Old but not out - a snapshot of recognition and workplace training practices in the aged care sector

The Australian population is ageing at an alarming rate and caring for us all in our decline an increasing concern. There are growing demands for quality aged care provision. All facilities are required to meet accreditation standards. The aged care workforce is not expanding quickly enough to meet this skill need. This workforce has low status and seemingly little accredited training.

There are mixed views on whether recognition of skills can or could assist this process. In a snapshot of the aged care sector workforce we ask the important questions of employers and staff: Why do we need to train existing workers in the aged care sector? What type of training is needed? What are the barriers to training and skills recognition and how are these barriers being overcome?

This current research project considers these issues and the authors conclude that while there are many issues impacting on the sector the role of training and recognition is still not perceived as a means of effecting change. As well, there does not appear to be extensive use of recognition for existing workers in this sector. It is suggested that because there is such pressure for change within the industry and for new and expanded skills for workers, perhaps recognition is not the answer.

Excerpt from published abstract.

The collection of refereed papers is indexed at TD/TNC 78.501. Available refereed papers are indexed from TD/TNC 78.502 to TD/TNC 78.518. The collections of non-refereed papers are indexed at TD/TNC 78.519 and TD/TNC 78.520. Available non-refereed papers are indexed from TD/TNC 78.521 to TD/TNC 78.556.

The Australian population is ageing at an alarming rate and caring for us all in our decline an increasing concern. There are growing demands for quality aged care provision. All facilities are required to meet accreditation standards. The aged care workforce is not expanding quickly enough to meet this skill need. This workforce has low status and seemingly little accredited training.

There are mixed views on whether recognition of skills can or could assist this process. In a snapshot of the aged care sector workforce we ask the important questions of employers and staff: Why do ...  [+] Show more