Aged care workforce has gained a lot of attention from researchers, policy makers and government in recent years. The impact of the pandemic, changes in regulations and the Royal Commission into Aged Care has highlighted many issues relating to the delivery of care and the importance of elder satisfaction with staff quality and internal environment (Murray et al., 2023). However, the psychological impact of these changes on the workforce have not been explored in as much detail.

Teamwork is essential across home and residential settings and requires effective interpersonal communication as well as good self-awareness of one's own strengths and weaknesses in supporting the elderly with declining physical health. Without effective teamwork staff can experience isolation, withdrawal, stress, increased workload and higher risk of burnout. Further, they are more likely to resign and, at times, leave the aged care sector.

Equipping the workforce with skills in how to deal with change, build resilience, tackle difficult conversations and work-related aggression and violence can boost their confidence, productivity and job satisfaction. Improving worker knowledge on the psychological aspect of their jobs can equip them to better overcome the challenges and improve their work/life balance.

Murray CM, Milanese S, Guerin M, Bilton R, Baldock KL, Parfitt G. Exploring what matters to residents of Australian aged care facilities with the Happy Life Index: comparison of qualitative responses between pre- and mid-Covid-19 pandemic time points. Qual Life Res. 2023 Aug;32(8):2247-2257. doi: 10.1007/s11136-023-03387-0. Epub 2023 Mar 16. PMID: 36928652; PMCID: PMC10019411.