Anchor Excellence supports groundbreaking national research program on aged care workforce retention

Australia’s premier aged care consultancy backs Deakin University’s pioneering study

Anchor Excellence, Australia’s leading consultancy practice specialising in aged care, retirement living, home care, and NDIS, proudly announces its support for a groundbreaking PhD research journey undertaken by their lead Disability Consultant Britt O’Keefe. This national study with researchers from Deakin University, delves into the crucial question of why personal care workers are choosing to either stay or leave Australia’s aged care sector.

“Over the last five years we have worked alongside over 7500 industry professionals from personal care workers through to Executive and Board members. The pressure on the aged care workforce is undeniable and often stems from the need for strong, cohesive leadership,” says Cynthia Payne, Managing Director Anchor Excellence.

“Effective leadership is not just a nice-to-have, but a critical must-have in navigating the challenges of aged care, ensuring staff are supported and consumers receive the care they deserve. Anchor Excellence proudly supports this research and believes that the outcomes will highlight tangible strategies to uplift the entire industry, benefiting both the workforce and those in our care.”

Residential aged care operators nationwide are grappling with significant turnover rates among their personal care workforce, a trend that is both concerning and unsustainable.

In a groundbreaking move, Deakin University researchers are conducting the first-ever national study encompassing both current and former personal care workers in a single national study. The aim is to understand, from the perspective of personal care workers, the factors influencing their decisions to stay or leave the aged care sector.

“This research is not only groundbreaking but essential for the future stability of Australia’s aged care sector,” says Britt O’Keefe, Lead Disability Consultant at Anchor Excellence.

“Understanding the factors influencing personal care workers’ choices will pave the way for the development of targeted retention strategies that can fortify and stabilise the aged care workforce.

Call to Action: Residential aged care operators urged to promote this nation study

In a call to action, Anchor Excellence encourages residential aged care operators across Australia to actively promote and engage their personal care workforce to take part in this significant research endeavor. Participation involves a one-off Zoom interview lasting 45 to 60 minutes, where personal care workers will share experiences shaping their decisions to stay or leave, as well as insights into effective supports that have motivated their continued employment. As a token of appreciation, participants will receive a $30 Coles eGift Card at the conclusion of the interview.

The results of this pioneering study, with ethics approval from Deakin University Human Research Ethics Committee (DUHREC 2022-154), promises to shape the future landscape of aged care in Australia. Anchor Excellence encourages all stakeholders to share this information with their personal care workforce, contributing to the improvement and sustainability of Australia’s aged care sector.

For more information or to express interest in participating, please contact Britt O’Keefe via email at  [email protected] or by phone on (02) 8610 1950. 

About Anchor Excellence

Anchor Excellence is a leading consultancy specialising in aged care, retirement living, home care, and NDIS. With a commitment to excellence, innovation, and the wellbeing of individuals in care, Anchor Excellence collaborates with industry leaders and stakeholders to shape the future of aged and disability care in Australia.