The Home Care Workforce Support Program
Presenting this projects’ methodology, observations, learnings and recommendations for the sector, government, and providers.
The Consortium
Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland with Consortium partners, Skills Hubs and Skills Generation were contracted by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care to attract, train, and support the attraction and retention of Personal Care Workers (PCWs) across Queensland over 2 years, through the Home Care Workforce Support Program (HCWSP).
About the HCWSP
On 1 March 2021, the Final Report from the Royal Commission
into Aged Care Quality and Safety was published (Royal
Commission, 2021). In August 2021, the Australian Government
announced funding for the ‘Home Care Workforce Support
Program’ to provide $91 million over two years.
Objectives of the program
Attract, train and support the retention of an additional 13,000 personal care workers (PCWs) nationally to the home care sector over 2 years by June 2024. (Department of Health and Aged Care, 2021).
Services delivered
Nationally, 6 grant recipients delivered programs of work within their jurisdiction, providing wrap-around services to the Home Care Sector consisting of:
RecruitmentTrainingRetentionCapabilityRecruitmentActivities to attract and recruit new PCWs to the sector
TrainingActivities to support new PCWs
recruited through the program to complete high-quality training
RetentionActivities to improve retention of new PCs in the sector
CapabilityActivities to enhance the capability
of home care providers to attract,
train and retain workers.
Project Impact
At a glance
The focus of the HCWSP program of work, was to increase the number of Personal Care Workers (PCWs). The Queensland HCWSP adopted four main aims and objectives:
- Raising the profile of the PCW role
- Attracting the right people to the sector
- Screening for the Ideal candidate
- Embedding Person-centered care
The impact of the program was measured against four Key Performance Indicators.
New PCWs Employed
0
New Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander PCWs Employed
0
New PCWs Employed From Remote Or Very Remote Queensland
0
PCWs Commencing Aged Care Certification Training
0
Library of Lived Experiences
I'm a part-time online educational designer living on the Northern Beaches in Cairns. Despite living far from my late mother, I cared for her by visiting on my days off, managing her medical needs, and relying on friendly neighbors and home care services to support her daily activities and alleviate her loneliness.
- Roger, Carer for his Mum 
I live in the flooded area of Rosslea and struggle with loneliness and health issues like emphysema and severe bone problems. Despite these challenges, the support from my care workers and aged care services, including weekly outings and meal deliveries, has been invaluable, making a significant difference in my life.
- Loraine, Home Care Consumer 
Last year, at 82, I moved to Australia and began volunteering and working as a Personal Care Worker after a diverse career in the USA. Now employed by Home Instead Gold Coast, I find great satisfaction in supporting people in their homes, blending my passion for caregiving with my family's healthcare legacy.
- Glen, Personal Care Worker 
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