Aged care tick for federal budget

WOORAYL Lodge aged care workers are among those who will benefit from the aged care sector initiatives included in the recent Federal Budget.

One of those Woorayl Lodge employees, Personal Care Assistant (PCA) Mary Perez spoke of the significance of the $11.3 billion allocated in the budget to fund a 15 percent increase in the award wage for aged care workers across a variety of roles.

She sees it as important acknowledgement of the value of the service those in the aged care sector provide.

“The government is looking to (recognise) the contribution of aged care and disability workers,” she said.

Mary and fellow PCA Erwin Mayo, along with Georgin Jose who has completed his PCA course and is undertaking his placement at Woorayl Lodge, agree the 15 percent wage boost will be of great assistance in dealing with increased living costs.

The increase kicks in at the end of June.

Woorayl Lodge CEO Barry Westhorpe said the pay increase will help attract people considering aged care to the industry.

That will include Registered Nurses, by closing the pay gap that exists with hospitals.

Barry also highlighted the fact the funding to boost wages in the aged care sector will reduce the gender pay gap, with a high percentage of aged care staff being female.

While not all aged care employees are covered by the change, including those responsible for laundry, cleaners and administration workers, the news is still positive for those filling these roles at Woorayl Lodge.

“We’ve taken the decision to increase their salaries to the same level,” Barry said.

While the wage increase is a standout feature of the Budget for aged care, funding has also been devoted to other improvements through what is a $36 billion package for the sector.

Barry praised the $12.9 million boost for better nutrition, saying consistently high standards are needed throughout the industry.

While he said Woorayl Lodge is already committed to providing its residents with a high standard of nutrition and enjoyable meals, Barry noted the recently announced financial assistance will help offset the rising costs of food.

He is also supportive of other funded aged care initiatives announced in the Budget, including an increased emphasis on matching potential aged care residents’ needs and desires to appropriate facilities, and efforts to assist older people to remain within their communities.

Over $536 million has been allocated for aged care homes to address Covid-19.

A further $112 million commitment over four years is intended to enable more regular GP visits, health assessments and care planning in aged care homes through incentive payments to GPs.

“It’s a comprehensive and historical package for aged care which will ultimately make a real difference,” the Woorayl Lodge CEO declared.