There has never been a better time to celebrate Aged Care Employee Day, an initiative first launched by aged care provider Whiddon in 2018 and now led by aged care peak body Leading Age Services Australia, on Saturday.
“It takes a passion and dedication to work in aged care, especially during a trying time such as the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Joshua Freeman, Goulburn Valley Health Community Care and Mental Health Executive Director in Shepparton, 181km north-northeast of Melbourne’s CBD.
“I hope you’ll join me in thanking everyone who contributes to the care of our aged care residents.”
It takes a special someone to work in aged care. While every aged care employee has highly valued practical skills – whether they’re a nurse, a care worker, a driver, a chef, a cleaner, a maintenance worker or a lifestyle officer – it’s the way aged care employees interact with the elderly in their care that makes them all extraordinary.
More than 360,000 aged care staff support 1.3 million older Australians receiving home care or residential aged care services.
Deni Cocciolone has been Activities Officer at Carinity Fairfield Grange in Idalia, a southern suburb in Townsville, 1,350km north of Brisbane’s CBD, for the past two years.
“We hope to fulfil residents’ days with enriching activities that resonate with their likes and hobbies, help achieve their goals or even try something new,” she said.
“I enjoy the reaction from residents during activities, when their faces light up followed by expressions of how nice a time they had. It brings feelings of great satisfaction and accomplishment knowing that we helped make their day.”
The support, patience, empathy and love that aged care employees pour into their work is something to be celebrated.
Aged Care Employee Day is tomorrow, Saturday, 7 August.
Discussion1 Comment
The nurses and carers at Wesley Mission Age3d Care at Sinnamon Park are exceptional and I thank them wholeheartedly