Costs of falls in residential care uncovered
Fall-related injuries in aged care account for one-fifth of the cost of a resident’s care, according to new research. The University of Queensland study found that fall-related injuries in residential aged care could be costing the health system $325 million annually. The study found fall injuries accounted for 20% of annual expenditure on an aged […]
Regulator cracks down on aged care providers failing to meet care minutes
Regulatory action is being taken against residential aged care providers that have persistently failed to meet their mandatory care minute targets.
Historic pay rise for aged care workers comes into effect
The first historic pay rise for aged care workers came into effect on 1 January after the Fair Work Commission approved a pay rise of between 2.3 and 13.5% in 2025. Some 340,000 aged care workers in residential and home care will receive an increase in their award wages. For some workers this is the […]
Extra $440 million to support in-home aged care
The federal government has committed an extra $440 million to support more older Australians to stay at home, including expanding culturally appropriate aged-care services for First Nations people. The three-year investment, announced yesterday, adds to the Albanese Government’s 4.3 billion Support at Home package unveiled on 12 September. According to the government, demand for entry […]
Changes for residential aged care PCWs in 2025: Find out your pay and classification
If you are a PCW working in residential aged care, you can expect some changes to your pay and classification at the start of 2025. Background PCWs, now referred to as an ‘Aged care employee- direct care’, (direct care worker) under the Aged Care Award will receive an increase to minimum award rates effective from […]
Shaping the future of aged care: Nursing students gain new perspective through clinical placements program
Nursing student Marcus Goh says his understanding and appreciation of the residential aged care sector improved significantly as part of the federal government-funded Aged Care Nursing Clinical Placements Program. Launched mid-2023, the national program has provided thousands of Bachelor of Nursing students with high-quality placements in aged care by giving them the opportunity to work […]
Key changes for AINs in residential aged care: What pay to expect from January 2025
If you are an AIN working in residential aged care, you can expect some changes to your pay and classification at the start of 2025. AINs are currently classified under the Nurses Award 2020. The award sets minimum wages and conditions for AINs, ENs, RNs and Nurse Practitioners. It applies to each of these classifications, […]
Reducing emergency transfers from nursing homes
Despite recent reforms that have taken effect in Australian nursing homes, including the requirement for 24/7 registered nurse (RN) presence and mandated direct care minutes, high rates of transfers from nursing homes to emergency departments (ED) or hospitals persist. Background While some transfers may be necessary, expected, or unavoidable, transfers are occurring at rates far […]
Nurses must be included in shaping digital innovations in aged care
Digital technology can assist aged care nurses to manage end of life in nursing homes, however, ensuring its impact requires better tools, training and ongoing support, according to a new study. Published in the journal BMC Nursing, the study interviewed nursing staff in 15 residential aged care facilities across three Australian states. It found nurses […]
Aged Care Act passes Parliament
The Albanese Government’s Aged Care Bill passed Parliament earlier this week, paving the way for a new Aged Care Act and “once-in-a-generation” reforms to the sector. The new legislation, which will come into effect from 1 July 2025, addresses nearly 60 recommendations from the landmark Aged Care Royal Commission, as it aims to create a […]