Crossbench Senator Derryn Hinch introduced a new bill last week to fix the number of staff to residents in aged care facilities. He says it is “bleeding obvious” that higher staff ratios will lead to a better quality of care.
But would that really be the case?
The fact is aged care providers are already obligated under the Aged Care Act to have ‘appropriately skilled and qualified staff’ to ensure the support delivered to residents meets accreditation standards.
So what will help to improve standards?
I have worked as a physiotherapist in over 50 facilities for nearly 15 years and I can say that a great manager can make all the difference.
A great manager = a great facility
I have seen some facilities struggle once a great manager leaves and others go from strength to strength when a great manager joins the team.
And what do these managers have in common?
They ‘walk the floor’ – they speak to residents, staff and their families and really engage with them. They are passionate about supporting the residents in their care as if they were their own parents.
But these managers need training and support.
Currently there are a number of training programs for aged care managers, but these vary from state to state.
A nationally recognised program that provides professional training and development could go a long way to ensuring we have more ‘great managers’ – and keep them in these roles.
Like Mr Hinch’s bill, such a program would need additional funding and support from Government.
But it would guarantee that our loved ones receive the best possible care.
