TODAY (Wednesday) is Aged Care Employee Day, a national day to say thank you to the more than 365,000 dedicated people who care for and support about 1.3 million older Australians who receive care services each year.
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"Aged Care Employee Day is designed to celebrate each and every team member involved in the journey of caring for older Australians," Leading Age Services Australia CEO Sean Rooney said.
"In many ways this is a challenging time for the aged care sector and sometimes we can forget the enormously positive contribution the overwhelming majority of our dedicated workforce makes to the welfare of older Australians and to our communities."
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt acknowledged the work of staff in the sector.
"No matter what role you play, you do a magnificent job. Thank you for what you do to take care of our loved ones," he said.
"I realise with the Royal Commission on these could be unsettling times. If there are cases of care which doesn't meet the standards which we each want I think it's important we find that out.
"But the very important message that has to come with this is, this is a sector which you should be rightly proud of what you are doing.
"What you are doing is making a massive difference."
Shadow Minister for Ageing and Seniors, Julie Collins, also thanked workers in aged care.
"No matter where you work, we value what you do to care for some of our most vulnerable Australians," she said.
"I know from talking to workers that it's tough work and it's demanding work but I also know how rewarding it is. Each and every day you help improve the lives of older Australians.
"You should be proud of the work that you do, and the care that you give, not only to older Australians but to their families and their loved ones and carers."
