How to Prepare for the Future of the Aged Care Workforce

The Aged Care workforce will need to triple in size by 2050 and with many providers considering the best way to retain and recruit staff at all levels, now is the time to explore what’s needed and what the future workforce will look like.  

I believe there are 3 key focus areas to consider as we prepare for providing and supporting the right staff to meet future demands in the Aged Care Services Sector, including:

  1. Employing individuals who are the right fit
  2. Building our workforce in rural, regional and remote areas
  3. Staff wellbeing and productivity

Employing individuals who are the right fit

Most roles in the Aged Care Services sector require people skills. This means a desire to work with people and the ability to get along with people. People skills are the tools you use to communicate and interact effectively with others. Individuals with strong people skills are able to predict behaviour, relate to others and interact with others easily.


In the Aged Care Sector I believe the following attributes are also important:


  • valuing helping and improving an individual’s wellbeing
  • genuine desire to make a difference to the health of others
  • liking variety and enjoying a challenge
  • being organised and working as part of a team


Many of these behaviours ultimately need to be observed on the job, which is why the role of reference checking is such a critical element of your recruitment process.

Building our workforce in rural, regional and remote areas

 Recruitment and retention systems must be provided to the workforce in rural, regional and remote areas, along with comprehensive support and professional development for staff.

 

Covid-19 has accelerated the acceptance of online learning and provides a greater opportunity for all Australians in more remote areas to access training and resources that may have previously only been available by attending conferences and in real life events. This learning and development trend is likely to continue and improve.

ACSA is dedicated to supporting the aged care services industry to have ready access to a range of practical and relevant Training and Professional Development options.


Communities also need to continue to review and develop their plans to provide a supported pathway into courses, scholarships and mentoring to attract school leavers and community members into relevant Aged Care Sector courses.


Staff wellbeing and productivity


Mentally healthy workplaces are as important to Australian employees as physically safe workplaces. However, the State of Workplace Mental Health in Australia report by TNS Research for Beyond Blue reported that workplaces are not meeting their expectations.

 

Key findings of this report included that only 52% of employees believe their workplace is mentally healthy compared to 76% for physical safety and only five in ten (56%) believe their most senior leader values mental health. The specific results for the Healthcare and Social Assistance sector are listed in the table below.

The survey found that when mental health is valued by leaders there are real benefits to the business:


  • mentally healthy workplaces are important to workers (91% agreement among employees, 89% among leaders)
  • a widespread perception that organisations that value mental health are likely to be more productive (72% agreement among employees, 71% agreement among leaders)
  • organisational leaders who focus on mental health in the workplace inspire respect among employees (65% agreement among employees).


Strategies and resources to support the mental health and wellbeing of Australian workers are now readily available and the opportunity is for leaders to support the mental health of their teams to ensure a productive and safe work environment.

Providing your staff with a Mental Health toolkit supports their individual wellbeing and the overall wellbeing of your business. The Mental Health toolkit from blackdoginstitute.org.au includes:


  • a complete overview of what mental health means
  • detailed information on stress, depression and anxiety in the workplace
  • best practice advice on seeking help and tips on supporting others
  • information on wellbeing and staying well at work
  • links to helpful videos, websites and online tools


This evidence-informed workplace mental health toolkit is a practical guide for Australian workers to assist in the understanding of common mental health issues in the workplace, and provides strategies and resources to support those who may be experiencing a mental health condition.


It is my hope that there continues to be a proactive move by leaders to provide both interventions and wellness programs to assist all of their staff’s wellbeing.


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Why Sustainability in Healthcare Matters More Than Ever

By Health Staff Australia • June 1, 2026
World Environment Day | 5 June When we think about healthcare, our minds naturally go to patient care, medical innovation, and improving lives. Sustainability is not always the first thing that comes to mind. Yet increasingly, the two are becoming impossible to separate. As we mark World Environment Day on 5 June , it’s a moment to reflect on how deeply connected environmental health and human health really are. From hospitals and aged care facilities to clinics and community health services, the way we design, power, and run healthcare systems has a real impact on the world around us. The Link We Can’t Ignore Healthcare professionals are often the first to see how environmental issues translate into real patient outcomes. Poor air quality, heatwaves, pollution, and climate-related illnesses are no longer distant concerns — they are becoming part of everyday clinical reality. At the same time, healthcare itself is a resource-heavy sector. It exists to save lives, but in doing so it relies on energy, water, single-use materials, and complex supply chains that all contribute to its environmental footprint. This creates an important challenge: how do we continue delivering high-quality care while reducing harm to the environment that ultimately supports human health? More Than an Environmental Issue Sustainability in healthcare is not just about emissions or waste reduction. It also touches the human side of healthcare delivery. The environments healthcare workers operate in matter. Lighting, air quality, space design, and even access to nature or green elements can influence stress levels, fatigue, and overall wellbeing. In a sector already facing workforce shortages and burnout pressures, this becomes even more important. Sustainable design and smarter systems don’t replace clinical care — they support the people delivering it. A Shift Already Happening in Australia Across Australia, healthcare providers are beginning to rethink how facilities operate. There is growing investment in energy-efficient buildings, renewable energy sources, improved waste management systems, and more responsible procurement practices. While change is gradual, the direction is clear: sustainability is becoming part of long-term healthcare planning rather than an optional extra.

The Human Touch in a Digital World: Why Support Workers Matter More Than Ever

April 30, 2026
The Human Touch in a Digital World: Why Support Workers Matter More Than Ever As healthcare continues to evolve, technology is playing a bigger role than ever before. From digital care records and remote monitoring systems to telehealth appointments and automated scheduling, the way care is delivered is becoming faster, smarter, and more connected. But even in this increasingly digital world, one thing remains irreplaceable — the human touch. At the heart of quality care are support workers. And no matter how advanced systems become, their role is more important now than ever before. Technology is transforming care — but it can’t replace connection Modern healthcare tools have improved efficiency and accessibility across the sector. Information can be shared instantly, care plans are more structured, and communication between providers has never been easier. However, care is not just about data, schedules, or systems. It is about people. A device can track vital signs, but it cannot offer reassurance during a difficult moment. A digital system can record needs, but it cannot interpret emotion, tone, or unspoken concerns. This is where support workers step in — bridging the gap between clinical care and human experience. 

The Growing Demand for Care Workers in Australia

March 30, 2026
Why the country’s fastest-growing sector is facing a critical workforce shortage Australia is facing an unprecedented challenge in care — a data-driven crisis that is rapidly reshaping the healthcare landscape. As demand for aged care and disability support accelerates, the supply of qualified care workers is struggling to keep pace. The result? A “perfect storm” where providers are under pressure, workers are stretched thin, and the need for sustainable solutions has never been greater. The Care Crisis: A Sector Under Pressure The care and support sector is now Australia’s largest employing industry , accounting for over 16% of the national workforce . Yet despite its size, demand continues to surge at a pace the system is not fully prepared for. Aged care and disability support roles are projected to be among the fastest-growing occupations over the next decade , driven by both demographic and policy changes. Simply put: more Australians need care than ever before — and that number is only rising. A Demographic Shift Driving Demand At the heart of this demand is a significant and accelerating demographic shift. Australia’s population aged 65 and over is expected to increase by more than 2 million (67.8%) between 2024 and 2044 The number of Australians aged 85+ — those with the highest care needs — will grow by 67% between 2024 and 2035 The number of people requiring care is projected to rise from 1.5 million today to 2.5 million by 2050 This ageing population is not just growing — it is living longer, often with more complex health needs that require consistent, skilled support. At the same time, the expansion of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) continues to increase demand for qualified disability support workers, further intensifying pressure on the system. The Workforce Shortage Crunch While demand accelerates, workforce supply is falling behind. Australia could face a shortfall of 400,000 aged care workers by 2050 The NDIS sector alone requires an additional 128,000 workers by mid-2025 Staff turnover remains high, with attrition rates between 17% and 25% in disability support roles This shortage is not just about numbers — it’s about sustainability. High turnover, burnout, and ongoing recruitment challenges are making it increasingly difficult for providers to maintain consistent, high-quality care. Why Agencies Like Health Staff Australia Are Essential In this high-pressure environment, healthcare providers are realising they cannot solve workforce challenges alone.  This is where specialist staffing agencies like Health Staff Australia (HSA) play a critical role.