Honouring those who care for a living

The national day says thank you to over 365,000 aged care workers who provide care to around 1.3 million older Australians in aged care.

Aged Care Employee Day celebrates the work of all team members in aged care, no matter the position, and the invaluable meaningful relationships they develop with older Australians.

The day also recognises the rewarding and challenging profession that aged care workers dedicate themselves to.

The Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, says today is a great day to acknowledge the contribution from Australian’s volunteers, carer, nurses, allied health professionals, cleaners, administrative staff and many others who work in the aged care sector.

“I am immensely proud of our aged care workforce and your commitment to care for and enrich the lives of others. The Australian Government and the aged care industry are partners in a national effort to ensure our aged care system delivers quality and safe care for all senior Australians,” says Mr Colbeck.

“As aged care employees, you are the heart and soul of our nation’s efforts to ensure that our parents, grandparents, friends and loved ones are able to age with dignity, care and respect.

“I’ve been extremely impressed by the dedication and professionalism of the many aged care employees I’ve had the opportunity to meet so far. I thank you for your commitment to improving the lives of so many.”

Leading Age Services Australia Chief Executive Officer, Sean Rooney, says, “Aged Care Employee Day is designed to celebrate each and every team member involved in the journey of caring for older Australians.

“In many ways this is a challenging time for the aged care sector and sometimes we can forget the enormously positive contribution the overwhelming majority of our dedicated workforce makes to the welfare of older Australians and to our communities.”

The Shadow Minister for Ageing and Seniors, Julie Collins, also thanked workers in aged care.

“No matter where you work, we value what you do to care for some of our most vulnerable Australians,” says Ms Collins.

“I know from talking to workers that it’s tough work and it’s demanding work but I also know how rewarding it is. 

“Each and every day you help improve the lives of older Australians. You should be proud of the work that you do, and the care that you give, not only to older Australians but to their families and their loved ones and carers.”

The Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt says no matter the role of a worker in aged care, they are doing a magnificent job.

“I realise with the Royal Commission on these could be unsettling times. If there are cases of care which don’t meet the standards that we each want I think it’s important we find that out. But the very important message that has to come with this is, this is a sector which you should be rightly proud of what you are doing,” says Mr Hunt.

 “What you are doing is making a massive difference.”

Individuals and employers wishing to take part can find information and resources on the Aged Care Employee Day website here.