Managers of Aged Care Residential Services

This article provides analyses of the number and characteristics of managers of aged care residential services in Australia at the time of the 2011 Census of Population. It documents the growth in capacity of these services, number of people employed and managers. The paper goes on to assess the diversity in the geographical distribution of managers. It examines the age and sex characteristics of managers in aged care residential services and compares them to health services and all industries. It estimates and reviews the average age of female and male managers at different levels of management. The analysis of the fields of study of these managers reveals the different pattern of the field of study of managers in aged care residential services and their level of education in comparison to the average for all industries. It also discloses gendered specialisation in the fields of study. Other analysis estimates the average income of managers in aged care residential services in comparison with those in health services and average in all industries. It examines the income of managers at different levels, with diverse levels of education and functions, and also differences in income of female and male managers. The analysis of marital status discloses a pattern in aged care residential service managers that is distinct from the pattern for all industries. The paper examines the changing origins of managers of aged care residential services according to their country of birth. It also assesses the relative representation of Indigenous people in the management of these services. Finally, it discusses issues of relevance to the organisation and management of aged care residential services and the training of their managers.