Equipping the aged care workforce with the latest knowledge

The Aged Care Act 2024 is undoubtedly a significant upheaval in aged care, bringing with it changes that put the older person’s rights at the heart of their care – whether that be in a residential or community setting, or at home.

New requirements and responsibilities mean big changes are being introduced by aged care organisations around Australia.

But what does the Act mean for those working at the forefront of care – the Personal Care Workers, ENs, RNs, allied health professionals, volunteers and other support staff?

The Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre is putting aged care workers front and centre in its new learning module about the Act, as part of Equip Aged Care Learning.

Working with industry and government stakeholders, the Wicking Dementia Centre team has developed the video module, the Aged Care Act (2024), which sits alongside other modules on other priority learning areas. It’s due for release in November 2025.

If you haven’t taken advantage of Equip, take it from the 45,000 people who have – it’s free, quality, and easily accessible learning which is ideal for anyone working in, or wanting to work in aged care.

The new module takes the viewer through the major features of the Act.

“We explain things in simple terms and with the use of an example of an aged care worker who supports an older person to be able to continue living safely at home,” said Dr Azam Bazooband, Academic Lead for Equip Aged Care Learning.

“To begin with, we emphasise this rights-based Act puts the older person at the centre of their care. They can make informed decisions about the care they need and the life they want to live and be supported to make those decisions,” Dr Bazooband said.

Components like the Statement of Rights are explained for the worker, so they can understand what they can do to uphold it.

“Practices like respecting the older person’s autonomy in everyday tasks and in decisions about their care. Being mindful of how each older person defines dignity, safety, and quality care, protecting privacy and being confident to raise a complaint or concern if an older person’s rights are not respected,” Dr Bazooband noted.

The new module also explains what the Act’s Statement of Principles is and how each principle promotes the delivery of high-quality care in an environment that fosters continuous improvement.

This is where person-centred care, the empowerment of workers and governance and accountability come in.

“It’s vital that aged care workers know what person-centred care is and its importance under the new Act,” Dr Bazooband added.

“It means putting each older person’s needs, preferences, and values first when planning and providing care. Care needs to be culturally sensitive, trauma aware and healing informed.”

Aged care workers are urged to play their role in continuous improvement by coming up with new ideas and sharing their thoughts when they see something that needs to be changed. Everyone plays a role in making sure the aged care system is transparent and accountable.

The Aged Care Quality Standards are another part of the Act highlighted in the learning module. These guide what quality care looks like and set clear expectations for providers and workers.  Every worker has a part to play in helping to demonstrate that their organisation meets the Quality standards.

A new module looking specifically at the Standards is currently in development and due for release soon.

The Aged Care Act module will help workers understand new terms like ‘registered supporter’ and explain how to find information about who an older person’s registered supporter is.

Other parts of the Act that might be new to workers include the single assessment system, the First Nations Single Assessment pathway and the Elder Care Support Program.

So why should aged care workers take advantage of Equip Aged Care Learning?

A survey of Equip Aged Care Learning participants revealed they found its purpose, design features and content useful.

“All of the modules are very practical … well written in an easy-to-understand way, without too much jargon,” one reported.

“I found the modules useful in my day-to-day work,” said another.

“Being short, you can just do them when you have time.”

The Wicking Dementia Centre understands that time – specifically a lack of time – is a barrier to accessing and using education. That’s why each of the Equip Aged Care Learning modules is around 10 minutes in length, together with an easy-to-understand infographic summarising the content. Participants can access certificates of completion and acknowledgement of CPD hours.

It is important that care workers, in every role, understand the Aged Care Act 2024, the rights of older people in their care and their own rights and responsibilities.

Log in or sign up to Equip Aged Care Learning today to educate yourself about the Act, and many other topics relevant and important to aged care.

Remember, it’s free (funded by the Australian Government).