Aged Care Employee Day: An Insight into the Celebration

Origins of Aged Care Employee Day

The inception of Aged Care Employee Day in 2018 was driven by a notable Australian aged care provider, Whiddon. Observing the inadequacy of existing appreciation days, such as International Nurses Day, to fully recognise the dedication and hard work of the entire aged care workforce, Whiddon took the initiative to establish a day dedicated solely to these individuals.
Fun Fact
Did you know that up to 80% of aged care workers are not formal medical professionals such as nurses, but include janitors, kitchen staff, laundry workers, and volunteers?

These individuals, although not medically obligated, take care of our seniors out of their altruistic nature, ensuring that our elderly loved ones spend their twilight years in a warm, welcoming environment. Their roles extend beyond merely tending to medical needs, forming an integral part of the aged care system.

Formal Recognition

The national aged-care foundation, Leading Age Services Australia, played a pivotal role in formally proclaiming Aged Care Employee Day as an official Australian holiday in 2019. This acknowledgement underscored the significance of honouring these workers in guiding the country’s seniors through their retirement age.

The Day’s Theme: Thanks for Caring

The theme for Aged Care Employee Day, ‘#ThanksforCaring’, recognises and appreciates the various team members involved in caring for approximately 1.3 million older Australians who receive home care or residential care services. This includes a spectrum of roles, from nurses and care workers to hospitality teams, drivers, cleaners, volunteers, lifestyle officers, administration staff and many others.

The Importance of Aged Care Employee Day

Aged Care Employee Day is not just about celebrating the efforts of aged care employees, but it’s also about raising awareness about the vital role they play in society. The day highlights the significance of their work, which often goes unnoticed and underappreciated. It is a chance to shine a light on their dedication and commitment, showcasing the positive impact they make on the lives of the elderly.

The Aged Care Employee Day is also crucial for the employees themselves. It provides them with a sense of recognition and validation for the challenging work they undertake daily. The day serves as an opportunity for aged care facilities and the broader community to show their gratitude and express their respect for these compassionate professionals.

Moreover, Aged Care Employee Day is a reminder to everyone that caring for the elderly is a shared responsibility. It is a day to reflect on the ways society can better support those who are in their twilight years and the employees who dedicate their lives to ensure these individuals live comfortably and with dignity.

Celebrating Aged Care Employee Day in Australia

In Australia, Aged Care Employee Day is widely celebrated with various activities and events designed to acknowledge and appreciate the aged care workforce. These celebrations often include special ceremonies, award presentations, and luncheons, where employees are recognised for their exceptional dedication and service.

Many aged care facilities take the opportunity to share stories of their employees, highlighting their commitment and the positive impact they have on the lives of the residents. These stories often focus on the little things that employees do, which make a big difference, like taking the time to sit and chat with a resident, or going above and beyond to ensure a resident’s comfort and happiness.

Furthermore, community involvement is highly encouraged during Aged Care Employee Day. Local businesses often donate gifts and vouchers as a token of appreciation for the aged care staff. Schools, community groups, and families of residents also get involved, organising activities or sending thank you cards and messages to the employees, thus making the day a community-wide celebration of appreciation and recognition.

How It Has Evolved Over the Years

The evolution of Aged Care Employee Day over the years reflects a growing societal acknowledgement of the crucial role of aged care employees. Originally, the day was more of an internal acknowledgement within care facilities. However, as awareness of the day has grown, so too has the scale of the celebrations.

These days, it is marked with nationwide events and activities. Media outlets, both traditional and social, are utilised to spread the word about the day, sharing stories of remarkable individuals in the aged care sector. Government bodies and organisations also take part in the celebrations, hosting events and issuing public statements of appreciation.

The growth of Aged Care Employee Day also indicates a positive shift in societal attitudes towards aged care. There is increasing recognition and appreciation for the hard work, dedication, and compassion that aged care employees demonstrate daily.

Activities and Events

Aged Care Employee Day is marked by a host of activities and events across Australia. These range from small gestures of appreciation to grand celebrations. Care facilities often organise special breakfasts, lunches, or dinners for their staff. Awards and recognition ceremonies are also common, where employees are honoured for their service and commitment.

Some facilities organise themed events, like ‘Superhero Day’, where staff members dress up as superheroes to symbolise their role as everyday heroes in the lives of the elderly. Interactive activities, such as games, quizzes, and team-building exercises, are also planned to make the day fun and memorable for the employees.

Moreover, many care facilities encourage the residents to take part in the celebrations. They may organise activities where residents can express their gratitude to the staff, such as writing thank you cards or crafting handmade gifts. These gestures, though small, carry a significant emotional value and often make the day extra special for the employees.

Employee Appreciation Day Australia versus Aged Care Employee Day

While Employee Appreciation Day Australia and Aged Care Employee Day share a common purpose—to recognise and appreciate employees—the focus and context of these two days are different. Employee Appreciation Day is a general celebration for all employees across various industries. It is a day to acknowledge the hard work and contributions of all employees, irrespective of their job role or industry.

Aged Care Employee Day, on the other hand, is specifically dedicated to recognising the efforts of employees in the aged care sector. This day focuses on the unique challenges and rewards that come with working in aged care. It is a day to show appreciation for the compassion, patience, and dedication that aged care employees demonstrate every day.

In essence, while Employee Appreciation Day Australia is a broader celebration, Aged Care Employee Day is a more targeted acknowledgement of a specific group of employees who play a crucial role in society.

Looking Forward to Aged Care Employee Day 2023

As we look forward to Aged Care Employee Day 2023, it is expected that the celebrations will continue to grow in scale and impact. The day will likely see even more widespread recognition of the vital role of aged care employees, with larger events, more media coverage, and increased community involvement.

The future of Aged Care Employee Day also presents the opportunity to further highlight the importance of quality aged care. As the day garners more attention, it can serve as a platform to discuss issues and challenges in the aged care sector and advocate for improvements.

Moreover, Aged Care Employee Day 2023 can be a chance to inspire more people to consider a career in aged care. As the day shines a light on the rewarding and meaningful work of aged care employees, it can serve as a powerful recruitment tool for the sector.

Ways to Show Appreciation

There are numerous ways to show appreciation. For aged care facilities, organising special events or activities for the staff is a common way to acknowledge their hard work. However, appreciation doesn’t always have to be grand gestures. Simple acts of kindness, like writing a thank you note or offering a small gift, can also make a big difference.

For the broader community, Aged Care Employee Day is an opportunity to express gratitude to these unsung heroes. One can volunteer at a local aged care facility, donate to an aged care charity, or simply send a message of thanks to an aged care employee they know.

The annual #ThanksforCaring campaign recognises the countless roles in the aged care workforce. To show your support and appreciation, you can download the Aged Care Employee Day Stakeholder Toolkit, use the Template Media Release to share stories with your local media, print ‘Thanks for Caring’ Certificates for staff, and submit your personal message of thanks.

The Impact on Aged Care Service

Aged Care Employee Day has a significant impact on the aged care service. By recognising and appreciating the employees, the day helps to boost morale and job satisfaction among the staff, which can lead to improved performance and quality of care.

The day also helps to raise awareness about the aged care sector and the crucial role it plays in society. This increased awareness can lead to more support and resources for aged care services, ultimately benefiting the elderly population.

Moreover, Aged Care Employee Day can help attract new talent to the sector. By showcasing the rewarding work of aged care employees, the day can inspire more people to consider a career in aged care.

Messages from Leaders

Leaders from various aged care providers share heartfelt messages of gratitude and recognition for the hard work and commitment of their aged care employees. They acknowledge the resilience, teamwork, and dedication of these professionals who treat the residents as if they were their own family

Conclusion

In conclusion, Aged Care Employee Day is more than just a day of celebration. It is a day of recognition, appreciation, and reflection. It is a day to recognise the invaluable contributions of aged care employees, appreciate their dedication and compassion, and reflect on the importance of quality aged care.

As we look forward to Aged Care Employee Day 2023, let us all take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate the unsung heroes in the aged care sector. Let us spread the word about the importance of this day and ensure that aged care employees receive the recognition they deserve. After all, they are not just employees, but a vital part of our community, ensuring that our elderly live their twilight years with dignity, care, and respect.