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Three age services industry leaders explain why Australia should value aged care workers.

Marcus Riley—CEO of BallyCara and Director of the Global Ageing Network Our aged care workforce is important. When we say ‘our workforce’ it should be inferred as ‘society’s workforce’ because aged care staff play such a vital role in the lives of people in our community.

Residents and clients depend on ‘our workforce’ to remain healthy, happy and as independent as possible and that responsibility is not taken lightly.

‘Our workforce’ offers more than just a service, they offer friendship, confidence and hope to those who are often at their most vulnerable—particularly at a time like this.

‘Our workforce’ acts with professionalism and integrity in the carrying out of their roles. During this time of uncertainty and worry, they have been positive and understanding. Indeed we have seen staff grow closer together and forge even stronger relationships with those for whom they care.

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Join in and dance with the Village People, as you YMCA from the comfort of your own home across Australia. Film and share your singing eorts as a group or as an individual, so we can create a video collage for everyone to enjoy. For more information and help to create your video submission, please email Nick Way NickW@lasa.asn.au ‘Our workforce’ is resilient. They are trusted by those who they work with and work for. Their impact in the lives of older people across our communities must be celebrated.

Carolyn Smith—Aged Care Director, United Workers Union In this time of the coronavirus crisis, our aged care workers are on the front line and we thank them for protecting Australia’s most vulnerable people.

Aged Care Employee Day is an opportunity for everyone to show our deep appreciation for the vital work being carried out in facilities around the clock.

The current situation has shown more than ever that having enough time for staff to care is essential for residents’ wellbeing, and has highlighted the ability of aged care employees to deliver quality care.

Aged care workers are working in a very high-risk environment with increased pressures and must be supported.

Aged care workers need the assurance they will be supported to meet the long-term care needs of their residents if they have to take coronavirus-related leave. United Workers Union wants to see all aged care workers treated with respect and provided with two weeks Special Paid Covid-19 leave.

Kevin McCoy—CEO of Independent and Assisted Living at Australian Unity and Acting Chair of the Aged Care Workforce Industry Council On Aged Care Employee Day, we recognise and express gratitude for our nation’s 366,000 aged care workers. Their work is vital and should be valued, especially in these extraordinary times.

We should never lose sight of their commitment to the elderly Australians who rely on their care and support. The COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the depth of that commitment—even when it means putting their own health at potential risk to care for the people most vulnerable to this insidious virus.

Research released in 2018 that was commissioned by Australian Unity and conducted by PwC, showed that if the aged care workforce is to keep up with Australia’s ageing population, then the sector will need to recruit and train an estimated 180,000 additional workers by 2025.

This mammoth task, which the research shows will keep growing to 400,000 by 2040, will only be made harder if as a society, we don’t truly value our aged care workers. Let’s take the opportunity to start now. ■