Three aged care workers on what it's really like in the industry
3 years, 8 months ago

Three aged care workers on what it's really like in the industry

ABC  

Registered nurse Jocelyn Hofman starts crying when she describes what it is like to work in aged care. "It upsets me because I have dedicated my life to aged care, but my work is being devalued," she says. We don’t have proper breaks, because we are worried.” Aged care nurse Jocely Hofman says nothing has changed in the sector since the Aged Care Royal Commission. Ms Woodfield says without dedicated aged care staff working extra hours unpaid, residents would not even get basic care. As well as mandating staffing ratios, the ANMF also wants the government to fund 10-15 per cent wage increase for all aged care workers to better protect and retain quality staff.

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History of this topic

Elderly Australians to pay more under aged care deal struck by government
3 months, 4 weeks ago

Elderly Australians to pay more under aged care deal struck by government

ABC  

A deal to reform aged care has been struck between the federal government and the Coalition, including new requirements for many elderly people to pay more for their own care. And residential aged care providers will be able to retain 2 per cent of accommodation deposits from residents per year for five years, with almost half of providers currently making …

Pressure intensifies for federal government to deliver on aged care reforms before election
4 months, 4 weeks ago

Pressure intensifies for federal government to deliver on aged care reforms before election

ABC  

Intense pressure is mounting on the federal government to deliver on promised changes to aged care, as advocates and providers fear the reforms won't be introduced before the next federal election. Ian Yates, the acting inspector-general of aged care who oversees Australia's aged care system, said it was "critical" the act was not pushed back, noting the deadline had already …

Aged care workers win up to 28.5 per cent wage rise
9 months, 3 weeks ago

Aged care workers win up to 28.5 per cent wage rise

ABC  

Aged care workers have won their years-long Fair Work case for a wage rise of up to 28.5 per cent for the entire sector. It based that finding on historical gender assumptions made when wages were fixed in awards, and that many historical issues were migrated across to the modern awards system The commission awarded an interim pay rise of …

The government is preparing to squeeze older Australians on aged care costs — and the opposition is keeping unusually quiet
9 months, 3 weeks ago

The government is preparing to squeeze older Australians on aged care costs — and the opposition is keeping unusually quiet

ABC  

Two unusual things happened this week. The final report of the government's Aged Care Taskforce, released this week, was an exercise in educating the public about the funding dilemma facing the sector and narrowing down options for the government to consider. He might rail against higher electricity costs, a proposed "ute tax", and even the government's tax changes for big …

Desperately needed aged care workers being kicked out of Australia due to their age
1 year, 4 months ago

Desperately needed aged care workers being kicked out of Australia due to their age

ABC  

Permanent residency for aged care workers recruited from overseas is being fast-tracked by the government in a bid to address a jobs crisis in the sector, but at the same time, "high-quality" temporary workers deemed too old are being kicked out of the country. Industry leader Busi Faulkner from Home Care Nurses Australia says the absurdity is plain to see …

Nationwide worker shortages lead to closure of regional Queensland aged care centres
1 year, 5 months ago

Nationwide worker shortages lead to closure of regional Queensland aged care centres

ABC  

An aged care facility in central Queensland that has been flying staff from Melbourne in a last-ditch bid to stay open will close its doors at the end of the year. Key points: An aged care facility in Mt Morgan is closing as it cannot find enough staff It comes as another centre in Tiaro is closing, due to new …

Aged care task force looking at new taxes, and more self-funding for wealthy elderly Australians
1 year, 7 months ago

Aged care task force looking at new taxes, and more self-funding for wealthy elderly Australians

ABC  

Australians could be required to pay more tax to help fund aged care — and rich, older Australians could be forced to pay even more. Key points: The Aged Care Minister has given details about a new task force set to recommend how best to fund aged care The task force will be required to report back to the government …

Nurses union fears nursing homes won't pass on 'historic' $11.3 billion budget commitment to boost aged care wages
1 year, 8 months ago

Nurses union fears nursing homes won't pass on 'historic' $11.3 billion budget commitment to boost aged care wages

ABC  

Unions have warned nursing homes are under no obligation to pass on pay increases to aged care workers who are not on award wages, following the federal government's announcement it will spend $11.3 billion to pay for the "historic" increase. Key points: The Fair Work Commission has ordered a 15pc pay increase for aged care workers on awards from July …

Government's deadline to staff aged care facilities with registered nurses 24/7 will not be met, minister concedes
1 year, 9 months ago

Government's deadline to staff aged care facilities with registered nurses 24/7 will not be met, minister concedes

ABC  

The government will fail to meet its commitment to staff aged care homes with registered nurses at all times by mid-year, the responsible minister has conceded. Key points: The aged care minister admits about one in 20 facilities will not have nurses 24/7 by July The federal government promised to have around the clock nursing in aged care within a …

Aged care design need a rethink and these experts say working with older Australians will help
1 year, 9 months ago

Aged care design need a rethink and these experts say working with older Australians will help

ABC  

Aged care in Australia is at a crisis point. Some say the problems in Australia's aged care crisis could be addressed by considering the experience of older Australians. "This is not a good service model," Mike Rungie, the director of the Global Centre for Modern Ageing and a former aged care CEO, tells ABC RN's Big Ideas. This would prioritise …

Labour schemes drawing nurses from across Pacific to lower-qualified aged care jobs in Australia, New Zealand
2 years, 1 month ago

Labour schemes drawing nurses from across Pacific to lower-qualified aged care jobs in Australia, New Zealand

ABC  

The departure of over-qualified Pacific Island nurses who are taking up aged care jobs in countries such as Australia has experts concerned the "brain drain" is leaving critical gaps in the region's healthcare systems. Key points: The PALM scheme is expanding to help fill Australia's need for 35,000 aged care workers each year Experts say the scheme offers nurses better …

Aged care workers are getting a 15 per cent pay rise – but is it enough?
2 years, 2 months ago

Aged care workers are getting a 15 per cent pay rise – but is it enough?

ABC  

Aged care workers will get a 15 per cent wage rise after an interim ruling from the Fair Work Commission last Friday – but who gets it, and will it be enough? "As much as the 15 per cent pay rise is a step in the right direction, our work has not been properly valued for years," personal care worker …

Regional WA's aged care homes capping intake amid ongoing staffing crisis affecting country
2 years, 3 months ago

Regional WA's aged care homes capping intake amid ongoing staffing crisis affecting country

ABC  

Elderly residents of a small WA town may be left travelling hundreds of kilometres for adequate care, in what unions say is a growing problem across regional Australia. Key points: Regional aged care homes are having to reduce their intake of patients amid ongoing staff shortages Kojonup's aged care facility will not take any more new patients Kojonup Shire president …

Aged care sector welcomes Pacific workers but needs 35,000 more each year to address shortages
2 years, 4 months ago

Aged care sector welcomes Pacific workers but needs 35,000 more each year to address shortages

ABC  

Australia is pinning its hopes on Pacific workers to help fill shortages across the economy — particularly in aged care — but industry says a history of poor conditions and sheer numbers mean that's unlikely to make a significant dent in demand. Key points: First Fijian workers arrive in Australia to relieve aged care shortages Australia needs an additional 35,000 …

Federal government to advocate for 'meaningful' pay rise for aged care workers in wages submission
2 years, 5 months ago

Federal government to advocate for 'meaningful' pay rise for aged care workers in wages submission

ABC  

The federal government has declared it will call for a "meaningful" pay rise for aged care workers in its submission to the independent wages umpire on Monday, but has stopped short of nominating a specific dollar figure. Key points: The independent wages umpire is considering a case brought forward by unions Federal government said it would advocate for a significant …

How aged care residents and staff are coping in the face of another COVID-19 wave
2 years, 5 months ago

How aged care residents and staff are coping in the face of another COVID-19 wave

ABC  

For Michael North, life in aged care comes with a sense of isolation from the rest of the community. 'It can be heartbreaking' Alicia Shepherd is the service manager at Uniting The Marion Leichhardt in Sydney, an aged care home that has just come out of lockdown, something she says happens "once every couple of weeks". "It's not normal in …

Cost of living and superannuation gap leaves many migrants in Australia struggling to retire
2 years, 6 months ago

Cost of living and superannuation gap leaves many migrants in Australia struggling to retire

ABC  

At age 66, Suad Hirmiz found herself on the hunt for a new house to rent. While she is thankful for so much local support and what she can access in Australia, Ms Hirmiz admits as prices rise "it's very hard" and she is worried about the future. "He doesn't put money aside for super because the money he earns …

Plenty of jobs but gender stereotypes and low pay can hold men back from careers in aged care
2 years, 7 months ago

Plenty of jobs but gender stereotypes and low pay can hold men back from careers in aged care

ABC  

Experts are calling for more aged care workers as our population gets older, saying without men stepping up, there will be severe worker shortages. Key points: Aged care is dominated by female workers, even more so than construction is dominated by men Without huge growth, there won’t be enough workers to care for older Australians Low pay, cultural norms and …

Aged care homes don't need 'evidence' on food spending to receive government funding, with a third still spending less than $10 a day
2 years, 7 months ago

Aged care homes don't need 'evidence' on food spending to receive government funding, with a third still spending less than $10 a day

ABC  

Aged care operators will receive an extra $3 billion in government funding to improve food, but have been told they do not need to provide "spreadsheets or evidence" of how much they are spending in order to get the cash. Key points: The federal government announced a $10 increase in the basic daily fee it pays to nursing homes for …

SA aged care workers use day off to rally for better work conditions after strike action delayed until after federal election
2 years, 7 months ago

SA aged care workers use day off to rally for better work conditions after strike action delayed until after federal election

ABC  

Hundreds of aged care workers in Queensland and Western Australia have walked off the job in a stand for better pay and work conditions, but South Australian aged care staff remained diligently at work. Key points: Aged care workers have protested in Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth They want a pay rise and more staff for each patient The Fair Work …

Nurses, families call for better aged care standards and wage rises ahead of election
2 years, 8 months ago

Nurses, families call for better aged care standards and wage rises ahead of election

ABC  

Families of aged care residents in regional Victorian nursing homes say the major political parties need to make hard promises to lift standards in aged care and increase accountability for those doing the wrong thing. Key points: Families have called on major parties to commit to fixing aged care to their standards The Liberals and Nationals say their plan is …

Australian Defence Force to be sent into aged care facilities to ease staffing pressures
2 years, 11 months ago

Australian Defence Force to be sent into aged care facilities to ease staffing pressures

ABC  

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the government will send the Australian Defence Force into aged care homes to ease severe staff shortages in the sector. Key points: Up to 1,700 Defence staff will be sent to help aged care workers The ADF will provide clinical and logistical care, as well as carrying out general duties The government maintains the ADF …

Fears of aged care industry exodus as unions slam cash payments for workers
2 years, 11 months ago

Fears of aged care industry exodus as unions slam cash payments for workers

ABC  

The federal government is being warned that one-off cash payments to aged care workers will not stem a flood of staff leaving the industry. Key points: Aged care workers across the country are set to receive two $400 payments Unions have called the payments "insulting" The Prime Minister will announce the payments in a speech at the National Press Club …

As Omicron moves in, Australia is facing a predictable tragedy in aged care
3 years ago

As Omicron moves in, Australia is facing a predictable tragedy in aged care

ABC  

Today, there are tens of thousands of elderly people sitting alone in their bedrooms in nursing homes — some with COVID, more being tested, others stuck there because of management's well-founded fears. The Aged Care Royal Commission set out comprehensive recommendations to avert such a disaster by increasing staff numbers and paying proper wages, ensuring up-to-date vaccinations and giving families …

Worker shortages inspire incentive-based recruitment drive for aged care staff
3 years, 1 month ago

Worker shortages inspire incentive-based recruitment drive for aged care staff

ABC  

A prominent aged care provider is trying to recruit workers by offering to pay for their study and work expenses in the Goldfields. Key points: Amana Living hopes to attract workers by covering costs for trainees in the Goldfields It comes as Kalgoorlie hosts a national sustainable growth conference with worker shortages high on the agenda A local elderly resident …

Aged care COVID vaccination blame game hits a new low — and residents are collateral damage
3 years, 7 months ago

Aged care COVID vaccination blame game hits a new low — and residents are collateral damage

ABC  

Perhaps the lowest blow in the COVID aged care blame game came when Minister Richard Colbeck suggested those nursing homes which hadn't received a single dose of the vaccine had opted out. The figures that don't get attention We were told that aged care residents and workers were top priority for vaccination. You don't need to be a strategist to …

Government unveils extra home care packages in $18 billion aged care royal commission response
3 years, 7 months ago

Government unveils extra home care packages in $18 billion aged care royal commission response

ABC  

Tens of thousands of additional home care packages and mandating the time staff spend with aged care residents are at the heart of the federal government's nearly $18 billion response to the damning findings from the aged care royal commission. Key points: 80,000 additional home care packages will be released Every aged care resident to receive 3 hours and 20 …

The 2021 federal budget is expected to transform Australia's aged care sector. Here's why
3 years, 8 months ago

The 2021 federal budget is expected to transform Australia's aged care sector. Here's why

ABC  

The recent aged care royal commission estimated that one in three people living in aged care in Australia experience neglect, physical or emotional abuse. The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety highlighted studies that have revealed "as many as 68 per cent of people receiving residential aged care are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition". With the first …

Four key takeaways from the aged care royal commission's final report
3 years, 10 months ago

Four key takeaways from the aged care royal commission's final report

ABC  

The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety's final report has laid out an extensive plan to overhaul Australia's aged care system. Australia needs a rights-based aged care system In its recommendations, the final report highlights Australia needs a new Aged Care Act to underpin reform. This would be a significant shift away from the current ration-based system, and …

What will the aged care royal commission recommend? We think we know, and how the government will respond
3 years, 10 months ago

What will the aged care royal commission recommend? We think we know, and how the government will respond

ABC  

Over the past three years, I've examined hundreds of hours of hidden camera footage from Australia's nursing homes. Overwhelming evidence of aged care issues Luigi's hidden camera was put in place in December 2018, a few short months after Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a royal commission into aged care. More surprising for this kind of inquiry is that we …

Government pledges $452m to overhaul aged care sector following damning royal commission
3 years, 10 months ago

Government pledges $452m to overhaul aged care sector following damning royal commission

ABC  

The federal government will spend almost half a billion dollars on immediate measures to overhaul the aged care sector following the release of a damning royal commission report. Key points: The final report from the royal commission into aged care has been released The government has pre-empted the report, pledging almost half a billion dollars to the sector The commission …

What the split between royal commissioners means for the future of aged care
3 years, 10 months ago

What the split between royal commissioners means for the future of aged care

ABC  

The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety was supposed to deliver a pathway to better care for older Australians. There is the big stuff, like the creation of a new statutory agency — the Australian Aged Care Commission — put forward by Mr Pagone, but not supported by Ms Briggs. Instead Ms Briggs recommends the Department of Health …

Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety final report released by federal government
3 years, 10 months ago

Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety final report released by federal government

ABC  

Mr Morrison is taking questions now. The Prime Minister was asked about figures in the final report, which noted about one-in-three Australians in residential aged care have substandard facilities. Our government will take responsibility like all governments over the last 25 to 30 years, which is what the royal commission — that very quote you've just referred to — was …

Frontline doctors and nurses sent into aged care coronavirus crisis speak out
4 years, 4 months ago

Frontline doctors and nurses sent into aged care coronavirus crisis speak out

ABC  

Hospital staff sent in to help Melbourne aged care homes heavily infected with coronavirus say they are being regularly confronted with distressing scenes. Key points: Geriatrician Dr Jesse Zanker said he had to break terrible news to aged care residents and their families every day Nurses are sometimes left in tears at the end of their shifts Clinical nursing consultant …

Elderly patients and carers say age discrimination in NSW hospitals is real and heartbreaking
4 years, 4 months ago

Elderly patients and carers say age discrimination in NSW hospitals is real and heartbreaking

ABC  

An ABC crowd-sourced investigation has revealed strong concerns about the treatment of the elderly in hospitals in regional New South Wales. "The worst perspectives on ageing I found were amongst doctors, while nurses tended to have middle to negative attitudes toward older people," Dr Jeyasingam said. "I think there is systemic ageism in health care but I've worked in 30 …

Aged care sector 'not equipped' for coronavirus outbreaks, royal commission told
4 years, 4 months ago

Aged care sector 'not equipped' for coronavirus outbreaks, royal commission told

ABC  

Australia's aged care sector is still unprepared to deal with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, a royal commission has been told. Key points: Lessons from previous outbreaks were not passed on, the royal commission heard Senior counsel Peter Rozen QC said the Federal Government had sole responsibility for aged care Planning documents for a coronavirus outbreak were panned …

Why are there are more COVID-19 cases in private aged care than the public sector?
4 years, 5 months ago

Why are there are more COVID-19 cases in private aged care than the public sector?

ABC  

The tragedy unfolding in Victoria's aged care homes, as coronavirus claims the lives of more older Australians, has prompted questions about the embattled sector. Aged Care Minister Richard Colbeck described that as "a really unfortunate comment" and said the public versus private comparison was "a furphy". Victoria COVID-19 snapshot Melbourne's 14-day average: 9.9 Melbourne's 14-day average: 9.9 Regional Victoria's 14-day …

Newcastle nursing home boss Viv Allanson vows to defy PM on opening to visitors
4 years, 8 months ago

Newcastle nursing home boss Viv Allanson vows to defy PM on opening to visitors

ABC  

A nursing home CEO has accused Prime Minister Scott Morrison of throwing the aged-care sector "under the bus" by warning operators to stop imposing stricter visitor rules beyond the national coronavirus advice. Key points: A Newcastle nursing home insists closing to visitors is necessary to prevent outbreaks of COVID-19 The Prime Minister and Chief Health Officer have urged aged-care facilities …

With no visitors or unannounced inspections, who knows what is happening in nursing homes during the coronavirus lockdown?
4 years, 9 months ago

With no visitors or unannounced inspections, who knows what is happening in nursing homes during the coronavirus lockdown?

ABC  

Merridy Eastman received a disturbing text message from her mother's nursing home in Hobart last Friday. Key points: Many major aged care providers have stopped all visitors from entering their facilities, except for the families whose loved ones are close to death The lockdown includes families who were providing regular, basic care to their loved ones to supplement low staff …

Students and overseas workers could fill need for more aged care workers as coronavirus spreads
4 years, 10 months ago

Students and overseas workers could fill need for more aged care workers as coronavirus spreads

ABC  

Visa holders and students could be used to help boost Australia's aged care workforce under a proposal to help the sector deal with coronavirus. Key points: The aged care sector is concerned about a possible shortage of workers as Suggestions include extending the amount of hours of work overseas workers can work in the sector An elderly woman died during …

Aged care royal commission told of need to install surveillance to stop elder abuse
5 years, 5 months ago

Aged care royal commission told of need to install surveillance to stop elder abuse

ABC  

A former journalist who watched on helplessly as her dementia patient mother was subjected to "more than any human being should have to suffer" while in aged care has offered fellow Australians a stark piece of advice. Key points: In a statement to the aged care inquiry, Lisa Backhouse told of her mother's alleged abuse and neglect in a Brisbane …

Graphic evidence of wounds as royal commission hears of dementia patient left to deteriorate
5 years, 6 months ago

Graphic evidence of wounds as royal commission hears of dementia patient left to deteriorate

ABC  

A Wollongong woman who alleges her dementia patient mother was left to deteriorate without "independence and dignity" and with "concerning" wounds has given a passionate defence of the same aged care workers accused of failing in their duty of care. Key points: Shirley Fowler developed "distressing" deep and serious pressure ulcers on her feet while in an aged care facility …

What have we heard at the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety so far?
5 years, 10 months ago

What have we heard at the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety so far?

ABC  

The first fortnight of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety has wrapped up. Nursing homes evoke emotions of fear and dread The commission heard many older Australians were fearful about going into residential aged care. He said about 80 per cent of older Australians in residential care with dementia were on at least one psychotropic drug, but …

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