Researchers from Deakin University are conducting a first-ever study into aged care workforce retention.
Supported by consultancy firm Anchor Excellence – which specialises in residential aged care, home care, retirement living, and disability support – the study will examine why personal care workers are choosing to either stay or leave Australia’s aged care sector.
“Anchor Excellence proudly supports this research and believes the outcomes will highlight tangible strategies to uplift the entire industry, benefitting both the workforce and those in our care,” said managing director Cynthia Payne.
Anchor Excellence is calling on residential aged care providers to encourage their personal care workers to participate in the study. Participation involves a one-off Zoom interview lasting 45 to 60 minutes.
During the interview, personal care workers will be asked to share their experiences shaping their decision to stay or leave the sector. They will also be asked for their insights into what types of effective supports have motivated their decision to continue working in the industry.
On completion of the interview, participants will receive a $30 Coles eGift Card as a token of appreciation.
“This research is not only groundbreaking but essential for the future stability of Australia’s aged care sector,” said Anchor Excellence lead disability consultant Britt O’Keefe – who is heading the study. “Understanding the factors influencing personal care workers’ choices will pave the way for the development of targeted retention strategies that can fortify and stabilise the aged care workforce.”
For more information, email brittokeefe@anchorexcellence.com or call (02) 8610 1950.
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These kind of studies are so limited in understanding the breadth of people working in the aged care sector. The sector is made up of more than care or support workers. Tad confusion about the para that suggests “Anchor Excellence is calling on residential aged care providers to encourage their personal care workers to participate in the study”. Does the same encouragement apply to workers in home or community care?
I wonder when someone will ever do a study to understand why and how people stay in the aged care sector e.g. people who are working longer than 10-15-20 years, progression of people across the sector and perhaps individuals’ development over time.