07/08/2025
๐๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ || ๐จ๐ป๐๐ถ๐น ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ป๐ฑ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ๐ถ๐ฟ ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐๐ต
Every individual begins their life needing someone to take care of them. As babies, our actions are limited as we are yet to develop the skills essential for survival, requiring unfaltering support until we can stand on our own. The cycle of need repeats on a continuumโas we reach a certain age, we become elders in society. Eventually, our needs will require more than just attention; however, not everyone can be present for us all the time. Hence, this is where a special class of healthcare workers comes inโAged Care Employees. As we celebrate โ๐จ๐๐๐
๐ช๐๐๐ ๐ฌ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ซ๐๐โ every 7th of August, let us recognize their efforts and heed to their needs.
The elderly require โaged careโ, a special branch of care where support is not a want but a need when it comes to daily activities, health care, and social relationships. Since their physical abilities are limited due to their age, it is essential that specialized workers step in and make life better for our elders.
In nursing, the concept of geriatric care is highly regarded, and it is a branch of knowledge that requires evidence-based practices and special techniques. This is widely practiced in countries like Australia, wherein they ensure that this age group maintains a high quality of life, receives medical attention, and lives with dignity and respect.
Caring for them is indeed essential. Some of the elderly require round-the-clock careโmost of them need more than just daily support. They are empowered and looked after by Aged Care Support Workers. These workers are unsung heroes who support and aid the elderly with their activities of daily living, monitor their health status, and partake in the care of their emotional and social needs. They are seen by their clients more than the clientsโ own family, relatives, and friends. It is a noble line of work that fills the void of absent family members when they are too preoccupied with the various facets of life.
The job is both rewarding and satisfying; workers, however, face a great deal of body pain as the job itself is physically demanding. Aged care workers not only have to lift and reposition the elderly with physical limitations, but they also have to deal with heavy medical equipment, resulting in long hours on their feet. These special workers, with little to no complaints, have to silently deal with fatigue and exhaustion. Apart from the physical, they also form bonds with their clients; emotionally challenging them, especially when their elder client passes. Not to mention the emotional baggage they have to bear for the elders, which can be emotionally draining.
Aside from physical and emotional challenges, their profession is, more often than not, given less attention as evidenced by chronic understaffing, low paychecks, lack of career opportunities, and stressful environments. According to the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF), a 13% reduction in qualified nursing staff and a 40% increase in the number of residents requiring assistance and care were observed from 2013-2016. The organization believes that if the nurse-resident ratio is equal, patient outcomes will improve.
As we celebrate โAged Care Employees Dayโ, we must acknowledge the sacrifices each of the workers make with the aim of giving the elderly the best in their last moments. The Lifeline Publication is calling not just for recognition, but also for action that supports and empowers our Aged Care Workers. We must see how their efforts make a difference in the lives of the elderly. Rather than being with their family, they are with individuals who consider them familyโuntil an elderโs very last breath, they are by their side.
Until the end of their breath, theyโll continue to fight for their rights.
Words by Sophia Ysabel M. Leal
Layout by Ryzen John Blando
Photo courtesy of Jenelyn A. Rualo, RN | Hospice.org PH
