The commission needs to recognise the need for better staffing, meals and training in our aged care facilities.
When she first began working at a medium-sized nursing home in Sydney, AiN Veera Bakthavachalem was able to walk at least two residents around the facility every day. Nine years later that’s no longer possible, as staff reductions mean that instead of having two AiNs caring for 11 residents, two AiNs are caring for 16 residents.
“Five or six years ago I still had time in the afternoon where I could walk with one or two residents around the facility, and now I don’t have time to finish my work,” says Veera.
Like RN Angelin Maharaj (see story opposite), declining staff-to-resident ratios is the biggest issue she is hoping the royal commission will tackle in its final report.
“Nine years ago we had reasonable ratios; nowadays each company sets the rules and regulations for their company. Now there is work overload; we can’t provide the good care that residents need.”
One RN is rostered to care for 32 residents, and Veera says they are under enormous pressure, too.
“They are there to do the medications and the dressings, and to write reports and care plans. RNs are really stressed, and we can understand that because everyone is asking them questions, asking for help.”
Last year workloads and stress levels increased further due to COVID, she says.
The hours of allied health workers who once regularly worked in the centre have dropped dramatically, too. A physiotherapist now attends just once a week.
Now Veera has noticed residents are losing their mobility, and their health is deteriorating much more rapidly. “It is really sad to see the residents nowadays.”
Less mobile patients means that the work is much more physically strenuous for nurses.
Veera is also hoping that the Commission’s final report will make recommendations about meals in nursing homes.
“I feel the residents aren’t eating properly and are losing weight because they give the same food for everyone, instead of listening to what residents want.”
Like Angelin, Veera also wants to see younger staff receive more training.
“I want to teach them how to look after older people, how to look after people living with dementia.”
“Aged care has become a business, for profit, but we are not working with a machine, we are working with people.”
Get involved
The NSWNMA will be holding events in the lead up to the release of the Royal Commission’s aged care report.
If you would like to get involved contact the NSWNMA at 8595 1234 (metro) or 1300 367 962 (non-metro) or, register your support at https://ratiosforagedcare.com.au/.