"The hardest thing to get my head around is the way that large corporations (for profit) are being allowed to take over this extremely important area, almost as though the government is closing its eyes to the whole problem af aged care and the ageing population.

With single companies owning multiple aged care facilities, where is the watch-dog group in all of this? As with all companies, everything is neatly and conveniently "compartmentalised".

Staff are told that they are not to discuss issues outside the facility because it breeches their work contract - as a result, all staff are to scared to raise any concerns in fear of losing their jobs .

Also, there seems to be an influx of untrained and unsuitable staff who, because of the unemployment rules, take on any job because Centrelink tell them they have to.

Companies want to take on *Division 2 Trainee to make money, then ask them to leave when their traineeship is over, causing loss of trained staff.

* [Div 2 Trainee is a student nurse not yet completed training and not yet registered with the Nurses Board. The facility is given special funding to employ under contract the student nurse until they have completed their training. Students take a lower rate of pay and a set number of working hours and they have their fees paid for them. they come under the Traineeship board.]

Many of the *PCA trainees have come into aged care because they are not able to find employment elsewhere and companies are desperate for staff take them on with very limited skills putting the residents and other staff at risk.

* [Personal Care Worker - there are no specfic educational requirements to become a personal care worker.]

Who is actually able to monitor these new companies - with their monopolies and team of lawyers and management?

Now even at staff meetings if an issue is not on the agenda, it can't be discussed, or if it does come up and management don't like it, it is brushed aside. There is so much protocol to go through, staff don't want to takle important issues, because it can be difficult if you don't understand the rules.

As the ANF rep I feel confident in tackling issues, but getting staff to have the confidence to question decisions is another matter.

Staff and relatives are conned into thinking that because their relative or resident is under the care of a large company they are limited in voicing their concerns or takling issues that may initiate changes.

Relatives also have the fear that now that a loved one has been placed (finally) that if they rock the boat the resident may lose their place or not be treated so well.

Why aren't these private companies made to show their earnings and profits to the public also who the shareholders and directors are, after all, funded by taxpayers?"

Melbourne based Registered Nurse - Name and Address Supplied [15 March 2004]