Saturday 7 August marked Aged Care Employee Day, with Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien paying tribute to the extraordinary contribution of aged care employees across Wide Bay.
“I have met with many aged care service providers and workers from Wide Bay. I’ve seen the compassion, respect and care they show towards our older Australians and I continue to be impressed by their professionalism and dedication,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Wide Bay’s aged care professionals deliver care that is of world-class standard, and employees at every level work tirelessly to ensure the safety and quality of care of Wide Bay’s senior and vulnerable residents.
“Their dedication and hard work deserves to be recognised, so I thank them for their efforts, and encourage everyone in Wide Bay to show their gratitude as well.”
Aged care employees include nurses, personal care workers, allied health professionals, cooks, cleaners, and administrators, working in both home and residential care.
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services Richard Colbeck said the aged care workforce was particularly important to Australia’s ongoing response to Covid-19.
“This is the second Aged Care Employee Day since the pandemic hit and we know all too well the significant impact it has had, particularly in Victoria and New South Wales,” he said.
“As we respond to the latest outbreak in greater Sydney and south east Queensland, the commitment and professionalism of aged care employees remains vital to the safety of those most vulnerable to this terrible disease.
“Many aged care workers have taken on additional training and worked harder than ever to protect senior Australians as well as providing support for families who have suffered loss.”