Calling on aged care workers to drive change

AUDIO: From chief executive officer to frontline and back office staff, everyone working in aged care is in a fantastic position to make a difference to the clients they serve, says Mary Freer, CEO and founder of Change Day Australia.

Change Day, which is a grassroots campaign that began in the UK, is now a global social movement to bring about better health outcomes for recipients of health, aged care and community services.

Australia, which takes part for the second time in 2015, will join its counterparts in Northern Ireland, England and New Zealand on 11 March 2015 to together celebrate the campaign for change.

Southern Cross Care SA and NT CEO Andrew Larpent has pledged his support for the campaign. Mr Larpent said:

“I pledge to do all I can to promote Change Day internationally through my contacts and through CommonAge, and to encourage and support positive change champions throughout Southern Cross Care. I also pledge to campaign for Dignity in Care through the South Australia Dignity in Care Action Group.”

Ms Freer is calling on everyone in the sector to join Mr Larpent and make a pledge to provide the best service they can. She tells Natasha Egan how aged care workers can get involved:

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Go to changeday.com.au to make your pledge. 

More from Change Day 2015 Pledge Gallery:

“Advocate for the rights of older people living in aged care and being treated in hospitals to compassionate care and timely treatment.” Ngaire Hobbins, Tasmania

“I will provide research knowledge to increase our critical understanding of the issues around policy and practice reducing choice for informal caregivers.” Belinda Cash,Victoria

“Bring care and compassion back to how we care for and view each other as providers of healthcare. If we feel safe, valued and connected, we are more likely to deliver care that is connected, compassionate and safe.” Jane Stanfield, Queensland

“I pledge to continue to work to remove digital exclusion and loneliness from the seniors in my community through the ongoing roll-out of www.seniortechies.com.au program with the help of local high school students. I am also committed to reconnecting the generations as that is where the magic happens.” Merv Stewart, Victoria

“My pledge is to work hard at making residential care a better place for older people, especially for those with dementia. Carers need to be listened to, more and better training is needed for staff. Let us all work on dignity in care.” Joy Whitehorn, the Australian Capital Territory