Have your say on an aged care planning tool

The Aged Care Workforce Industry Council (ACWIC) is calling on the many providers and workers in the aged care sector to provide feedback on the Workforce Planning Tool, released in June 2022.

The free-to-use tool was designed specifically for aged care staff, offering ease of access and peace of mind, but development is far from over and feedback from users can guide future tweaks and changes.

Based on information entered into the Workforce Planning Tool, such as the organisation you work for and the services you provide, the tool will tell you the gaps in your existing structure and help you to create a more efficient work structure.

Interim Chief Executive Officer of ACWIC, Sarah McLelland, said that the tool has been successful, having been accessed by thousands of users since its release, and feedback is being sought to ensure the tool continues to meet the needs of the sector.

“The workforce planning tool enables Australian aged care providers to understand more about creating a strategic workforce plan so that they can effectively build their staffing models to provide holistic, human-centred and quality care,” Ms McLelland said.

“Our evaluation survey offers the aged care sector an opportunity to provide feedback about the tool to inform its further development.”

The survey will be available online until May 5 2023, meaning that those in the aged care sector can help build something that can make their lives easier.

“I invite everyone involved in aged care workforce planning, whether they are users of the tool or simply have an interest in the topic, to respond. We’re looking forward to hearing what the sector has to say about the tool, how they are using it, and what features or improvements they would like to see.

The tool has been brought to life through the input of CEOs, workforce managers, strategic quality managers and has received input from organisations with 20 to over 2000 staff members in the aged care industry.

Additionally, the tool can help providers with their understanding of the Australian National Aged Care Classification, assisting them with delegating their workforce capacity in order to meet the 200 minute benchmark.

“We’re keen to make the tool as valuable as it can be for aged care providers and that’s why we’re seeking further input as we work to improve the features and functionality of the tool, to support aged care providers to build a sustainable workforce.

“Workforce planning is critical to ensure that older people continue to receive a high standard of care, and that the wellbeing of aged care workers remains a priority,” she said.

Through inputting one’s information and building a dynamic account with the tool, workers will be able to develop reports easily, which can be personalised and reflect the necessary information as per the aged care regulatory standards.

To access the Workforce Planning Tool and complete the survey, please visit the dedicated ACWIC Workforce Tool website.

For more information on the role that technology can play in the aged care workforce, check out the Talking Aged Care article on safety technology in residential care.