Staffing policy in aged care must look beyond the numbers
Sarah Wise
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted an aged care system struggling to meet the needs of vulnerable Australians. Staffing levels and skill mix in aged care have declined, whereas the health and social needs of an older and more clinically complex population have risen. Increasing staff and improving personal care workers' skills and education are essential steps to quality aged care in Australia, but it will not be possible without funding models that foster secure employment, development opportunities and long-term career pathways.
Topics & Concepts
StaffingPopulation healthHealth economicsPandemicHealth careGovernment (linguistics)NursingLong-term careSkill mixQuality (philosophy)Project commissioningSocial policyPopulationPublic healthMedicineBusinessCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)PublishingEconomic growthEnvironmental healthPolitical scienceEconomicsLinguisticsPhilosophyEpistemologyDiseasePathologyInfectious disease (medical specialty)LawGeriatric Care and Nursing HomesRetirement, Disability, and EmploymentEmployment and Welfare Studies