Shared Posts (Industry News)

99 complete Aged Care training and are prepared to depart for Australia soon

·         Ninety-nine trainees have completed their Aged Care training at Alphacrucis University College Fiji Campus, graduating with beaming smiles.

·         This program combines academic and practical training, ensuring the trainees are well-prepared for their entry into the aged care industry.

·         The Australian government's Aged Care Expansion program supports this initiative, which is carried out in partnership with Bolton Clarke, Australia's largest not-for-profit aged care provider.

·         These trainees are now ready to embark on their journey to Australia.

Five stars awarded to Australian aged care homes failing safety and care standards

• Aged care homes in Australia that failed to meet minimum standards for safety and care were given high compliance ratings, potentially misleading families.
• The star rating system, introduced in December 2022 to help families make informed decisions about care providers, has been criticized for prioritizing providers over consumers.
• A report found that 68 out of 501 homes listed on the non-compliance register were awarded five-star compliance ratings, while 81 homes received four-star ratings.
• Experts argue that the star rating system is "a total waste of time" and fails to accurately reflect the quality of care provided.



Pay boost for aged care workers

• The Albanese government has announced funding to meet a Fair Work Commission ruling that a 15% wage hike for aged care workers needs to take effect in one installment from July.
• The government had initially argued for the increase to be spaced out over two years due to fiscal challenges.
• The pay rise is in response to recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
• The funding boost aims to address workforce pressures, attract young Australians to the sector, and ensure nurses are available around the clock.
• However, transparency is needed to ensure the money goes directly to workers.

Are you culturally responsive to aged care clients? Refine your skills now!

·         Approximately 37% of Australians aged 65 and over were born overseas, highlighting the need for cultural awareness in the aged care sector.

·         A Government white paper suggests that migrant workers will be crucial to filling worker shortages in the industry, with an additional 110,000 home care support workers needed by 2030.

·         Settlement Services International (SSI) has launched a new learning program, called Culturally Responsive Support in Aged Care, to improve health outcomes and quality of life for older people from culturally diverse backgrounds.

·         The program aims to train 14,600 aged care workers within 18 months and covers topics such as culture, communication, understanding trauma, and self-care.

·         The program is available for free to participants in the Home Care Workforce Support Program, with a paid option for aged care providers.