Use your caring hands and say “thanks for caring” this Aged Care Employee Day

Southcare is calling on the community to use its caring hands and say “thanks for caring” ahead of Aged Care Employee Day on Sunday 7 August 2022 to honour those who provide essential care to our ageing population.

Chief Executive Officer Dr Nicky Howe said while it was important to stop and celebrate the sector, everyday is aged care employee day.

“We’re asking our community to take a moment and think about the quiet achievers and the superheroes who provide care with professionalism, compassion, empathy and dedication for our loved ones and give them the recognition they deserve,” Dr Howe said.

“It’s been a particularly challenging time for aged care workers both in residential and home care services with the ongoing pressures of COVID-19, workforce shortages and most recently the increased costs of living eating into the very low rates of pay that the Government embarrassingly feel is acceptable for essential workers.”

Carers take many forms – they can be home helpers, care assistants, family chefs, gardeners, shopping buddies, drivers or social butterflies offering a chat over coffee, and the great thing is that everyone can be a carer.

“Right now the world needs more carers, so start caring!” Dr Howe said.

“Our home care team work tirelessly in customers homes everyday and are supported by a strong and committed office and volunteer team too.  We all use our caring hands in different ways and make a difference everyday.

“We have been doing this for 40 years and it would be great to see more people joining us in being a helper, as well as stopping to thank those who already spend so much of their time helping others.

In 1982 Southcare helped 7 families in two suburbs and today helps thousands of customers across 57 suburbs.

Aged Care Employee Day acknowledges the more than 360,000 people who care for and support around 1.3 million older Australians who receive aged care services. Take the time to thank a carer today.