Helping older people age well across country WA
This Aged Care Employee Day (7 August), we are celebrating the people at the heart of aged care across country WA.
Every day, our aged care teams show extraordinary compassion, skill and dedication, supporting older people to live with dignity, independence and connection to their communities, culture and Country – key features of our Strategy for Older People 2022–27.
Whether providing direct care, supporting families, coordinating services, driving innovation or working behind the scenes, every role contributes to delivering quality care closer to home.
In the past few years, we have seen nation-wide, state-wide and local transformation in aged care through reforms, legislation and funding including:
- New Aged Care Act 2024
- $2.2 billion quality aged care package
- Support at Home program
- WA Health Patients Awaiting Aged Care Services (PAACS) Policy
However, it’s important to remember that it’s our frontline staff who bring aged care to life.
Through their commitment to person-centred care, they create meaningful moments for residents, clients and families every single day – something that is demonstrated by the heartfelt feedback we receive from our aged care residents and their families, friends and carers.
“Our dear friend who recently passed away at the age of 80 was living at home and receiving home care and at times in hospital care at Northampton Health Service. The care he received he repeatedly classed as of the highest standard. Their compassion, kindness, and overall care was extremely good and we are very grateful for all that they did and cannot thank them enough.”
“Your staff are so kind and caring to John (and me). A big thank you to those who made our wedding anniversary on the 28th extra special with a lunch table set for two with flowers and a lovely message. It was so kind.”
Acting Director Aged Care Tiffanie Rushton said the feedback demonstrates how aged care extends beyond our patients.
“When our teams provide exceptional, person-centred and compassionate care to older people, whether they are an outpatient, living within one of our residential facilities or accessing our services directly, we are also giving their family members and carers peace of mind,” Tiffanie said.
“We are demonstrating that their loved ones are safe with us, and the comfort this brings cannot be overstated.”
With an estimated 19 per cent of all country WA community members over the age of 65, Tiffanie also said that investing in our aged care workforce was now more important than ever.
“Recruitment and retention of aged care professionals across country WA is crucial.
“We achieve retention by ensuring our current staff feel valued, respected, heard and celebrated, and recruitment through initiatives like our Aged Care Transition to Practice Program.
“With seven students currently undertaking their aged care career journey through the program we are helping build the workforce of tomorrow, supporting the future of aged care and position WA Country Health Service as an employer of choice for aged care career advancement.”
Celebrating our aged care staff
South West Older Person Complex Care Team
Health Team of the Year Award – WA Rural Health Excellence Awards 2026
Since 2019, this multidisciplinary team has provided specialist care for people facing complex medical, social and cognitive challenges, often outside traditional service pathways.
By coordinating services across health, aged care, mental health, justice and community sectors, the team has helped prevent hospital admissions, homelessness, abuse and other crises.
Their achievement was further recognised with the prestigious Chairs' Award, highlighting their exceptional impact on rural healthcare and the lives of older WA country community members.
Karlarra House stepping up
Karlarra House recently celebrated several significant milestones, including its inaugural Presentation Night held on 1 July at Lotteries House, South Hedland.
In partnership with the Pilbara Health Professionals Network (PHPN), the event was a great success, attracting 28 attendees, including five virtual participants and representatives from North Regional TAFE, St John Ambulance, Yaandina Aged Care and Multicultural Health Navigation.
In early July, the team acknowledged National NAIDOC Week – which was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and recognise the rich cultures, histories and achievements of Aboriginal people, particularly the Traditional Owners of the Pilbara, which encompasses more than 31 Aboriginal language groups.
The event, which was well attended by staff and residents, helped to strengthen cultural understanding, promote respect and reconciliation, and bring the community together to recognise the enduring connection of Aboriginal people to Country, culture and community.
A special congratulations goes to Clinical Improvement Coordinator - Aged Care Lee Anne Cook, who received the WACHS Pilbara Aboriginal Leader in Health Award in recognition of her dedication and outstanding contribution to aged care.
Karlarra House has also established its new Employees of the Month initiative, celebrating Bev (May) and Ritz (June).
As voted by their peers, the initiative acknowledges staff who embody our values and highlights their commitment to helping to make Karlarra House a residential aged care facility of choice – one that always puts residents first.
These achievements support the Karlarra House Community Engagement Plan and continue to strengthen its reputation in the community.