Thanks for caring

BaptistCare is celebrating the thousands of aged care employees who enrich the lives of older Australians every day, recognising their compassion, dedication and professionalism on Aged Care Employee Day.

Held annually on 7 August, Aged Care Employee Day shines a national spotlight on the more than 450,000 aged care workers who support 1.3 million older Australians receiving aged care services across the country.

As one of Australia's largest not-for-profit aged care providers, BaptistCare itself has more than 9,800 aged care employees who support thousands of older Australians across residential aged care, retirement living and home care services throughout Western Australia, New South Wales, the ACT, Tasmania and Victoria.

From nurses, care workers and allied health professionals to hospitality, maintenance, administration and home care teams, BaptistCare employees help create communities where people feel valued, supported and empowered to live life to the fullest.

Charles Moore, BaptistCare CEO, said Aged Care Employee Day is an opportunity to recognise the extraordinary people who make a lasting difference in the lives of older Australians every day.

"Today and every day, we celebrate and thank our aged care employees for the care, compassion and commitment they bring to their work," Mr Moore said.

"At the heart of great aged care are great people. Every day, our employees help older Australians live with dignity, independence and a sense of purpose.

"Whether they're providing care in someone's home, supporting residents in our aged care communities, helping create vibrant retirement living communities, or working behind the scenes, their kindness and professionalism leave a lasting impact on the people we serve.

"They help people feel connected, respected and valued, and that makes an enormous difference not only to our residents and clients, but also to their families and communities.

"This is an opportunity to show our heartfelt appreciation by saying, 'Thanks for caring'."

Meet some of our aged care employees

For some older Australians living in remote parts of Central West NSW, a visit from BaptistCare Home Care employee Leane Kelly may be one of the few face-to-face social connections they have each week.

Based in Woodstock, Leane travels hundreds of kilometres each week to support clients across Orange, Cowra, Bathurst, Carcoar, and surrounding communities, providing practical assistance and building genuine connections.

"While practical assistance like housekeeping and cleaning is important, it's often the social connection that matters even more. Sometimes you're the person people trust with their stories, their worries and the things that matter most to them,” Leane said.

"In some smaller communities, people can become quite isolated, particularly when family members live far away. Having someone who checks in, genuinely cares and takes the time to listen can make a real difference."

Meanwhile, for Bikash Gautam, who works as a cook at BaptistCare Griffith in the ACT, preparing nutritious meals is a meaningful way to support residents every day.

Originally from Nepal, Bikash completed a master's degree in information technology after moving to Australia, before discovering a fulfilling career in aged care hospitality more than three years ago.

"One of the most rewarding things is knowing I'm making meals for people who can no longer cook for themselves," he said.

"When residents tell me they enjoyed the food, it makes my day."

Awais Warriach is a home care consultant based in Morwell, Victoria, supporting clients in the local townships of Sale, Yarram, Traralgon, Stratford and Maffra. 

He arrived in Australia on a student visa in 2011, before completing studies in criminal justice and social work, with the aim of building a career focused on supporting others. 

"After graduating, I wasn't just looking for a job, I was looking for purpose," Awais said. 

"The relationships I build with clients are the most rewarding part of my job.

"They've taught me the importance of patience, gratitude and resilience. Their wisdom and experiences remind me to appreciate the little things and value every moment."