How to deal with the 24/7 nursing mandate

Aged care providers will need to adopt a multifaceted approach to staffing and training that involves targeted rostering to deal with the federal government’s new 24/7 nursing requirements that have forced the closure of at least 16 facilities across Australia.

The new laws have created a ‘seismic shift’ in the industry which now needs to adapt to new ways of working, while simultaneously dealing with the ongoing issue of attracting and retaining workers.

The transition to round-the-clock staffing has been demanding and it now requires effective, and sustainable, solutions to ensure compliance and the continued delivery of high-quality care to residents.

Aged care providers need to embrace staffing flexibility, incorporating a mix of permanent staff, casual workers and part-time employees to ensure uninterrupted coverage.

This blend of workforce segments not only meets the 24/7 mandate but also offers the agility required to manage varying care needs.

Under the new laws, from 1 July 2023, approved providers of residential care or flexible care provided to care recipients in a residential facility must have at least one registered nurse onsite and on duty, 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

It’s been reported that the number of aged care homes that have closed in Australia has been on the rise in recent years. In the past 15 months, there have been at least 16 closures impacting around 350 beds.

What we’re seeing is that, on average, one aged care facility closes its doors every month because of the demands of the new laws.

The only way to deal with this is to adapt as efficiently as possible.

There are several key strategies that could help providers meet the new requirements, while maintaining high levels of care. These include:

• Staffing flexibility — Aged care providers can implement staffing flexibility by maintaining a mix of permanent staff, casual workers and part-time employees. This approach ensures continuous coverage across all shifts, meeting the 24/7 staffing mandate effectively.
• Roster optimisation — Efficient rostering practices are essential to address the demands of the 24/7 staffing laws. Providers should predict peak hours and resident activity, identify potential coverage gaps and leverage rostering software to streamline the scheduling process.
• Technology integration — Aged care facilities can benefit from the integration of technology, such as workforce management tools, to aid in optimising staffing levels and schedules. Modern solutions can help in creating balanced rosters aligned with the new staffing regulations.
• Training and upskilling — Investing in training and upskilling programs for staff is crucial to ensure that they can handle the demands of 24/7 care. This includes education on mental health support and specialised care for residents.
• Collaboration and knowledge sharing — Aged care providers should actively collaborate with industry stakeholders, workforce management experts and government agencies to share best practices and strategies for meeting the staffing laws. Collective knowledge sharing can help the sector adapt and thrive in this transformative period.
   

The key to all this is rostering optimisation. Efficient rostering is a linchpin in achieving compliance. Predictive rostering aligns staff resources with resident activity and care demands, contributing to the welfare of residents and regulatory compliance.

The road to compliance with the 24/7 staffing laws may be challenging, but by adopting staffing flexibility and optimising rosters, providers can not only meet the legal requirements but also ensure the wellbeing of aged care residents and the sustainability of their facilities.

*Cameron Fancourt is a Director of Zonda Group, a specialised health recruitment company that provides healthcare staff to the broader medical industry, National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and aged care sectors. Fancourt brings a wealth of experience and expertise within the healthcare and wellness industry. With over 26 years of entrepreneurship in the hospitality, wellness, fitness, retail, beauty and service sectors, Cameron specialises in providing strategic direction and leadership to the organisations he works with.

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