Aged-care staff fears

Shortage puts elderly at risk

UNPRECEDENTED understaffing in Tasmania’s aged-care facilities could put residents and staff in danger, according to the state’s community services union.

HACSU acting state secretary Robbie Moore on Tuesday released the results of the largest survey of aged-care workers in the state, which found staff feel they are unable to provide the care older Australians deserve.

About 300 aged-care workers from across the state took part in the survey.

This comes as the final report into the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety is set to be released on Friday, with Mr Moore urging that any recommendations made needed to be actioned immediately.

Mr Moore said the results revealed 83 per cent of workers felt they could not usually complete their daily tasks and that because of staff shortages did not expect to be working in aged care in five years’ time.

“These are workers that aren’t paid very much, but that’s not the number one reason — the number one reason is that they’re not able to give older Australians the care and dignity they deserve,” he said.

“They’re unable to attend to attend to alarm bells when residents say they need help, it might be to go to the toilet, even.”

Chrissie O’Brien has worked at one of Tasmania’s largest aged-care facilities for about 10 years, and previously loved the industry. “But it’s really, really declined,” she said.

She said staff shortages often meant some residents would not be fed properly or would be left unshowered.

“You feel like you’re getting nowhere. You haven’t achieved helping people, which is the reason why we got the job,” she said.

“It’s devastating. It’s not a place I want to be when I get old and I’d hate to see some of my family members in the same boat.”