What's Happening?
According to new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the population of Australians aged over 85 is expected to double by 2042, necessitating a significant increase in the aged-care workforce. Kellie Harmer, a registered nurse and head aged-care teacher at TAFE NSW, emphasizes the urgent need for regional towns to quadruple their aged-care workforce to accommodate the growing elderly population. The report from Ageing Australia indicates that 70% of aged-care providers are concerned about the nation's readiness to support this demographic shift.
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Why It's Important?
The projected increase in the elderly population presents challenges for the aged-care sector, particularly in regional areas where workforce shortages are more pronounced. Addressing these shortages is crucial to ensure adequate care for the aging population, which could impact public health and social services. The need for a larger workforce also highlights opportunities for employment and training in the aged-care sector, potentially driving economic growth in regional communities.
What's Next?
Efforts to expand the aged-care workforce may include increased recruitment and training initiatives, particularly in regional areas. Policymakers and educational institutions might collaborate to develop programs that attract and retain aged-care workers. Additionally, public awareness campaigns could be launched to improve the perception of aged-care careers and encourage more individuals to enter the field.
