How Can We Better Navigate Staffing in Aged Care Facilities during COVID-19?

The question being asked across the country right now is “Why wasn’t aged care in Victoria better prepared for coronavirus outbreaks?”
ABC 7.30 investigated this issue on August 4th, reporting that “when the first signs of COVID-19 outbreak emerged in aged care facilities in March, it quickly became clear that the vulnerabilities it was exposing were not just those of the frail elderly, but to the system itself of the inherent weaknesses of its workforce.” Watch more here.

COVID-19 Has Exposed the Vulnerability of the Aged Care Workforce

ABC’s 7:30 report questioned the vulnerability of the aged care workforce and raised the issue of the aged care workforce’s ability to deal with the pandemic, referencing “woefully paid” staff with “no minimum training qualifications”.


The Royal Commission into Aged Care will be holding a special sitting next week to look at lessons learnt to date as to what has happened in aged care facilities. At the same time, the Senate Select Committee on COVID-19 has been seeking an explanation from the Federal Minister for Aged Care and related health bureaucrats as to why the early tragedies in aged care failed to trigger preparation for future outbreak

We’re Watching the Victorian Experience Closely

As the leading provider of staff in the aged care industry in NSW, we’re watching the Victorian cases closes, while working hard to support clients who may be impacted by COVID-19. In March 2020 my team supported an Aged Care facility who had a confirmed case of COVID-19 in Sydney helping staff the facility around the clock for four weeks while their staff were in isolation. My team and I are committed to providing qualified and experienced staff to maintain quality of care.


In Victoria every healthcare service and related service where they might find a ready workforce is under pressure because of the community transmission, and there are limits to the identification of a replacement workforce. To compound this issue, ABC 7.30 Reports that only 1 in 3 care workers in Australia have completed the infection control training and the request to put the list of homes with public outbreaks was denied.


Is the response too slow? Can the system cope?

Australian Government’s Guidance for Residential Aged Care Services

The Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission has expanded on the government's guidance with advice for providers of residential aged care services to protect consumers in residential facilities and home care services from the health risks related to COVID-19. This includes specific issues, actions to take, and helpful strategies to ensure the ongoing safety of aged care consumers. You can access the Commission's advice on their website here.


Due to the unprecedented nature of the pandemic, the Commission is encouraging aged care providers to come up with innovative ways to ensure the ongoing health, safety and wellbeing of consumers in their care, from keeping in touch with family and friends to activities that promote engagement. Some of these examples can be viewed here. Scroll down to watch the short video that contains four examples of services' innovative approach to the pandemic, and the current restrictions on visitors.


The Illawarra Mercury reported a new special care unit to protect its residents, staff and the community.  Warrigal is getting more COVID-19 ready by trialling a new special care unit at Warilla. The senior living provider has not recorded any confirmed coronavirus cases in any of its facilities but decided to develop the special care unit itself in its ongoing efforts to protect residents, staff and community from exposure to the virus. Read more here. 

How Can We Better Navigate Staffing in Aged Care Facilities during COVID-19?

The question remains - how can we ensure and support safe, quality care for aged care consumers during visitor restrictions relating to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic?


This Sydney Morning Herald article by Farrah Tomazin and Max Kozlowski was written 10 months ago, prior to COVID-19. This demonstrates there was already a shortage of staff in aged care due to funding shortages to aged care providers from the Australian government. 



Now the industry is at a breaking point, and the sector being criticised, even though they are doing a phenomenal job under the circumstances.

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.

Checklist: How to Prepare for Your First Role as a Support Worker

March 2, 2026
Starting your first role as a support worker is an exciting step in your healthcare career. At Health Staff Australia, we understand that stepping into a new environment — whether in aged care, disability support or community services — can feel both rewarding and overwhelming. The key to success lies in preparation, professionalism and the right mindset. Before your first shift, it’s important to ensure all compliance requirements are completed and up to date. This typically includes your National Police Check, Working With Children Check (if required), NDIS Worker Screening Check where applicable, current First Aid and CPR certification, relevant qualifications, immunisation records, proof of ID and your right to work documentation. Having your paperwork organised not only prevents delays but also demonstrates reliability and readiness from day one. Understanding your role is equally important. Take time to carefully review your employment contract, position description and any client care plans provided. Familiarise yourself with workplace policies, reporting structures and documentation procedures. If you are unsure about any aspect of your responsibilities, clarify this with your consultant or supervisor before your first shift. Confidence comes from knowing exactly what is expected of you. Practical preparation can significantly reduce first-day nerves. Confirm your shift time and location, plan your travel route in advance and allow extra time for unforeseen delays. Lay out your uniform the night before and pack essentials such as photo identification, a notebook, pen and water bottle. Presenting yourself professionally and arriving early sets a strong first impression with both colleagues and clients.  Refreshing key skills ahead of your assignment can also make a difference. Reviewing manual handling techniques, infection control practices, documentation standards and effective communication approaches will help you feel competent and capable. Even experienced support workers benefit from revisiting best-practice guidelines before entering a new workplace.