Sunshine Coast aged care ‘world class’

Aged care is looking bright in the Sunshine Coast after being described by Aged Care Teacher of Zhongqing TAFE Beijing, Glorie Topacio, as having “some of the best treatment in the world”.

Ms Topacio visited the Sunshine Coast on a reconnaissance mission as part of a partnership between her Beijing-based home institution and Sunshine Coast TAFE that will see hundreds of Chinese students taught Australian standard qualifications.

After visits to several residential facilities in the Sunshine Coast, Ms Topacio noted the standard was among the “best” she had seen.

“The first thing I noticed was how happy the residents were. They have a lot of activities to choose from that keep them active and healthy – trips to parks, activities and also great food choices,” she said.

“There was also a really good rapport between the workers and the residents – a really strong bond.”

According to Ms Topacio, Sunshine Coast residents have a “very high standard of care” which you do not necessarily see in other parts of the world.

The state’s aged care training clinic at Mooloolaba TAFE campus was also on Ms Topacio’s itinerary.

“One of my main goals was to learn from the high-quality aged care training that is taught here at Sunshine Coast TAFE and to take that back to China and improve the quality there,” she said.

Ms Topacio said visiting the campus’ practical rooms gave her a “real insight into what Beijing requires to reach the same standard.

“We still move patients manually [in Beijing], but I will be working to get a hoist and make better use of other aids, such as slide sheets to improve our practical areas,” she said.

The five-year partnership between Sunshine Coast TAFE and Zhongqing TAFE will see graduates gain a Certificate III in Aged Care, allowing them to work in aged care homes throughout China.

The program is part of a national effort to address the pressure facing aged care services with about 13% of the Chinese population currently aged 60 years and over.

Confident and excited, Ms Topacio said she learned many things on her visit that she could take back and teach in Beijing.

“This project is like hitting two birds with one stone – we are helping achieve qualifications and the chance of a rewarding and worthwhile career, and we are also helping address China’s shortage of aged care workers,” she said.

If you live in the Sunshine Coast area and have a loved one at an aged care facility, tell us what you think of the services offered. Share your comments in the box below.