Dementia Australia
On Aged Care Employee Day, Dementia Australia acknowledges the hundreds of thousands of people working in the industry across Australia.
Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe said the day is an opportunity to acknowledge, honour and celebrate aged care employees.
"In 2021, there are almost half a million Australians living with dementia, with many supported by aged care employees in residential care and in their homes through community care," Ms McCabe said.
"We recognise the immense contribution of aged care employees to people living with dementia, their families and carers and the important role they play in their lives.
"During the COVID-19 crisis we have seen aged care workers go above and beyond to support the people in their care – one example of this is in our Communities of Practice sessions where aged care workers shared ideas, information, resources and experiences to support each other in their roles."
Communities of Practice is just one of a number of programs and initiatives the Dementia Australia Centre for Dementia Learning facilitates to support aged care employees in the vital work that they do.
Dementia Australia Dementia Advocate Jason van Genderen thanked the aged care employees who go above and beyond looking after his mum, Oma, the star of Oma's Applesauce.
"Oma's cat Hailey was her constant companion – when she moved into her care community she really missed those passive comfort moments a family pet gives," Mr van Genderen said.
"Her care workers Deanna and Michelle have been so supportive in every way – it's been a great comfort to our family to know that Oma's happiness is as important to them as it is to us.
"When they suggested Hailey could come visit Oma, Michelle always made time to integrate Hailey's visit into Oma's day – then when Deanna suggested adopting Hailey, that was the icing on the cake.
"For them to be such strong advocates for residents' happiness is just a blessing."
"Aged care employees are on the frontline every day working to provide care for Australians, including those living with dementia," Ms McCabe said.
"On Aged Care Employee Day, and every day, we thank and appreciate aged care staff for their professionalism, compassion, empathy, dignity and the care they provide."
Aged Care Employee Day was initiated by aged care provider Whiddon in 2018 and is now led and co-ordinated by Leading Age Services Australia. This year's theme is 'thanks for caring'.
Individuals and employers wishing to take part can find information and resources on the Aged Care Employee Day website here: www.agedcareday.com.au.
Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated half a million Australians living with dementia, and the almost 1.6 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how you are impacted by dementia or who you are, we are here for you.
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