Can millennials save aged care?
Attracting young people into the world of caring for aged
Dr Christine Clark
In a world screaming for care givers, we lament the future, review, and re-review the sector and discuss new policy endlessly. We ponder on how to attract young ones into a career that has little recognition or status and, in many countries, very poor pay.
Recently I was asked to consider how we can overcome the problem of changing the age demographics of our carers and thought back to the things that attracted young people. One stand out was the ability of young people to undertake the ‘overseas experience’ and earn. Bar tending and nannying were very popular. So, extending these thoughts, let’s go global with care giver training and help the young person explore the world (covid willing) whilst offering a much-needed service and earning an income.
Radical solution - develop a generic qualification that is recognised anywhere. Yes, some countries will require add-ons such as knowledge of culture and laws, but this can easily be offered prior to working in that area. There is however a large amount of generic knowledge and common skills that can be easily taught online and anywhere.
We would have to stop talking and procrastinating and spend a little productive time to make this happen. Then we would have that younger, skilled, and highly experienced workforce available to look after our people who deserve this level of care. We would no longer suggest that the unemployed fruit pickers and farm labourers who have no training are acceptable care givers.
We can be even more radical and consider this overseas experience as contributing to entry into a health profession such as nursing or allied health. We then not only offer the young person the OE they want but also a pathway to an incredible future at the same time saving our aged care sector.
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