THIS Friday, August 7, is Aged Care Employee Day, a special day honouring the more than 450,000 aged care workers across Australia – including but not limited to nurses, personal care workers, allied health staff, chefs, cleaners, and volunteers – who support older Australians.
Currently, approximately 1.3 million Australians receive aged care services across the country. In Greater Shepparton, 53 per cent of the local population is aged over 70, and 16 per cent report needing help in their day-to-day lives due to disability, according to Greater Shepparton City Council’s ‘Positive Ageing Strategy 2023.
This annual celebration in an opportunity for communities, organisations and individuals across Australia to say thank you for caring, and to recognise the dedicated and compassionate people who support older Australians. Aged Care Employee Day also shines a spotlight on the incredible hard work happening every day across aged care, retirement living and seniors housing.
How to observe Aged Care Employee Day
Give thanks to those who make the system run smoothly. Simple words of appreciation to a local aged care worker can go a long way. By voicing your appreciation, you are acknowledging the hard work they do caring for older Australians and let them know that they are making a difference in the lives of many.
Volunteer at a local retirement home. If they’re looking for volunteers, don’t be afraid to lend a hand. Sign up as a daily or weekly volunteer and give a little bit of your time to make life in retirement homes more enjoyable. Your presence might mean a lot to those who need it.
Spend time with your elderly loved ones such as grandparents or seniors that you know.
