Making aged care nursing ‘sexy’: Special interest group for gerontological nurses launched
A special interest group aiming to raise the profile of gerontological nursing as a challenging and rewarding speciality that makes a vital contribution to the health and wellbeing of older Australians has been launched. The Gerontological Alliance of Nurses Australia (GANA) brings together a community of specialist nurses and assistants who work across aged care. […]
More support for veterans living in aged care
Veterans, war widows and widowers living in residential aged care will benefit from expanded access to clinically necessary allied healthcare services and rehabilitation aids and appliances, regardless of the level of care they are receiving. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said the changes, which came into effect this week, mean all eligible veterans, widows […]
Government supports pay rise to undervalued aged care workforce
Government supports pay rise to undervalued aged care workforce
Could ‘virtual nurses’ be the answer to aged care staffing woes? Dream on
Former Health Department Chief Martin Bowles has reportedly proposed “virtual nurses” could help address the shortage of nurses in aged care. This might involve remote, possibly artificial intelligence-assisted, virtual care, rather than physical nurse presence, to assist nursing homes to meet new legislative requirements to have a registered nurse present 24/7. There are clear opportunities […]
Aged care reform bill, including RN 24/7 mandate, introduced to Parliament
On the second sitting day of federal parliament, the new Labor government has introduced an historic aged care reform bill that, if passed, would legislate registered nurses on site and on duty 24/7 across all nursing homes. The Aged Care Amendment (Implementing Care Reform) Bill, crafted to “give older Australians the dignity and respect they […]
Defence force support in aged care extended amid rising COVID-19 outbreaks
The federal government is extending and expanding Australian Defence Force (ADF) support for aged care homes battling COVID-19 outbreaks until the end of September. Defence force personnel have provided clinical and non-clinical support to aged care homes experiencing COVID-19 related staff shortages since February. In response to the latest surge, which shows more than a […]
Maggie Beer – The champion for quality food in aged care
As one of Australia’s most iconic cooks, Maggie Beer is passionate about changing the wellbeing of the elderly through access to food full of flavour and nutrients. “It should be everyone’s right to have good food, and I believe that no one group of people need it more. My hope is that every meal can […]
Undervalued – Inside the ANMF’S push to lift wages of aged care workers by 25%
Long hours, poor pay and chronic understaffing are commonplace in aged care. Beginning in late April, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) considered landmark applications by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) and Health Services Union (HSU), supported by the United Workers Union (UWU), for a 25% wage increase for aged care workers. The unions’ […]
ANMF calls on government to keep COVID payments for workers
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF), is calling on the Albanese Government to reverse a decision to scrap COVID leave disaster payments, which have supported frontline workers throughout the pandemic. From today, workers who cannot work due to COVID-isolation requirements, will no longer be entitled to receive emergency payments of between $450-$750 a week. […]
The role gardens and gardening can play on the health and wellbeing of older people: A literature review
During my first clinical placement, an awe feeling struck me as I walked to the dining lounge overlooking a beautiful vegetable and flower garden. This was my first ever experience of being in an aged care facility that to my disbelief, some of the frail residents were actively enjoying gardening and checking their potted seedlings. […]