Australia’s aged care industry is expanding. In a recent report on caring for older Australians, the Productivity Commission estimated that by the year 2050, more than 3.5 million Australians would need aged care services. This means that by 2050, the aged care sector will require 1 million more workers or four times as many as it does today.
According to the network of aged care advisors, “The aged care business is on the cusp of far-reaching upheaval, with demographic, regulatory, and financial factors merging to reshape the way healthcare and support services are acquired, funded, and managed.”
Here are a few of the main causes of demand for aged care professionals in Australia.
Ageing Populace
By 2027, there will be 5.2 million more persons over the age of 65, up from the current 3.8 million, according to health.gov.
According to another study, by 2044, there would be a 360 per cent increase in the population of those aged 85 and above. The need for senior care services will only increase as more individuals become dependent on them.
Prolonged Lifespan
Due to improvements in health, Australians are living longer than ever. 40 letters were issued to Australians who turned 100 after Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. More than 2,600 people turned 100 in 2018. Over 18,500 Australians are anticipated to reach 100 years of age in 2044. The demand for aged care services will rise along with the number of years spent in retirement.
Workforce to Retiree Ratio
The demand for labour in Australia will rise as the population ages. According to a McCrindle research, there were 15 persons in the working-age population for every couple who was of retirement age in 1970. By 2010, that number had dropped to just 10 people, and by 2050, just 5 people are expected to be of retirement age for every couple.
Australia’s future workforce may be concerned about how technology innovation could impact their jobs in addition to increased demand. However, technological advancement also brings about job openings in positions with care-driven tasks.
Careers vs. Technological Change
Jobs in the aged care and help service typically entail non-routine duties that are challenging to automate. In an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, Renee Leon, the secretary of the federal Department of Employment, spoke about this modification:
Tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of employment, will be generated in the caring field surrounding community services, elderly care, and health care over the course of the next five years. This was generating many entry-level and medium-skilled jobs for the future workforce by creating personal care positions that cannot be automated or outsourced.
In order to fulfil the demands and desires of consumers, the aged care profession will alter as it gains popularity across the nation.
Care changing preferences (The Home-Based Care Trend)
Consumer preferences will become more significant as the government “moves toward a market-based consumer-directed care model for the aged care industry.”
The following are the baby boomers’ top recent trends:
- ageing at home
- more individualised care
- higher standards of care
There is an increased emphasis on customer choice in aged care, according to a recent Deloitte analysis. For instance, more senior Australians are opting to “age in place” (i.e., at home) wherever practical. When residential care is chosen, providers are progressively adjusting their offerings to meet the interests of specific residents, such as by providing independent living options, cutting-edge amenities and individualised care.
Australians clearly want to remain in their current homes longer while still getting the resources they require to stay active and engaged. Consider adding the “Home & Community” specialisation to your Certificate III in Individual Support if you want to work in home and community care.
How can I contribute to Australia’s expanding aged care sector?
Many Australians will need skills to help and empower them to maintain their independence as they enter retirement. These services can be offered by aged care support staff, helping their patients live better lives. According to projected trends, the demand for compassionate, knowledgeable personnel will only increase, making Australia’s elderly care sector a growing industry.
You may get ready to address this expanding need for a competent workforce by earning certifications like the CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support. Are you interested in learning more about a career in individual support? Contact MWT Global Academy for more details. We will work with you to build your career in aged care.