By Tamara Glumac
Apr 9, 2010
The aged care sector is grappling with a crisis and those on the front line are speaking out.
Nurses say mistakes are being made and it is only a matter of time before there is a major incident.
The Nursing Federation has highlighted the pressure on the system with a case in which a graduate was left in charge of a nursing home in her first week on the job.
There is now a vicious circle in the industry. Nursing homes are being forced to cut costs. In turn, that is forcing an exodus of staff who have reached breaking point, unable to cope with the increasing pressure.
The ANF says nursing home residents are not getting optimum care and carers are taking on roles they're not properly trained in because there aren't enough nurses.
Some homes have had only one registered nurse in charge of up to 120 residents on a night shift.
In others, enrolled nurses and carers on night shifts can only access a registered nurse over the telephone.
The Federation's Tasmanian secretary Neroli Ellis says nurses are despairing.
"Nurses who are passionate about aged care are leaving because they can't bear the stress any more," she said.
Ageing workforce
There is further concern as the nurses themselves get older. Their average age is 55.
Ms Ellis says once they retire, there are limited replacements in an industry not equipped to take on nursing graduates.
"It's the worst place possible for them...aged care facilities are really down to bare bones so there isn't the clinical support for graduates.''
"Those who do go into it rarely stay.''
Abridged
SOURCE: ABC.NET.AU
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I do not think this situation is unique to Australia. Many countries around the world is experiencing similar situation. The government of the day must take on the challenge of providing its aging population, a good standard of Aged Care. It is very well to say that since they took government, " ...we have spent so much on this and so much on that...". Dollars term is helpful, but is deceptive in that, they do not reflect the really solution to the actual problem.
Has the government taken steps to ensure that:
- the nurses in Aged Care, are well supported with the right level of resources?
- With the nurses getting older, are there fundings and measures put in place to replace these workers?
- paramount in any Aged Care situation is - Are those who needed aged care protected against abuses?
- Has the government got a plan of action to protect seniors who are in their own homes; against elder abuse by friends, carers or relatives?
- Are there sufficient support adult children who have taken on the caring of their elderly parent(s) at home?
There are many who has retired, but are fortunate enough to still enjoy good health. They often are the unpaid volunteers in the community. Is society and government acknowledging their contributions?
To all politicians -- Seniors happen to be a very strong block of voters. Furthermore, they have long memories about politicians who ignored or refused to acknowledge the growing problems of aged care and have NOT taken decisive steps to correct the situation.
..................Andrew
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