Australia’s aged care sector is under mounting pressure. With an ageing population, increased care needs, and growing regulatory demands, providers are facing a significant workforce shortage.
The Current Challenges
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Increased Demand for Care
As more Australians enter aged care, services are stretched thin. Residents today have more complex care needs, requiring a skilled, adaptable workforce. -
High Turnover and Burnout
Staff retention has become one of the biggest challenges. Aged care workers face emotionally demanding work, long hours, and, in many cases, under-appreciation. Burnout is rampant, leading to high turnover and compounding staffing issues. -
Regulatory Pressure
The introduction of mandatory care minute targets and tighter compliance standards (post-Royal Commission) has further increased the burden on aged care providers to meet staffing requirements. -
Limited Recruitment Pipelines
The pipeline of new local talent is slow, and while international recruitment holds promise, it comes with its own delays, costs, and administrative barriers.
Looking to Nursing Agencies for a Solution
While long-term strategies such as improving wages, training pathways, and immigration policies are essential, nursing agencies offer an immediate and effective solution.
Here’s how:
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Rapid Access to Qualified Staff
Nursing agencies can quickly deploy experienced clinicians — from RNs to PCWs — to fill gaps at short notice, ensuring continuity of care. -
Flexibility to Meet Care Minute Targets
Agencies help providers respond to fluctuating resident acuity and staffing needs, particularly during audits, surges, or unexpected absences. -
Reduced Administrative Burden
Agencies manage compliance checks, onboarding, and payroll, reducing the HR burden for already stretched facilities. -
Improved Workforce Planning
By partnering with agencies, providers can bridge gaps while building a permanent workforce, avoiding the risks of understaffing and non-compliance.
A Partner in Quality Care
At AJN Healthcare Services, we work closely with aged care providers across Australia to deliver dependable, fully compliant nursing professionals — fast. Our team understands the complexities of aged care and is committed to supporting organisations in delivering safe, person-centred care.