Aged care opportunities

9 May 2008

Starting your career in an aged care facility means you can be paid while studying, and pick up valuable, practical skills in nursing and other services.

NORTH Mackay’s Resthaven on Quarry aged care facility relocated to its current site in 1999 after operating since 1967 at a previous site.

The facility has always been a privately-owned concern and has been owned and operated by Joan Patteson and Mary Anne Edwards since 1984.

At this time, the facility expanded from a 30-bed nursing home to 30 high-care and 10 low-care residential agedcare facilities. The facility has since successfully made two applications to the Federal Government for additional bed allocations, resulting in an additional 23 places being allocated. The facility now boasts 42 high-care places and 21 low-care places inclusive of one dedicated high-care respite place.

“Our facility is staffed 24 hours per day, with continual coverage by qualified staff over both high and low care sections,” co-owner Mrs Edwards said.

“All staff are encouraged to obtain formal qualifications if employed in either areas of personal care or support services.

“Staff are offered regular educational opportunities to ensure knowledge in latest advances in best practice in aged care or to enhance skill level and knowledge base.

“As with most industries, aged care is struggling at times for a percentage of the employment market that has the skills and interest in aged care,” Mrs Edwards said.

“Aged care, which is a recognised specialist area of nursing, still provides the best opportunities for those who are seeking a career in nursing from school-based traineeships in Certificate III in Aged Care to employment, whilst completing endorsed enrolled nurse training or gaining a Diploma in Nursing (RN).

“Employment within the aged care sector provides these future specialist nurses with a venue to gain practical skills and become adept in the delivery of basic nursing care skills, gain the ability to observe, assess, identify, evaluate and respond to changes in care needs, all while earning an income during study,” she said.

“The skills shortage used to be limited to care staff but now many facilities find it difficult to attract support staff with the appropriate interest and skills as well.

“Educational opportunities exist on many levels for support staff. The skills learned and qualifications available equip those employed within this area with experience that is desired in many employment opportunities,” Mrs Edwards said.

“Aged care is one of the most heavily regulated and legislated areas by government. Facilities, whether privately, community or religiously owned, are subsidised by the Federal Government for the care delivered.

“There are continual communications between the industry peaks, representing aged care providers, and the Federal Government in an attempt to establish a fairer system of funding and a more reasonable, proactive, cooperative approach to regulation,” she said.

“It is neither reasonable nor acceptable to the industry, nor should it be accepted in the general community, that the 2005/06 figures as submitted by providers’ audited financial accounts to the government and audited by Grant Thornton, show that 40% of aged care providers were showing a loss.

“There is every indication that this trend will continue in 2006/07 and, in fact, be a higher representative percentage,” Mrs Edwards said.

Rest haven on Quarry’s layout is all single rooms with private or jointly-connected ensuites.

All rooms feature a bay window, several gathering areas, dining areas, activities areas, a beauty treatment room and hydrotherapy room. A small coffee shop is currently being established. 

Extensively-landscaped grounds feature gardens and four outdoor pergolas. The area is fully fenced and there is off-street parking.
 

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Medical & Healthcare jobs