Workforce Innovation Network to connect Aged Care Workers
17 June 2013 at 10:14 am
A new aged care workforce network has been formed to look at better career paths and the changing roles of carers, community workers and nurses in the aged care sector.
The Federal Government launched the Aged Care Workforce Innovation Network (WIN) aimed to assist aged care providers adapt to Australia's ageing population and a rapidly changing aged-care industry as well a research component which focuses on improving career paths for aged care workers.
Higher Education and Skills Minister Sharon Bird said the Aged Care WIN would deliver more than 190 business reviews and tailored business grants.
"We all know that we have an ageing population and this network is about acting now to meet the challenges of tomorrow," she said.
"The free Reform Ready Reviews will help businesses identify what they need to remain sustainable in a rapidly changing industry. This will be backed in by tailored grants of up to $15,000 to implement changes."
The Aged Care WIN will run in 10 regions across Australia. At a local level it will help ensure local aged-care providers, government and other organisations work well together.
"Aged care is not simply about medical care – it involves the whole community,” Bird said.
“These regions will build better relationships between all of the organisations involved in looking after older Australians, which will make aged care that much more effective."
The Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council will work with peak bodies and industry to deliver the Aged Care WIN.
Three research projects will complement the Aged Care WIN by helping to identify better career paths for nurses; looking into the changing roles of carers and community care workers; and developing leadership skills in the aged care sector.
The new network will provide support to implement the changes identified by the Australian Government and the aged care sector in the reform package Living Longer, Living Better.
