aged care highlights the urgent need for ongoing workforce reform and the vital work of the Aged Care Taskforce, according to Aged and Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) CEO Tom Symondson.
Released today, the report by the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA), titled ‘Duty of Care: Aged-care sector running on empty,’ describes a sector under enormous economic pressure, compounded by staff shortages, and resulting in closures.
‘Previous CEDA research found there would be a shortfall of at least 110,000 direct-care workers by 2030. Not enough has been done to fix this. Further action from government and industry is required to make meaningful progress on closing this workforce gap. New mandated staffing levels mean many facilities are operating significantly below full capacity because they can’t get enough workers. Some have closed down altogether.’ – CEDA report.
The CEDA report recommends an Essential Skills Visa to bring in more overseas workers, combined with accommodation support.
“The CEDA report mirrors the issues and solutions we’re already discussing. We’ve been advocating for better access to education, improved access to housing for care staff particularly in rural areas, easier migration routes for overseas workers, and direct funding of targeted aged care workforce programs,” Mr Symondson said.
The report also found Government mandated care minutes and 24/7 registered nurses were important reforms but made the situation more challenging for providers.
“The workforce crisis in aged care in Australia will impact on the ability of providers to meet these requirements in full. There is clearly an issue here between legislative requirements and the reality on the ground.”
“The problems will only get worse with an ageing population, and demand spirals,” Mr Symondson said.
The CEDA report also describes a sector under unsustainable financial stress., with over half of providers already losing money.
‘Funding arrangements in the sector must be addressed. There must be an expanded role for self-funding and user contributions. While there will always be a need for government funding, and some older Australians will not be able to contribute to their care costs, those who can afford to should contribute more to their care.’ – CEDA report.
Mr Symondson is a member of the Government’s Aged Care Taskforce charged with finding solutions to the aged care funding crisis.
“The CEDA report highlights just how vital the work of the Taskforce is. Nothing is being left off the table when discussing future funding.” Mr Symondson said.
“This is the first real conversation on aged care funding in two decades and we need to get it right. We have high hopes the Taskforce will deliver the reforms Australia needs.”
“The time to act is now. We need to build a sector that all Australians can be proud of that’s fit for purpose in the present and fit for purpose in the future. At the heart of this is improving the lives of older Australians, because that’s what they deserve.”
