The "ongoing workforce crisis will hamper the ability of some providers to reach increased [care minute] targets”, Roald Versteeg, ACCPA General Manager Policy and Advocacy, told The SOURCE on Wednesday.
Providers "face chronic workforce shortages and systemic challenges in attracting and retaining workers, on top of financial sustainability pressures".
Care minute targets increased from 200 to 215 direct care minutes per resident on 1 October 2024 in a directive from the Australian Government's Department of Health and Aged Care, including 44 care minutes from a Registered Nurse (RN), up from 40 minutes previously.
As of June 2024, there was an estimated shortage of 4,043 RNs in residential aged care, with that figure set to blow out to 17,550 by 2035. In addition, there is also currently a shortfall of up to 35,000 direct care workers.
Staff shortages are worse outside metropolitan areas, meaning providers regional and rural areas "are having to rely on agency staff to meet targets", Roald said.
Agency staff are costing some providers millions - on top of the added recruitment costs of hiring new staff to meet the targets.
Last week, the Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells wrote to providers warning the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission will use the full extent of its powers against providers not making genuine efforts to meet the targets.
In response, Roald told The SOURCE ACCPA is "seeking to work constructively with the department and the Government to better understand the relatively new and complex data."
Roald pointed out that despite the challenges, a recent Government report on resident experience in residential aged care showed 85% of surveyed residents said they would recommend their aged care home to someone, which showed a high level of satisfaction with the care and services they were receiving.
“Providers work day in, and day out, to deliver quality care to older Australians and are achieving strong results, even with the challenges they face," he said.
