Sector rallies to say #ThanksForCaring on Aged Care Employee Day

Today, on Aged Care Employee Day (ACED), more than 400,000 invaluable aged care workers making a difference to lives all across the country are being thanked.

Now in its seventh year, the Ageing Australia initiative is celebrated annually on August 7, and provides a unique opportunity for communities, facilities, and individuals to show their appreciation for the hard work and dedication required to deliver high quality, compassionate aged care.

Ageing Australia chief Tom Symondson said ACED recognises every single person working in aged care “from leaders to frontline staff and those working behind the scenes.”

“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,” he said.

“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 our 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.”

The day is accompanied by Ageing Australia’s ‘You are ACE!’ Awards, which this year received over 500 nominations for individuals, teams and organisations that are going above and beyond within the sector.

Among the winners were St Vincent’s Care Queensland, which took out the ‘excellence’ category, Fronditha Care chief Faye Spiteri who was recognised for her exceptional leadership, and 22-year-old Brianna Browne who received the ‘rising star’ award for her dedication and rapid career progression at Harbison Retirement Living Village in NSW.

Villa Maria Catholic Homes (VMCH) in Victoria had two members of its aged care team nominated in the You are ACE! Awards – at-home aged care senior case manager Asmir Huzejrovic and longtime volunteer Carol Pickering.

At 80-years-old Ms Pickering has been volunteering with VMCH for more than half her life – 46 years to be exact – and the provider says she has brightened countless lives with her warmth and creativity.

Her selflessness and commitment saw her receive the ACE Award for volunteering.

“ACED is a time to reflect on the tireless efforts made by our aged care workers and volunteers each and every day, and thank them for their resilience, passion and commitment as they care for our aging community,” Sonya Smart, CEO of Catholic for-purpose aged and disability organisation VMCH, said.

“Whether it’s a Food Services Assistant offering a warm meal and a listening ear, or our laundry and cleaning staff ensuring dignity through care – their work matters.”

At Whiddon, Chief Happiness Officer (CHO) Roy the miniature schnauzer is proving that size isn’t an issue when it comes to making a big difference in the lives of older Australians.

Roy, along with a troupe of other furry (and feathered) friends, are being celebrated today across Whiddon’s aged care sites for their invaluable contribution to the health and wellbeing of residents.

“Roy just lights people up,” owner and travelling relief chef Lloyd McLetchie said.

“He makes my job easier. The moment he walks in, people smile, they relax, it’s like he brings a bit of home with him.”

Whiddon’s Creature Comforts program, a dedicated animal wellbeing initiative, has been co-designed with residents and families to incorporate a variety of animals into the lives of residents, helping to reduce stress, increase incidental movement, and encourage social connection.

“Whether they’re collecting fresh eggs from our chicken coops or cuddling up next to a resident during morning tea, these animals are more than visitors, they’re part of the team,” Whiddon chief experience officer Michael Monteleone said.

“Creature Comforts is a testament to how powerful small interactions can be. These moments restore a sense of home, routine, and warmth, and that has a lasting impact on wellbeing.”

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Aged Care Insite would like to say an enormous #ThanksForCaring to each and every one of our readers for your compassion, dedication and incredibly hard work. You are ACE!