Independent MP Rebekha Sharkie had introduced the bill back in August, pushing for facilities to report quarterly on the number of registered nurses, enrolled nurses and personal care workers that they employ.
Now the House of Representatives Committee that led the inquiry into the bill has released its report – and it says the Department of Health should publish staffing ratios so consumers and their families can use them when comparing facilities.
We support any move that helps families moving loved ones into aged care make more informed choices about the facilities they consider.
Not always a numbers game
It’s important to remember however that staff numbers don’t always guarantee quality of care – the now-closed Oakden Older Persons Mental Health Service in South Australia had a high staff to resident ratio.
Providing this reporting will also place an extra burden on staff who already spend a significant amount of time filling in paperwork required to meet aged care regulations – time that they could otherwise be spending with residents.
The Committee itself acknowledges in the report that the Bill may create an “unnecessary reporting burden, particular for smaller facilities”.
Of course, the right mix of staff is essential to providing good quality care – but they also need enough time to spend with residents and the training and support to deal with the needs of high-care residents.
Workers struggling with stress
Case in point: a new Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre report on Western Australia’s healthcare workforce has found the number of residents with complex healthcare needs has jumped from 13 per cent in 2008 to 52 per cent in 2017 – that’s over half of residents needing high-care.
16 per cent of workers also reported they are now in high or very high psychological distress while only 30 per cent said they were satisfied with their job – signs that workers need more support to do their jobs.
This is happening – albeit slowly. Earlier this year the Government announced a new Aged Services Industry Reference Committee (IRC).
They will be responsible for developing national competency standards for aged care workers and improving their career pathways so workers can provide the care that older Australians need and upskill if they want to.
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety is also about to get underway.
The Commission is now set to have its first hearing on 18 January 2019 in Adelaide – just over four weeks away – and we expect the issue of staffing ratios and ensuring a sustainable workforce will be canvassed by the Commissioners.
This is critical. If we want quality care for our mums and dads – and ourselves as we get older – our workers need to have the support to do it – ratios or not.
