Call for younger generations to consider career in aged care

Working in aged care is “rewarding and deeply meaningful” and a career path more young people should consider, says 24-year-old home care manager Gabby McBriarty.

Ms McBriarty was 12 years old when her father established an international non-medical home care brand in South Australia. More than a decade later, Gabby now co-owns and manages a fast-growing in-home aged care business, My Care Solution, with her mum Lee, who is an experienced palliative care nurse.

Managing a team of over 130 care staff in delivering bespoke, 24/7 in-home care services, Ms McBriarty was recently recognised as ‘one to watch’ in the global Celebrating Women in Aged Care campaign.

Ms McBriarty acknowledges aged care is not a career of first choice for young adults, and says the industry is often associated with being mundane and uninspiring.

“I’ve had the benefit of growing up with parents in the industry and knowing the opportunities available,” Ms McBriarty says. “The public portrayal of aged care in Australia is that it’s in crisis mode – it’s so entrenched that the employment opportunities go largely unrecognised.”

“From my experience, young people look at the industry and think it’s a dead end – it couldn’t be further from the truth.

According to the Aged Care Workforce Strategy report commissioned by the Federal Government, by 2050 3.5 million Australians will be accessing aged care services every year, requiring a workforce of almost one million direct care workers.

However, a two-year research project by major national industry super fund HESTA found that almost 50 percent of aged care workers were aged over 50 and more than 23 percent of them intended on leaving the sector in the next five years.

“With 1,000 Australians turning 80 every week, it is most certainly a growth industry,” Ms McBriarty says. “Now, more than ever, it’s important for young people to consider the diverse and global opportunities that the aged care industry can offer.”

“The work is intrinsically rewarding and deeply meaningful, and there are so many areas of work to consider. We just need more young people to take the leap and help shake things up.”

“Despite the hustle and bustle of the industry, it is so gratifying to finish a day of work and know that you’ve made a difference in some way for many individuals and families in your community.”

This article was originally published on agedcareguide.com.au in January 2019. Author unknown.