How to Find Trusted Aged Care Staffing Support in Australia

It’s no secret. We need more aged care workers here in Australia. In fact, the country is facing a shortage of at least 110,000 direct aged-care workers within the next decade unless urgent action is taken to boost the workforce.

This growing demand puts pressure on aged care providers to find reliable, skilled staff, and fast. But with the shortage looming, how can you find the right people when you need them most? In this guide, we’ll explore how to find trusted aged care staffing support in Australia, including what to look for in recruitment agencies, how to prioritise compliance and quality, and why platforms like Sidekicker are becoming gold for providers nationwide.

So, how do you find aged care workers who are reliable, qualified, and ready to step in when you need them?

Let’s break it down.

Why Reliable Aged Care Staffing Is So Important

Caring for the elderly is about compassion, respect, and trust. The people you hire become the faces of your service, the ones your clients rely on day in, day out.

When staffing doesn’t work out, it’s more than inconvenient. Missed shifts or inconsistent care can seriously impact clients’ well-being and trust in your service. Plus, it can add stress for your whole team,  leaving others to pick up the slack, sometimes at short notice.

Reliable staffing means peace of mind. It means your clients get the continuity of care they deserve, and your team can work confidently, knowing they’re well supported.

What to Look For in an Aged Care Recruitment Agency

Picking the right recruitment agency can save you time, reduce stress, and most importantly, help you find the right people.

Here’s what to keep an eye out for:

Picking the right recruitment agency can save you time, reduce stress, and most importantly, help you find the right people.

Here’s what to keep an eye out for:

1. Do They Know Aged Care?

You want an agency or platform that really gets aged care, not just any kind of staffing. They should understand the skills and certifications needed, the regulations in place, and the special qualities that make a great aged care worker, like empathy, patience, and adaptability.

2. Are They Thorough with Screening?

Trustworthy agencies won’t just take anyone. They should do proper background checks, police clearances, and verify certifications. It’s about safety for everyone, clients and staff alike. If this sounds like a lot of admin, that’s because it is, and a good agency should handle all of it for you.

3. Can They Prove Quality?

Ask if they provide ratings, reviews, or feedback on their workers. Knowing how past shifts went can help you pick staff who actually deliver on their promises. A transparent system builds trust,  both for you and the workers.

4. How Flexible Are They?

Your needs might change fast. Maybe someone calls in sick, or you suddenly have a new client needing support. A good agency or platform should be able to help you find temporary, casual, or permanent staff as needed. Flexibility is key in aged care.

Tips for Hiring the Right Aged Care Worker

Whether you’re hiring yourself or using an agency, these tips can help you find the best fit:

• Be clear about what you need: What skills, certifications, or personality traits matter most to you?
• Use multiple sources: Don’t just rely on one agency or platform; use a mix of channels to widen your search.
• Interview for empathy and reliability: Experience matters, but attitude and care-focused mindset are just as important.
• Consider a trial shift: If possible, see how someone works with clients and your team before making a long-term commitment.

How to Spot Quality Aged Care Staff Quickly

When you’re in a rush to hire, it’s tempting to focus only on availability. But hiring someone who fits your care standards and team culture is just as important.

Here are some quick ways to spot quality candidates:

• Look beyond the CV: Skills and certificates are important, but attitude and empathy matter just as much in aged care. Ask about their motivation and experience with clients.
• Check for references: Past employers or supervisors can tell you a lot about reliability and how they handle real situations.
• Trust your instincts: If you’re using a platform like Sidekicker, pay attention to worker ratings and reviews; they’re your best guide to quality.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll avoid costly hiring mistakes and find workers who truly care.

The Role of Casual and Temporary Staff in Aged Care

Temporary staff aren’t just a backup plan; they can be a vital part of your team. Here’s how they can help:

• Cover unexpected absences: When someone calls in sick or takes emergency leave, having access to pre-vetted casual workers can be a lifesaver.
• Support during busy periods: Public holidays, flu season, or special events can stretch your regular team. Temporary staff help keep standards high without burning out your permanent workers.
• Try before you commit: Temporary shifts give you a chance to see how someone fits your culture and handles the work before offering a permanent position.

Platforms like Sidekicker make finding and booking temporary aged care workers fast and hassle-free, so you’re never caught short.

Why Sidekicker Is a Great Choice for Aged Care Staffing

If you haven’t heard of Sidekicker yet, let us introduce ourselves.  We are a platform that’s changing how providers find great aged care staff.

Here’s why Sidekicker works well for aged care:

• Pre-vetted workers: All candidates go through strict screening specific to aged care requirements.
• Flexible options: Whether you need someone for a single shift or a longer stint, you can find casual or temporary workers easily.
• Easy shift management: Post shifts, communicate with workers, and manage bookings — all in one simple app.
• Real-time feedback: You can see worker ratings and reviews, so you know exactly who you’re hiring.

Finding trusted aged care staff isn’t always easy, but it’s necessary for delivering the care your clients deserve. By knowing what to look for in recruitment agencies, using smart hiring tips and building a reliable pool of casual and temporary workers, you can stay ahead of demand.

If you want to learn more about how Sidekicker can support your aged care staffing needs, get in touch today, and let’s make staffing simpler, together.

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