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Aged care workers stretched thin
Almost half of Australia’ s aged care and health professionals in danger of being overworked, research shows.
Australia’ s health and aged care workers consistently go above and beyond their job description – to the point of even providing financial guidance – according to a new report.
The report from Reventure found that almost half of Australia’ s 960,000 aged care and health professionals were over the age of 55 and in danger of being overworked.
Lead researcher Dr Lindsay McMillan said the ageing population would only exacerbate the problem.
“ Aged care workers are saying that on top of their everyday duties they act as secretaries, a family support conduit, the roster data manager and even a financial guide,” McMillan said.
“ That is simply too much to ask of workers who already perform a physically and emotionally demanding job, and it is up to business leaders to make a cultural change in the workplace.
“ In 50 years, one in five Australians will be over the age of 65; with an aging population, the industry needs to better prepare the workplace to ensure employees are not exhausted.
“ It is very important the industry continues to attract the right type of people; however, it will lose its appeal if there is an unhealthy workplace culture of overworking in the industry.”
The Industry Insight report is the latest to be published as part of the‘ A Future that Works’ campaign, which looks into the main challenges facing Australia’ s five key industries: aviation; tourism and hospitality; professional services; health and aged care; and education.
“ Health and aged care is too important to get wrong. It is one of the few industries that cannot be replaced by artificial intelligence,” McMillan said.
“ This report aims to identify the unique challenges arising in the workplaces of significant industries and offer a tailored solution.” ■
Sense of belonging crucial
Report explores the importance of creating a sense of home for older people in aged care.
For seniors, having a sense of home at an aged care facility is as important as the clinical care they receive, according to a new report.
Victorian not-for-profit aged care provider Benetas has contributed to Anglicare Australia’ s State of the Family
Report, which explores the importance of belonging for older people.
Benetas chief executive Sandra Hills said with this in mind, the organisation had been implementing efforts to give older people a better experience when transitioning into an aged care facility.
“ Older people have a right to a sense of belonging and a feeling of security as they age, and this shouldn’ t be compromised just because they have entered residential aged care,” Hills said.
“ Our new approach to aged care is part of placing the older person at the heart of everything we do, and this has then gone on to inform how our systems and processes interact, and how we understand the role of the built form.”
As part of the initiative, Benetas has introduced aged care apartment sites in Mornington and Frankston in Victoria.
“ Our apartment model sees small groups of residents who share common ground living together and sharing living and dining areas,” Hills said.
“ The model prioritises the relationships between carers and residents, with each apartment supported by a primary carer who gets to know and understand the needs of each resident.
“ We’ ve very proud of our approach and encourage government and industry to continue to better understand and value the needs of older people, including their right to a positive older age.”
Dr Catherine Joyce, who wrote the essay for the report, said the document was further evidence that aged care providers needed to focus on creating a sense of home and improving the wellbeing of residents.
To access the full report, Meaning of Home: State of the Family Report 2017, visit www. anglicare. asn. au. ■
4 agedcareinsite. com. au