Aged care home explores ways to fill staff shortage
A Woy Woy aged care home is exploring ways to fill its shortage of aged care staff, the Rotary Club of Woy Woy has been told.
BlueWave Living human resources manager Ms Claire Tait explained that, despite advertising regularly, they had few applications.
They were seeking placement of first year nursing students, were recruiting staff through Tafe and universities, and were also looking a recruiting overseas.
"Claire gave us an excellent presentation on the growth of BlueWave, from opening with 20 beds in 1985 to expanding to 138 beds now," said club president Ms Julie Jones.
"With current construction, they will end up with 160 beds.
"As a result of the additional growth, they need additional carers to assist with the residents."
Ms Jones said there was a substantial gap to fill to give the residents the care they deserve.
"Claire explained that it is difficult at the moment when advertising positions to get many applicants.
"They advertise monthly and are lucky to get eight or 10 applicants."
Ms Jones said BlueWave had sought first year nursing students for placement.
"They are also working with Tafe and universities to recruit staff, but it is a slow process.
"She then outlined the plan for recruiting, training and employing aged care workers from overseas - the Philippines at present."
Ms Jones said BlueWave Living was a not-for-profit community owned organisation offering a range of residential aged care services.
It offered permanent residential care including dementia specific care and also respite accommodation.
"There was much interest in Claire's presentation with many questions from members."
SOURCE:
Newsletter, 7 Feb 2023
Julie Jones, Rotary Woy Woy