The aged care sector provides for individuals who are among the most vulnerable in communities across Australia. The workforce’s thousands of employees provide vital care each and every day.
This Friday 7 August, 2020 is Aged Care Employee Day, raising awareness for this hard-working sector and its people. We encourage you to take this opportunity to acknowledge the important work of aged care workers.
Individuals working in aged care support seniors, delivering much-needed care in residential services and for those living independently. From personal hygiene to errands and even the comfort of social contact and conversation during some very challenging times, aged care workers have been at the forefront of the pandemic and its impact.
Honouring Aged Care Employee Day
Thanks for Caring is the theme for this year’s Aged Care Employee Day, and the day itself compels you to do just that — say thank you to the aged care employees who care for the elderly across the country.
Aged Care Employee Day acknowledges and raises awareness of the incredible work undertaken by carers, nurses, cleaners, cooks, drivers, hospitality teams, allied health professionals, admin teams, lifestyle officers, volunteers — everyone who contributes to the aged care sector.
Thank you to the aged care workforce
The aged care workforce is made up of a range of roles with employees contributing their unique skills and knowledge to provide care for ageing Australians in a variety of settings.
From residential care facilities to community-based care and home care, aged care workers make up a workforce of over 360,000 individuals who are making a difference in lives and communities with their work. While over 80% of those working in aged care are women, many men are coming into the sector to provide care to the growing number of aged care recipients each year.
There are many qualities that aged care workers bring to their jobs, enabling them to approach their work with compassion and kindness, including patience, empathy and effective communication skills. Aged care employees are capable of enhancing the physical and mental health and wellbeing of the elderly through their work, and often develop rewarding relationships with those in their care that are truly cherished.
The invaluable work of aged care employees
Aged care employees across the workforce provide care that is essential in our communities. This is care that has an impact on lives, both supporting and enhancing lives and even extending them through high quality support.
One of our Training Managers, Sally, shared her insights about the incredible people who work in aged care:
It takes a special person to work in Aged Care; they have to have compassion and empathy. They spend each shift caring for the vulnerable in our community with great care and respect for very low pay and often in difficult times. They are often dealing with challenging behaviours, difficult situations and sometimes unhappy families, but they continue to give the best care they can.
I worked in Aged Care as a carer for 15 years and it had its challenges but it was very rewarding. I met some beautiful older people who came from many diverse backgrounds, but I cared for them all exactly the same and I know I made a difference to their day! Aged Care workers make the lives of our elderly BETTER every day!
In addition, one of our aged care trainers, Michelle, shares why working within the aged care sector is so meaningful:
For me being a part of this sector is a wonderful honour. Every day that you go to work you make a huge difference in people’s days/lives. The people that you care for are so interesting, rich with stories of days gone by, stories like riding a horse to school with your sister and brother all on the same horse.
To be a good personal carer you need to have empathy and patience but in my experience, the more you give to these beautiful people the more you get back.
I have the highest regard for people working in the Aged care sector; they are amazing, strong, caring, selfless and deserve all the support they can get always but especially in these difficult times. Hold your heads high, we are all here standing with you!
This Aged Care Employee Day, join us in taking a moment to honour the aged care employees around you and thank them for their commitment and care. Support the aged care sector and its valuable contribution to the lives of our elderly as we continue to work together to ensure aged care is delivered to the highest standard possible.
Catalyst Education is proud to provide high quality training to aged care employees and we would like to say a sincere thank you to each and every individual who continues to undertake this meaningful work.
For more information about our aged care courses, please contact us today.
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