Today, 7 August, is Aged Care Employee Day. COTA Victoria and Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV) join countless other organisations in the celebration of residential care, home care, and retirement living staff who care for over 1.5 million older Australians, including approximately 400,000 Victorians.
Those numbers include Australians in residential aged care, home care, transition care, and those assisted under the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).
“Aged care workers are on the frontline, providing compassion, care, and professionalism for their patients,” said COTA Victoria and SRV CEO, Chris Potaris.
“We’re proud to join the chorus and say thank you for caring to nurses, personal care workers, chefs, cleaners, gardeners, laundry staff, activities coordinators, administration staff, and everyone else involved in Australia’s aged care system.”
COTA Victoria and Seniors Rights Victoria support both aged care workers and those who rely on aged care programs. We’ve recently published a guide that aims to support CHSP providers to meet the needs and preferences of older people who are not well digitally connected, or who face digital communication challenges.
Moreover, our Care Finder program provides support to vulnerable older people within the South East Melbourne Primary Health Network (SEMPHN) who would not be able to arrange services without with intensive support and who do not have a family member or friends who can help.
COTA Victoria Care Finders can help people understand what aged care services are available, set up an assessment and find and choose services. They also help people with access to other supports in the community.
You can learn more about the Care Finder program here.
With Victoria ageing, with over a quarter of the population set to be aged 60 and over by 2046, it is imperative that we appreciate, and reward, those that enable older Victorians to age well.
We invite everyone join in on Aged Care Employee Day festivities using the #ThanksforCaring hashtag. Learn more at the Aged & Community Care Providers Association website.
