Shining a light on our aged care industry

AGED care, retirement living and seniors housing providers — along with residents, clients, families and loved ones — are invited to join Ageing Australia and say a massive ‘thanks for caring’ to our dedicated and compassionate care workforce to mark Aged Care Employee Day next month.

All Australians are gearing up to show their appreciation with morning and afternoon teas, celebrations and heartfelt messages of thanks to the dedicated workers who care for their loved ones.

Now in its seventh year — this year on Thursday 7 August — Aged Care Employee Day is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the dedicated people who work tirelessly to ensure the dignity, comfort and wellbeing of older Australians.

Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson said workers in aged care had gone above and beyond the call of duty in this past year and continue to face immense challenges in providing care and support for older Australians.

“As we approach Aged Care Employee Day, we want to keep in mind the almighty effort put in by everyone working in aged care — from leaders to frontline staff and those working behind the scenes — and encourage the public to take a moment and say, ‘thank you for caring’,” Mr Symondson said.

“Aged Care Employee Day has become an important date in our calendar and reminds us of the caring and professional work of our aged care superstars. Their care is personal, selfless and often unsung, and makes a meaningful difference in the lives of older people every single day,” Mr Symondson said.

“Our workers have proven to be care ‘superheroes.’ We want our residents and clients, their families and friends to join us in saying ‘thank you for a job well done’ and recognise the hard work that goes into in caring for our loved ones.”

“Be they managers, personal carers, nurses, kitchen and laundry staff, allied health professionals, cleaners, administrators, gardeners or volunteers, going above and beyond the call of duty, to keep older Australians cared for and safe.”

“We also want to encourage the entire aged care workforce to take a moment for themselves to regroup, take a breath, and recharge.”

“They all deserve our thanks for their professionalism, their warmth, and their enthusiasm to help older Australians live comfortably.”

“We congratulate our aged care heroes for their dedication, their compassion and their resilience and we encourage the public to give them the recognition they are so deserving of.”

Aged Care Employee Day will also be the day the winners of the Ageing Australia You are ACE! Awards will be announced, chosen from the over 500 nominations received as part of Ageing Australia’s You are ACE! sector recognition program. The Ageing Australia You are ACE! Awards recognise sector excellence across 15 categories.

Find out more about Aged Care Employee Day: https://ageingaustralia.asn.au/aged-care-employee-day