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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Health Staff Australia Is Excited to Return to the Shoalhaven Disability Expo 2026

September 4, 2026
Health Staff Australia is excited to be attending the Shoalhaven Disability Expo 2026 once again as a supplier and exhibitor! Having attended in previous years, we know just how valuable this event is for bringing together people with disability, families, carers, support workers, health professionals, community organisations and service providers. Each year has provided us with a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, have meaningful conversations and connect with the Shoalhaven community. We’re looking forward to being back at Bomaderry on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, and we can’t wait to see both familiar faces and plenty of new ones. Come and Meet the Health Staff Australia Team Health Staff Australia will have a dedicated table at the Expo, and we’d love for you to come and introduce yourself! For our team, attending events like the Shoalhaven Disability Expo is about much more than simply being there as an exhibitor. It gives us the opportunity to connect with people directly, understand the needs of the community, answer questions and introduce people to the services and support we provide. Our previous experiences at the Expo have been incredibly positive. We’ve enjoyed meeting individuals and families, connecting with other service providers and professionals, and building relationships within the local community. These face-to-face conversations are an important part of what we do, and we’re excited to continue building on those connections this year. Whether you’re already familiar with Health Staff Australia or are discovering us for the first time, come and have a chat with our team. We’re always happy to answer questions, share information and talk about how our services may be able to support individuals, families and organisations. Discover Services, Support and Opportunities The Shoalhaven Disability Expo brings more than 90 exhibitors together under one roof, making it an excellent opportunity to discover the range of services and resources available throughout the Shoalhaven and surrounding communities.

More Than a House: How Supported Independent Living Creates a Place to Thrive

July 28, 2026
For many people, home is much more than four walls and a roof. It's where routines are formed, confidence grows, friendships develop and life's everyday moments happen. For people living with disability, having the right home environment can make a significant difference to their independence, wellbeing and quality of life. That's where Supported Independent Living (SIL) comes in. Designed for NDIS participants who require support with everyday living, Supported Independent Living offers more than just accommodation. It provides a safe, supportive environment where people can develop practical life skills, work towards their personal goals and enjoy greater independence while receiving the level of support they need. Rather than focusing on what someone can't do, SIL focuses on what they can achieve with the right support beside them. A Home That Supports Independence Moving into a Supported Independent Living home is often a significant milestone. It represents the opportunity to gain greater independence while maintaining the reassurance of having experienced support workers available when needed. Every participant has unique goals, abilities and aspirations. Some may be working towards managing daily household tasks independently, while others may be focused on increasing community participation, building confidence or developing stronger social connections. SIL is designed to support these individual journeys, recognising that independence looks different for everyone. The beauty of Supported Independent Living is that support is personalised. Participants receive assistance that encourages them to do as much as they can for themselves while providing help where it is needed, creating the perfect balance between independence and support. Everyday Skills That Build Confidence Many of the skills we use every day are things we often take for granted. Preparing meals, doing laundry, shopping for groceries, managing appointments or keeping a home organised all contribute to living independently. Within a Supported Independent Living environment, these everyday activities become opportunities for learning, growth and achievement. Participants are encouraged to build practical life skills such as: Preparing healthy meals Shopping and budgeting Household cleaning and organisation Personal care routines Time management Using public transport Managing appointments Developing communication and social skills Every new skill learned contributes to greater confidence. Often, it's the small achievements that create the biggest sense of accomplishment, helping participants feel more capable and empowered in their daily lives. More Than Support—A Sense of Belonging One of the greatest benefits of Supported Independent Living is the sense of belonging it can provide. Living alongside others creates opportunities to form genuine friendships, share experiences and enjoy everyday moments together. Whether it's cooking dinner, celebrating birthdays, watching a favourite movie or heading out into the community, these shared experiences help reduce isolation and foster meaningful connections.  Feeling part of a household can have a positive impact on emotional wellbeing, helping participants build confidence not only within their home but also in their wider community.

NDIS Reform : What Support Workers Need to Know

June 29, 2026
Change Is Coming — But What Does It Really Mean? The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) continues to evolve, and 2026 marks another important stage in its reform journey. With discussions around funding, eligibility, provider regulation, and service quality making headlines, it's understandable that many support workers are wondering how these changes will affect their day-to-day roles. The good news? While reforms may influence how services are delivered and managed, the heart of disability support remains the same: providing high-quality, person-centred care. Here's a closer look at the key changes and what they could mean for you. One of the major areas of reform is ensuring that NDIS funding is directed to participants who meet the scheme's eligibility criteria and receive supports that are considered "reasonable and necessary." The aim is to create greater consistency in decision-making while ensuring participants receive the supports they genuinely need. For support workers, this may result in more structured support plans, clearer participant goals, and a greater emphasis on documenting how supports help individuals achieve their outcomes. Planning That Prioritises Outcomes The NDIS is moving towards planning models that place greater importance on participant outcomes rather than simply allocating hours of support. Future plans are expected to become more streamlined, with clearer budgets and stronger links between supports and participant goals. As a support worker, this means your role extends beyond delivering care. Your observations, communication, and progress notes will become increasingly valuable in demonstrating how your support contributes to a participant's independence and quality of life. Stronger Standards for Providers The government is also strengthening provider regulation to improve safety, quality, and consistency across the disability sector. These changes include increased compliance requirements, enhanced safeguarding measures, and ongoing improvements to provider registration processes. For workers, this may mean more comprehensive onboarding, regular training, updated policies, and greater accountability in everyday practice. While this can feel like additional administration, the overall goal is to improve outcomes for participants and raise standards across the industry. Increased Accountability Across the Sector Another focus of the reforms is ensuring that NDIS funding is used appropriately and transparently. Providers are expected to maintain accurate records, demonstrate value for money, and clearly show how supports align with participant goals. As a result, support workers may notice a greater emphasis on completing shift notes, documenting progress, and maintaining high standards of communication with participants, families, and care teams. These records are no longer simply administrative tasks—they help demonstrate the quality and impact of the support being delivered. Despite the reforms, one thing remains constant: Australia continues to need compassionate, skilled, and dedicated disability support workers. As demand for disability services continues to grow, organisations are looking for professionals who communicate well, adapt to change, and genuinely care about improving the lives of others. Technology, policies, and funding models may evolve, but empathy, professionalism, and quality care will always remain at the centre of disability support. Looking Ahead The NDIS reforms are designed to strengthen the scheme, improve participant outcomes, and build greater confidence across the sector. For support workers, staying informed, embracing ongoing learning, and maintaining high standards of care will ensure you're well positioned for the future. While change can seem daunting, it also presents an opportunity to continue growing as a professional and delivering an even greater impact for the people who rely on your support every day. Further Reading For the latest information on NDIS reforms, visit: NDIS Review Final Report: https://www.ndisreview.gov.au/resources/final-report National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA): https://www.ndis.gov.au NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission: https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au