The Australian Government is providing a range of free initiatives to build, train and support the aged care workforce and drive further improvements in care for older Australians.

We are building the skills of aged care workers through training programs, scholarships, mentoring of new nurses and supporting clinical placements. We are supporting providers with workforce planning tools which include attraction and recruitment strategies.

Newly qualified aged care nurses can apply to the Aged Care Transition to Practice Program for targeted training and professional development. Nurses who take part in this program receive specialist training in aged care and gerontological nursing and mentorship from senior aged care nurses.

Nurses, personal care workers and allied health professionals are eligible to apply to for the Australian College of Nursing scholarships to support professional development. There will be a new round of scholarships early in 2023.

The Aged Care Registered Nurses’ Payment is available to registered nurses working in residential aged care, in-home care and Commonwealth Home Support Programme settings. Registered nurses must have worked with the same aged care provider over the eligibility period.

Up to $6,000 is available for full-time registered nurses with payments also available on a pro-rata basis for eligible part time nurses. Aged care providers are encouraged to apply for the Aged Care Registered Nurses’ Payment as soon as possible through a grant process on Grant Connect. The payment round has been extended to 28 February 2023.

The Home Care Workforce Support Program is designed to help the sector recruit an additional 13,000 personal care workers into the home care system. Six organisations have been funded to operate as the ‘glue’ linking providers to potential workers, whilst also implementing programs to support retention of existing workers.

There is an Aged Care Workforce Advisory Service to support both home care and residential aged care providers with recruitment and retention. Providers are supported by PricewaterhouseCoopers to explore the root causes of workforce issues and will have access to tailored recommendations to establish and improve:

• attraction and recruitment strategies
• health and wellbeing initiatives
• leadership development and training
• reward and recognition programs • utilisation of integrated workforce models
• workplace culture.

Providers can access free resources and program links to aid in addressing important workforce challenges.

Find these and other workforce initiatives on the Department of Health and Aged Care website.

Get involved in the aged care reforms by participating in consultations and other projects by visiting agedcareengagement.health.gov.au.