Over the last few years there has been increasing speculation around the sustainability of our aged care system. Recent government, industry and media reports suggest an escalating crisis, with a shortage of staffing levels a key area of concern for the sector.
Like many aged care service providers, Glasshouse Country Care have found it challenging to employ enough staff to meet the needs of clients.
Speaking with GC&M News, Glasshouse Country Care general manager Clare Mullins said the aged care staffing crisis was real, with the situation unfortunately exacerbated by the negative publicity surrounding the aged care sector.
“Recruiting new staff over the last few years has not been easy, and this has meant that delivery of some services has not been as robust as we would have liked. We would love to have more ‘feet on the ground’ and we encourage interest from our local area in what can be an incredibly valuable and rewarding long term career,” said Clare.
Clare said she was keen to address some of the perceptions around working in the care industry and suggested there were numerous benefits including full training, job variety, security and flexibility, and the prospect for career development. She said one of the biggest drawcards was the genuine opportunity to have a well-paid rewarding career where every day was different, and staff members were truly able to make a positive difference to the lives of others on a daily basis.
“People may think aged care is not a happy or energising environment; and this is simply not true. It is often a joyous job – we have many staff who have been in the industry for years, and we have a lot of fun as a team, as well as a lot of fun alongside our clients. The value of what we do can bring enormous personal satisfaction, and it really is a wonderfully fulfilling community focussed job,” explained Clare.
Clare said while a Certificate III qualification was required for Personal Care work, no formal qualifications were required to perform Domestic Assistant roles. She said Certificate III – Individual Support qualifications were currently highly subsidised by the Australian Government with the possibility of the practical hours required to complete the qualification, achievable whilst employed as a Domestic Assistant with an aged care provider. For those interested in a career start or change, more information can be found at www.ghcare.org.au or resumes can be dropped off or sent to the Glasshouse Country Care Beerwah office.
