Aged Care
Workers demand Action for Aged Care
The unions representing aged care workers, and Australian Unions have launched a comprehensive plan to fix our broken aged care system, protect workers who have been at the front line of the fight against the virus and provide better quality care to older Australians.
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) and NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA), along with the Health Services Union and United Workers, represent workers who do invaluable work in incredibly difficult conditions but have been let down by a Government who has ignored critical issues in aged care.
Secure jobs for workers in aged care means better quality care for older Australians.
The document released today calls for the following essential changes:
- Mandated minimum staffing levels and required mix of skills and qualifications in every residential facility, over every shift.
- Transparency and accountability for Government funding.
- Mandated training requirements (including infection control and ongoing professional development) accessible to all staff and paid by employer.
- Government funding is required to be increased, linked to the provision of care and the direct employment of permanent staff with decent pay and enough hours to live on.
ANMF Secretary Annie Butler said that “our members on the frontline of aged care know that having higher levels of registered nurses and care workers, in the right skills mix, will ensure provide safe, effective care to residents.”
“It’s time to make changes and prevent further suffering and neglect.”
Her sentiments were echoed by Australian Unions National President Michele O’Neil.
“In order to create a system which gives older Australians quality care, respect and dignity we need to protect the rights of the working people who care for them,” Ms O’Neil said.
“Minimum staffing levels and a regulated mix of skills on every shift in every facility is essential for improving the quality of care delivered to older Australians.”
Demand action on the aged care sector by signing this joint petition.
Deanne Gardiner says
I am a permanent nightshift worker in an aged care facility. We are rostered for 7 staff plus 1 RN for 150 residents. I have found that over the past 10 months if we have 1 call in sick they refuse to replace her. Sometimes we have 4 staff to 150 residents. Its not safe and certainly is not fair for either the residents or the staff. I agree something needs to be done and FAST
Heitje Scheimann says
Aged Care. Let’s strike while the iron’s hot.
The disgusting staffing and skill mix really need to be addressed.
Can all nurses support us in our fight to give the best care that we can .
It’s been so frustrating how our society has virtually dumped our elderly citizens in care. But the sheer lack of it ( care) reveals what a Australians don’t care.
Please hear what your colleagues have to say about care for Your Mums and Dads and Grandparents and others.
anthony Gerard Craig says
until the money is available to increase wages and conditions and staff to resident raitos nothing will change. A good first step by unions lets see if anyone cares ?