Managing our seniors respectfully

As we all know, Australians are living longer.

Higher life expectancy and declining fertility rates mean that people aged 65 years and over represent a growing segment of our nation’s population – and by 2050 will comprise about one-quarter of all Australians.

And, as we age, our needs change. Many of us will require help to remain living independently, as encouraged by government policy, or be reliant on one of the nation’s 2,600 facilities providing residential care. And whether that care is private or public, hospital or community-based, aged care service providers are having to adapt fast – not only to meet growing demand and changing preferences, but also to secure adequate funding and staff.

In the wake of the 2021 Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety findings, but also in response to new standards and consumer expectations, the role and responsibilities of aged care managers has changed rapidly.

New manager responsibilities

A traditional focus on clinical skills has expanded to encompass governance, business, facilities and service management skills. Interpersonal communication, quality improvement, organisational/time management and business development experience are increasingly sought-after.

The contemporary aged care manager is also expected to have Aged Care Quality Standards competencies – to meet safety and legal requirements – as industry and governments respond to the recommendations of the Royal Commission.

And let’s not forget the perennial challenges of workforce shortages and retention. The National Skills Commission predicts another 285,000 workers will be needed for aged care, disability and mental health support by 2050.

So, are our future aged care managers being adequately prepared?

At the University of New England (UNE), educators are working to equip the next generation of aged care professionals, providing them with the skills, knowledge and confidence to prepare for such challenges – and to capitalise on the opportunities.

UNE’s Graduate Certificate of Aged Care Management and Graduate Diploma of Aged Care Management are designed to provide the vital leadership and management skills now demanded of the sector.

The first intake of students comprises nurses, social workers and health professionals looking to upgrade their qualifications and move their careers in a new direction.

Course developer and lecturer Lyn Bruce has more than 15 years’ experience managing and consulting to aged care facilities, coupled with accountancy and management qualifications and legal experience. She believes UNE’s practical focus sets it apart.

“Many people find themselves in aged care management roles without training specific to the sector,” Lyn said. “They need to be able to manage complex budgets, oversee human resources and handle risk management, as well as report to boards. UNE graduates will feel capable and prepared to fill the growing number of roles in aged services, whatever the setting.”

Growing aged care market

June 2023 figures show that residential aged care services in Australia supported 190,683 people, a 2.4% increase on the previous year. The KPMG report also found that the home care segment of the aged care market is growing, with 258,374 Australians accessing home care packages, representing a 20% increase on the previous year. It noted the “financial and regulatory pressures” that residential aged care providers are subject to and the staff shortages impacting the delivery of home care services.

Today’s knowledgeable Baby Boomers, whether preferring in-home care or aged care accommodation, also have different expectations to previous generations, according to Lyn.

“They expect people to know what they are doing and to really listen to them. As a senior myself, I’m in a position to share with our students how I feel when I am treated in a certain way, and I have drawn heavily on my real-world experience to develop the units.”

Expanding career opportunities

Adding specific aged care qualifications to their skillset is a way for health professionals to future-fit their careers and expand their career options.

“The demand for skilled professionals for aged care management is much higher than ever, in Australia and globally,” said Associate Professor Shahid Islam, Course Coordinator, Aged Care Management Programs, from UNE’s Faculty of Medicine and Health. “UNE’s courses focus on bridging the gap between theory and practice. Our students are prepared to navigate the real-world complexities of aged care management.”

From advanced critical care and problem-solving, to national standards, health policy, human resources and financial management, the topics covered in UNE’s Graduate Certificate of Aged Care Management and Graduate Diploma of Aged Care Management will have direct applications in the sector.

The Graduate Certificate is 6 months full-time or up to 2 years part-time. The Graduate Diploma is 1 year full-time or up to 4 years part-time. Both are available online, drawing on UNE’s long-standing excellence in this space.

Article sponsored by the University of New England.

To find out more about UNE’s Graduate Certificate of Aged Care Management and Graduate Diploma of Aged Care Management

Article sponsored by the University of New England.