A new study, released this week, predicted the ratio of aged care workers to people above the age of 65 across NSW in 2031.

While Albury was on par with the average of about 18 people to every worker, Corowa ranked 18 in the state’s hotspots with 33 people for every worker, followed by Greater Hume Shire at 31.

Mercy Place Albury service manager Doug Wain said he believed the projections to be in line with what the region would experience in coming years.

“It’s interesting what’s happening with aged care,” he said.

“There’s a lot more money being put into keeping people at home, and that’s a good thing – those people still need to be cared for at home by qualified staff.

“It’s about how the government makes sure the TAFE and universities are funded to provide enough health care placements to help meet the need.”

Training provider VERTO chief executive Ron Maxwell, which commissioned the study in conjunction with the Western Research Institute, agreed.

“I think the reinstatement of government incentives for employers to hire young staff would help build capacity,” he said.

Mr Wain said that workers aged under 50, who made up about half of his staff, were crucial to ensuring continuing care for an ageing population.

“We know in a couple of years’ time some of our registered nurses will be wanting to retire,” he said.

“We’re already looking at how we can attract younger nurses.”

The report stated skills shortages would be experienced most acutely in regional NSW.

Mr Maxwell considered the state average of 18 people per worker too high.

Mr Wain said Mercy Place was positioned better than the average 2031 projection – with 120 beds and 209 staff.

“We could be bigger and still manage well,” he said.

“As the population ages, yes facilities will be expanding in this area – I’m sure in Albury, we’ll see a new one open.

“We need to make sure we’re doing everything we can to recruit staff that want to work for us and stay working for us.

“Our residents are the most important thing.”