The Australian Defence Force to Provide Immediate Support for Aged Care Workers

Today the Australian Government has announced that up to 1,700 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel will be deployed to provide support and assistance to aged care staff.

The deployment will provide immediate assistance to those working in aged care with ADF personnel assisting to stabilise outbreaks and fill staff shortages in residential aged care homes across the country.

Training will be provided to ADF personnel by Aspen Medical.

The ADF cannot replace skilled aged care workers, however they will be able assist across aged care homes in a range of roles including logistics and general duties.

This may include screening of entrants to homes, providing companionship to residents, supporting with meals and other non-direct care functions to take the pressure off qualified aged care workers and medical staff.

Additional support teams to undertake these general support roles are being established.  Up to 50 personnel to be available in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia from 9 February 2022.  The ADF is ready to expand this commitment to up to 200 personnel in each state and territory, or up to 1,700 personnel if required.

The deployment of ADF personnel to individual facilities will be determined with the Department as part of existing case management and workforce support for residential aged care homes experiencing outbreaks.

• Aged care in the ACT
• Aged care in New South Wales
• Aged care in the Northern Territory
• Aged care in Queensland
• Aged care in South Australia
• Aged care in Tasmania
• Aged care in Victoria
• Aged care in Western Australia