Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said the peak body had long proposed a partnership between universities and aged-care services to increase student placements, better plan the workforce, and conduct research on the best models of care.

“We are particularly pleased that the Royal Commission has recommended the Government should fund the teaching of aged-care programs for students in both residential aged-care and home care.”

“We told the Royal Commission that health students who undertake clinical education and work experience in aged-care generate multiple benefits – to clients, to aged-care services, to other staff and to the future workforce.”

“Putting health students in aged-care makes a real difference for residents including better client mobility, cognition and mental function as well as decreased social isolation.”

“It also supports the Royal Commission’s other goal of better client access to a wider range of care.”

“Students also bring a vitality to aged-care services that makes them a more attractive place to work for all staff.”

“We are pleased to see this has been taken up as a recommendation in the Commission’s final report, along with suggestions for greater research collaboration, workforce planning and training.”

Ends

Note to editors:

Recommendation 83: By 1 July 2023, the Australian Government should fund teaching aged care programs for delivery to students in both residential aged care and home care settings. The teaching aged care programs should have designated catchment areas and should:

a. collaborate with educational institutions and research entities;
b. facilitate clinical placements for university and vocational education and training sector students;
c. act as a centre of research and training for aged care in a catchment area; and
d. act as a hub for approved providers in a particular region and support training of aged care workers from surrounding aged care services.