Australia’s residential aged care sector is facing a significant nursing shortage, with recent reports indicating a shortfall of 1,490 Registered Nurses (RNs) by 2024-2025. While this is an improvement from earlier predictions of over 4,000 vacancies, the updated forecast reflects more accurate data, such as insights from the Aged Care Workforce Provider Survey as well as recent wage increases.
Despite a slight increase in the number of RNs, the Aged Care sector continues to face considerable challenges. One of the most pressing concerns is the mandated minimum care minutes that residential Aged Care facilities must provide to their residents. These standards are critical to ensuring quality care, but the ongoing nurse shortage threatens to compromise their fulfillment, putting pressure on facilities to meet these care requirements. As the demand for Aged Care services increases, especially with Australia’s aging population, facilities must have adequate staffing levels to continue providing high-quality care.
The composition of the Aged Care workforce has undergone notable changes in recent years. As of 2023-2024, the number of RNs in Aged Care rose to 36,605. However, the number of allied health professionals in Aged Care remains limited, with just 7,317 practitioners currently working in the sector. A concerning trend is the decline in the number of Enrolled Nurses in Aged Care, which has dropped by around 15% since 2015. This reduction in enrolled nurses, paired with the rising demand for services, is forcing Aged Care facilities to rethink their staffing models and adapt to new workforce realities.
Additional Read: Analyzing the Nursing Shortage in 2024
At the same time, many facilities are increasingly dependent on agency staff to fill the gaps. While agency staff can provide immediate relief, they are often costly, which presents a significant challenge for many facilities, especially that of smaller providers in regional and remote areas. These facilities are struggling not only to recruit ,but also, to retain skilled nursing staff due to competition and the rising cost of living.
In response to these challenges, the Australian government has been implementing various initiatives aimed at improving the workforce. These include more accurate workforce reporting, the introduction of wage increases, and new regulations mandating 24/7 nurse coverage in residential Aged Care. While these measures are steps in the right direction, they are not enough to fully address the growing gap between supply and demand for nursing professionals in aged care.
The Department of Health’s model suggests that the RN workforce will improve in the coming years. Still, the scale of Australia’s aging population and the growing need for Aged Care services continues to outpace the workforce growth. For Aged Care providers, this means the need for long-term strategies to recruit and retain qualified nursing staff has never been greater.
Dynamic Healthstaff plays a vital role in helping Aged Care facilities navigate these staffing challenges. By providing qualified, experienced Registered Nurses and other healthcare professionals on a temporary or permanent basis, we can help ensure that your facility meets the required care standards without compromising on quality. Our team specializes in matching skilled professionals to the specific needs of residential Aged Care providers, helping to alleviate the pressure on existing staff while maintaining high levels of care for residents. For more information, you can contact us today at enquiry@dynamichealthstaff.com or +919810017608!
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