Back

Celebrating Aged Care Employee Day: Honoring Compassionate Care for Seniors

At Mediscrubs, we are privileged to stand alongside the dedicated aged care workers who provide unparalleled care to our treasured elderly community. As we embrace Aged Care Employee Day on August 7, it's a time to reflect on the extraordinary skill, patience, and heartfelt dedication it takes to support individuals through their twilight years. This day is our chance to extend profound gratitude to the nurses, care workers, chefs, drivers, cleaners, and volunteers who ensure that our seniors receive the companionship and assistance they deserve. 

The Journey of Aged Care Employee Day

The roots of Aged Care Employee Day trace back to 2018, when Whiddon, an Australian aged care provider, introduced this commemorative day. Designed to recognize and celebrate the tireless efforts of those who care for our seniors, it sheds light on the immense contributions made by aged care workers nationwide.

While considering an aged care facility for your loved ones might bring mixed emotions, it's essential to prioritize their well-being. Retirement homes come into play when medical needs surpass what can be managed at home. In such spaces, the role of facility workers is paramount – they shape the environment where our elderly loved ones will spend their golden years, ensuring warmth and comfort.

Aged Care Employee Day was born out of the realization that existing recognition days, like International Nurses Day, weren't fully encompassing the efforts of the elder care service industry. Many aged care workers, comprising up to 80%, transcend traditional medical roles and encompass janitors, kitchen staff, laundry workers, and volunteers driven by personal volition. Their roles are the gears that keep the care system moving harmoniously.

In 2019, Leading Age Services Australia officially endorsed Aged Care Employee Day as an Australian holiday. This acknowledgment underscores the significance of these workers as they guide our seniors into their retirement age amid a rapidly changing world.

Aged Care Employee Day: A Timeline of Recognition

  • 1947: Birth of Whiddon Australian care facility, Whiddon, emerges.

  • 1997: Strengthening the Aged Care Industry The Australian government privatizes the aged care industry, enhancing funding streams and senior rights within retirement homes.

  • 2018: Inception of Aged Care Employee Day Whiddon introduces Aged Care Employee Day in Australia.

  • 2019: National Recognition Leading Age Services Australia solidifies Aged Care Employee Day as a nationally recognized holiday.

Insights into Aged Care: FAQs

  • Roles and Responsibilities: Aged care workers tackle an array of tasks, from aiding in bathing, grooming, and dressing to grocery shopping, providing medical and emotional support, organizing activities, and maintaining contact with families.

  • Salary in Australia: As of 2022, formal aged care support workers earn an average of $55,400 a year or $28.41 per hour. Entry-level positions average around $53,313 annually, while experienced workers can reach up to $68,071 a year, varying by facility and state.

  • Qualifications: Aspiring aged care workers typically require a Certificate III in Individual Support or Certificate IV in Ageing Support from local TAFE institutions, along with First Aid Certification and Police Checks.

How to Embrace Aged Care Employee Day

  • Express Gratitude: A few appreciative words can go a long way. By voicing your thanks in person or online, you acknowledge the profound impact of aged care workers on seniors' lives. Use hashtags like #ThanksForCaring and #AgedCareEmployeeDay to contribute.

  • Volunteer: Extend a helping hand to your local retirement home. Volunteering, whether daily or weekly, can significantly brighten the lives of those residing there.

  • Spend Time: Cherish your elderly loved ones by spending quality time with them. Show them that they're cherished and valued in your life.

The Significance of Aged Care Employee Day

This day shines a light on those who accompany seniors through their final years, fostering an environment of care and comfort. It assures us that aged care facilities are entrusted to welcoming, capable hands. Additionally, it underscores the significance of intergenerational interaction, bridging gaps between generations and enhancing the human experience.

At Mediscrubs, we stand united with the aged care workers who exemplify compassionate care for our seniors. As suppliers of uniforms and scrubs to these dedicated professionals, we're honored to be part of the journey that enriches the lives of those they serve. Together, let's celebrate the immense contributions of aged care workers and honor the vitality they infuse into the lives of our elderly community members. #AgedCareEmployeeDay #CompassionateCare #EmbracingSeniors #CommunitySupport