Aged Care Employee Day celebrates the efforts of over 370,000 Aussies

Key points:

• Approximately 370,000 aged care workers are employed in Australian aged care facilities, home care and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme
• Carinity employees, such as Emily, Rosemary and Janelle, are being celebrated this Aged Care Employee Day for their enthusiasm and dedication when caring for older Australians
• Approximately 66 percent of personal care workers hold a Certificate III or higher in a relevant direct care field

The Aged Care and Community Providers Association is holding this year’s Aged Care Employee Day on August 7, 2024, to celebrate the work and effort of aged care workers in supporting older Australians.

Approximately 370,000 aged care workers are employed in Australian aged care facilities, home care and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme. 

Emily is the administrative officer at Carinity Cedarbrook, but has previously worked as a home support worker, receptionist and roster clerk and values the impact that she can have on the lives of older Australians.

“I enjoy meeting potential residents and families and being able to assist them to begin their aged care journeys. I like knowing I am contributing to making a difference to someone’s quality of life,” she said.

“It is such a pleasure to be able to be a part of a resident’s ‘final chapter,’ treating them with the grace and respect they deserve.

“If you want a career where you feel you make a difference in people’s lives, this is it.” 

More than 4.2 million Australians are estimated to be aged 65 years or older, with the number of Australians over the age of 85 years set to double by 2042.

Rosemary has worked in multiple roles for Carinity Aged Care over the last 30 years. [Source: supplied]

Rosemary began working as a nurse in hospitals, but then started working as a registered nurse at Carinity Brookfield Green Aged Care community in 1994.

Since then, Rosemary has worked in many roles with Carinity Aged Care, with her current position involving aged care governance.

“My current role involves internal auditing, analysis of clinical indicators and management of the clinical systems we use in aged care,” she said.

“I enjoy working with people who have a love and passion for the care of elderly people. We are all one large family with a common goal [of] helping others.”

Approximately 1,300 aged care and home care workers provide care for older people in Queensland through Carinity services. 

Janelle, in the centre, was inspired to help older Australians as they age by helping them to live their best lives. [Source: supplied]

Approximately 66 percent of personal care workers hold a Certificate III or higher in a relevant direct care field.

Janelle studied a Certificate course to qualify as an enrolled nurse and she explained why being caring is important in the role.

“What inspired me to work with the elderly is they are often vulnerable, frail people that need help and a way to adjust to living their new lifestyle when coming into aged care,” she said.

“My favourite part of my current role is being able to interact with residents and their family to fulfil their desires and needs. My compassion and caring nature helps them to maintain their quality of life and provides dignity to them.”

You can assist the older people in your care with more confidence and increase your job prospects by gaining a relevant aged care qualification. 

Some options include Technical and Further Education courses, such as:

• Certificate III in Individual Support, which has multiple streams
• Certificate IV in Ageing Support

Aged care workers may care for many older Australians who live with health issues and diseases. Learning more about how to help people with certain conditions can help to ensure the best care is provided.

Over 411,000 Australians are living with some form of dementia, according to the latest estimates from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

To increase your knowledge about dementia, the University of Tasmania has released a free course, known as a Massive Open Online Course, called Understanding Dementia. The target audience includes health professionals, community support workers and people with loved ones living with dementia.

Staying up to date with relevant training can help you better support and advocate for the older Australians that you care for, but certain personal characteristics such as respect, empathy, patience and good communication skills are valued in the industry.

To show your gratitude for the aged care workers in your life, you can create a ‘thank you’ video or write a message for aged care workers on the Aged and Community Care Providers Association website.

Alternatively, you could print a ‘thank you’ note and give it to aged care workers to whom you’d like to show gratitude.  

How will you celebrate aged care workers this year?

Let the team at Talking Aged Care know on social media. 

For more information and news in the aged care industry, subscribe to our free newsletter. 

Relevant content:

Acting Inspector-General of Aged Care addresses government response to Royal Commission

Upcoming 3G network closure may affect your access to emergency services

Prime Minister Albanese appoints new Assistant Minister for Ageing