The next article was initially revealed by Community Care Review on October 12 2023
When discussing the way forward for Australia’s well being and aged care sectors, acknowledging workforce challenges is essential, a better-ageing advocate has advised Group Care Overview.
“We will’t have this dialog with out addressing workforce shortages and coaching,” mentioned Julianne Parkinson – chief govt officer of the International Centre for Fashionable Ageing®. “Constant, high-quality coaching is important for the rising ageing inhabitants and a more healthy inhabitants altogether.”
There are a selection of routes to bolstering the aged care workforce, mentioned Ms Parkinson. “Options embody coaching initiatives, migration methods – as highlighted in the recent white paper – retention methods, aggressive compensation, profession development plans, versatile hours, supportive environments, and having know-how that’s match for objective.”
Expertise, added Ms Parkinson, will play a significant function in supply Twenty first-century aged care in Australia. “In Australia – what we name ‘AgeTech®’ – will play a big function addressing challenges and leveraging alternatives for the ageing inhabitants,” she mentioned.
“Digital transformation is vital to assembly the wants of an ageing inhabitants and enhancing care supply. Digital instruments streamline healthcare processes and so they help ageing in place.”
In the case of implementing AgeTech®, Ms Parkinson advised CCR there must be significant session. “The emphasis on genuine codesign ensures know-how serves each the ageing neighborhood and the workforce.”
Additionally vital: “technological accessibility, privateness considerations, and coaching and infrastructure wants.”
CCR spoke with Ms Parkinson forward of Victorian Healthcare Week the place she is going to chair the two-day Aged Care Transformation convention and speak additional about the way forward for well being and aged care in Australia.
Ms Parkinson mentioned – as a nation – we have to guarantee we’re ready for the societal shifts forward. “Australia can’t afford to not be prepared for the way forward for healthcare. We’ve got an ageing inhabitants. We ought to be an exemplar in enhancing the lives of our residents.”
She added: “As a nation it’s incumbent on us to prioritise well being, and preventative well being measures as properly, in order that we are able to domesticate a extra properly neighborhood and society.”
Ms Parkinson advised CCR wellness measures had been already starting to be carried out. “We’re noticing the best way by which well being and wellness is being distributed to people who want it by manner of aged care and retirement residing, and in addition to folks at dwelling.”
Shifting ahead, the aged care sector might want to place a higher deal with variety, mentioned Ms Parkinson. “Fashionable ageing is inclusive, recognising various backgrounds and talents. And that’s crucial due to Australia’s various demographic cloth.”
Along with the challenges, Ms Parkinson advised CCR the sector wanted to concentrate on the alternatives that an ageing inhabitants will deliver. ”Elevated life expectancy brings about well being and workforce adjustments,” she mentioned. “These shifts open alternatives – particularly within the care and longevity financial system.”
Victorian Healthcare Week is operating 18-19 October on the Melbourne Conference and Exhibition Centre
Australian Ageing Agenda is a media accomplice of Victorian Healthcare Week.
