Humans of Aged Care: Good News Stories from the Aged Care Sector

At a time when there’s a lot of news about the aged care sector I wanted to shine a light on the great work being done by so many in the front line at the moment.

Aged & Community Services Australia (ACSA) has developed the Humans of Aged Care initiative that tells the stories of the humans of aged care, in their words.

ACSA is the leading peak body supporting over 700 church, charitable and community-based not-for-profit organisations that provide accommodation and care services to older Australians.

“Every corner of Australian Aged Care holds untold stories of inspirational individuals. These are the stories of people who commit themselves to this industry and those in their care.  

From care workers and their colleagues, to unpaid carers and volunteers devoting themselves to the care of 1.3 million older Australians each and every day, to our older Australians receiving care and their families – here are their stories, told in their words”

Humans of Aged Care

Here’s a snapshot of the stories told on the Humans of Aged Care website. I encourage you to read these stories.

Lynne Waterford, Registered Nurse,

Koonambil Aged Care Ltd, NSW

     

“I didn’t think Aged Care would be for me, but I gave it a go and I’m still here 16 years later. It is not just a job to me. It is more than that. The residents and families that you have been working with become part of your life and family.”

Lisa Brook, Team Leader, IRT 5 Islands Resort,

Port Kembla, NSW



“If you want to make a change in someone’s life, this is the job. You are the last link in their journey and that must be your focus.”

Peni Tiati, Carer,
Crowley Care, NSW


“Seeing a smile on the residents’ faces at the end of the day, and creating special friendships with the residents and their families makes me really appreciate the work I do. Every day is different and knowing that you are helping someone leaves you feeling very humble and content.”

Irene Reeves, Volunteer,
Koonambil Aged Care Ltd, NSW


“It doesn’t matter how old you are, you can learn something new from our older generations each and every day. I love listening to them, hearing about their lives and their growing up. Some of them have some very interesting stories to tell, and it's just great to sit and listen to them.”  

Humans Of Aged Care is all about celebrating the amazing individuals and stories that make Australian Aged Care so special.

 

ACSA wants you tell them about someone you know – it might be someone delivering care as a care worker or anyone that works in an aged care facility (cook, cleaner, administrator, manager etc), an unpaid carer or volunteer, or resident/individual receiving care and their family members. Or perhaps a special relationship you’ve observed or been a part of. 


ACSA wants to share these stories so they can spread the word about the good that is done every day in aged care.

The Growing Demand for Care Workers in Australia

March 30, 2026
Why the country’s fastest-growing sector is facing a critical workforce shortage Australia is facing an unprecedented challenge in care — a data-driven crisis that is rapidly reshaping the healthcare landscape. As demand for aged care and disability support accelerates, the supply of qualified care workers is struggling to keep pace. The result? A “perfect storm” where providers are under pressure, workers are stretched thin, and the need for sustainable solutions has never been greater. The Care Crisis: A Sector Under Pressure The care and support sector is now Australia’s largest employing industry , accounting for over 16% of the national workforce . Yet despite its size, demand continues to surge at a pace the system is not fully prepared for. Aged care and disability support roles are projected to be among the fastest-growing occupations over the next decade , driven by both demographic and policy changes. Simply put: more Australians need care than ever before — and that number is only rising. A Demographic Shift Driving Demand At the heart of this demand is a significant and accelerating demographic shift. Australia’s population aged 65 and over is expected to increase by more than 2 million (67.8%) between 2024 and 2044 The number of Australians aged 85+ — those with the highest care needs — will grow by 67% between 2024 and 2035 The number of people requiring care is projected to rise from 1.5 million today to 2.5 million by 2050 This ageing population is not just growing — it is living longer, often with more complex health needs that require consistent, skilled support. At the same time, the expansion of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) continues to increase demand for qualified disability support workers, further intensifying pressure on the system. The Workforce Shortage Crunch While demand accelerates, workforce supply is falling behind. Australia could face a shortfall of 400,000 aged care workers by 2050 The NDIS sector alone requires an additional 128,000 workers by mid-2025 Staff turnover remains high, with attrition rates between 17% and 25% in disability support roles This shortage is not just about numbers — it’s about sustainability. High turnover, burnout, and ongoing recruitment challenges are making it increasingly difficult for providers to maintain consistent, high-quality care. Why Agencies Like Health Staff Australia Are Essential In this high-pressure environment, healthcare providers are realising they cannot solve workforce challenges alone.  This is where specialist staffing agencies like Health Staff Australia (HSA) play a critical role.

Checklist: How to Prepare for Your First Role as a Support Worker

March 2, 2026
Starting your first role as a support worker is an exciting step in your healthcare career. At Health Staff Australia, we understand that stepping into a new environment — whether in aged care, disability support or community services — can feel both rewarding and overwhelming. The key to success lies in preparation, professionalism and the right mindset. Before your first shift, it’s important to ensure all compliance requirements are completed and up to date. This typically includes your National Police Check, Working With Children Check (if required), NDIS Worker Screening Check where applicable, current First Aid and CPR certification, relevant qualifications, immunisation records, proof of ID and your right to work documentation. Having your paperwork organised not only prevents delays but also demonstrates reliability and readiness from day one. Understanding your role is equally important. Take time to carefully review your employment contract, position description and any client care plans provided. Familiarise yourself with workplace policies, reporting structures and documentation procedures. If you are unsure about any aspect of your responsibilities, clarify this with your consultant or supervisor before your first shift. Confidence comes from knowing exactly what is expected of you. Practical preparation can significantly reduce first-day nerves. Confirm your shift time and location, plan your travel route in advance and allow extra time for unforeseen delays. Lay out your uniform the night before and pack essentials such as photo identification, a notebook, pen and water bottle. Presenting yourself professionally and arriving early sets a strong first impression with both colleagues and clients.  Refreshing key skills ahead of your assignment can also make a difference. Reviewing manual handling techniques, infection control practices, documentation standards and effective communication approaches will help you feel competent and capable. Even experienced support workers benefit from revisiting best-practice guidelines before entering a new workplace.
February is often called the month of love — a time to reflect on connection, kindness and care for

Supporting Independence: Encouraging Daily Living Skills with Care, Compassion and Love

February 2, 2026
Independence Looks Different for Everyone Living independently is something many people take for granted. For individuals living with disability, mobility challenges or learning difficulties, independence may look very different — and that’s okay. Some clients live in their own homes with regular support visits, while others live in supported or community accommodation. No matter the setting, independence isn’t about doing everything alone. It’s about having choice, control and the right level of support to live a fulfilling life. Daily living skills can include: Preparing meals Managing medication Personal care and hygiene Using public transport Attending appointments Engaging in social and community activities With the right support, these everyday tasks become opportunities for growth, confidence and connection. Why Supporting Independence Matters When individuals feel empowered to make decisions and participate in daily life, their wellbeing improves significantly. Independence helps reduce anxiety, strengthens self-esteem and encourages community participation. Without consistent and thoughtful support, individuals may experience increased stress, vulnerability or social withdrawal. In some cases, a lack of appropriate guidance can place people at risk of exploitation or unsafe situations.  That’s why providing reliable, person-centred support is so important — especially in home care environments.