About 23 per cent of Australia's population is over 60. That figure is estimated to rise to 25 per cent over the next two decades, when one in five Australians will be aged at least 80.
The demand for quality aged care has never been greater.
The problem is that caring for our older population is demanding both physically and emotionally - and many workers end up "burnt out", taking periods of time off, or leaving the industry all together.
This is particularly the case with older female workers who are unable to cope with the physical demands of caring.
As a result, the industry is suffering a major shortage of workers.
A 2011 study reported that nearly 40 per cent of vacancies for registered aged care nurses took more than a month to fill.
Rural and regional services find it particularly hard to recruit employees, let alone retain them long term.
The migrant workforce is often touted as a solution. While in the short term this appeals, it does come with its own challenges.
The current Aged Care Royal Commission is receiving submissions on an observed lack of skills in aged care delivery, including gaps in communication, language and cultural understanding, to name a few.
There is also the question of how the employment of entry-level workers - many of whom are migrants - is regulated, and whether appropriate standards are in place.
Australia's new aged care standards, which came into effect this month, offer some hope for better care for our seniors.
But we also need to do more to support aged care workers - particularly the female migrants who make up such a large proportion of our aged care workforce.
At La Trobe University we are exploring what makes female migrant aged care workers stay in the industry long-term, and the types of training, resources and supports they need to deliver high-quality care.
Whether it's more culturally aware managers, clearer policies and procedures, or a local community that makes them feel valued and supported, we want to know what would help.
We are seeking input from female migrant aged care workers on their experiences in and out of the workplace.
For more information visit https://now.latrobe/2lAzKkm
Together, we can do better for our older Australians. We owe it to them.
Dr Monika Winarnita is a researcher in humanities and social science, and Professor Irene Blackberry is a researcher in rural ageing. Both are at La Trobe University.
