Australia’s aged care workers are on the frontline every day protecting vulnerable older people from coronavirus which is why for this year’s Aged Care Employee Day on 7 August aged care leaders are calling on Australians to say ‘thank you’.

We encourage all Australians to take the time to compliment the hundreds of thousands of often unsung heroes of aged care and say ‘thank you for caring’ during this once-in-a-century pandemic.

Over 360,000 dedicated aged care workers have been – and continue – to work hard to keep people just like your mum or dad, grandmother or grandfather, safe in this national emergency.

#ThanksforCaring is the theme, with the call going out to every community across the nation to honour aged care workers and volunteers and say “thanks for caring”, on Saturday 7 August.

 

“Over the last 18 months you have saved lives and protected lives,” said Health and Aged Care Minister Greg Hunt.

“It’s been a difficult time and a challenging time but your work has been extraordinary and I want to thank you for that.”

We are also asking for aged care workers to speak out on the media for their wonderful work protecting our treasured older people.

Leading Age Services Australia CEO Sean Rooney says our elders are our most vulnerable and our workers’ dedication is making a huge difference in their lives.

“This has been due to the diligence, professionalism and heartfelt concern of aged care staff, including managers, nurses, personal carers, allied health staff, chefs, cleaners, laundry teams and gardeners,” says Mr Rooney.

“We are celebrating the pinnacle of caring that we see each and every day – there are champions and quiet achievers but everyone in our industry contributes to care.”

CEO Patricia Sparrow from Aged & Community Services Australia says: “The past year has been an extraordinarily challenging time for all Australians and particularly for those committed and passionate people who care for our older Australians.

“Aged care workers deserve our respect and our recognition. They are on the frontline of the pandemic and providing care for some of the most vulnerable in our community, every day of the year and we thank them for that.

“Today, it would be great if you could take the time to thank the care workers in your life and show them your support.”

Kasy Chambers from Anglicare says: “It is a privilege to share in the lives of older people, to share smiles, stories, tears and laughter as part of your working day. But this work also takes real skill, and real dedication, from every staff member.

“On behalf of Anglicare Australia, I want to thank every aged care worker who does this vital work. Australia couldn’t age well without you.”

Nicole Hornsby from Baptist Care Australia says: “We are eternally grateful to all aged care workers for the work you do to care for older Australians, each and every day but particularly throughout the pandemic. Your strength to come to work and put smiles on faces does not go unnoticed – Aged Care Employee Day is about saying thank YOU!”

 

“We are indebted to our aged care workforce, particularly at this time when the responsibility to protect and care for the most vulnerable among us must feel greater than ever,” says Pat Garcia, CEO of Catholic Health Australia.

“We are very grateful for the commitment and compassion that they show every day. On behalf of all our members and our residents and clients in home care we thank you.”

“Every day over 1.3 million Australians rely on the services provided by aged care workers” says Claerwen Little, CEO of UnitingCare Australia.

“And every day our dedicated aged care workers show an unwavering commitment to caring for our loved ones. So we say thank not just today, but every day, because it is your work that makes such a difference in the lives of older Australians and their families. Your contribution to our communities is immeasurable.”

 

Professor John McCallum, CEO National Seniors Australia says: “Our large surveys are showing positive developments in the aged care workforce.”

“Workers are now reporting that they are better supported in their jobs and the good quality employees are continuing to stay in the workforce.”

We are urging people to say thanks for a job well done and thank you for your consideration and compassion.

On ACED 2021, Australians are being asked to say #ThanksforCaring, with hundreds of tribute events being held across the country at aged care centres.

ACED 2021 also features a national social media campaign with the hashtags #ThanksforCaring and #ACED2021 highlighting videos, stories and photographs to
acknowledge the aged care workforce.

Go to the ACED 2021 website: www.agedcareday.com.au for resources and special links to send messages to individuals, aged care employees or teams of aged care staff, with support, stories, media releases and videos.

The Excellence in Age Services Awards presentations will be presented on 7 August:
 11:00am AEST – VIC/TAS
 1:30pm AEST – NSW/ACT
 2:30pm AEST – QLD
 3:30pm AEST / 3:00pm ACST – SA/NT
 4:30pm AEST/ 2:30pm AWST – WA