Paying tribute to south west's aged care workers

Wednesday is National Aged Care Employee Day.

RECOGNITION: Rebecca Spence has been a nursing assistant at the Westhaven Aged Care Facility in Roma for the past 15 years. Picture: contributed

REBECCA Spence is just one of the invaluable aged care workers whose efforts will be celebrated tomorrow on National Aged Care Employee Day.

As a nursing assistant at the Westhaven Aged Care Facility in Roma for the past 15 years, Ms Spence said it was satisfying to be in a profession that allowed her to deliver quality care to people.

"If I can put a smile on a person's face each day and make them happy, then that's made my day,” she said.

South West Hospital and Health Service chief executive Linda Patat said it was fitting the day was observed as the health service was a major provider of aged care services in the region.

"From the nurses and care workers, to cooks and hospitality teams, drivers, cleaners, wards people and laundry employees, volunteers, leisure and lifestyle officers and administration teams - this day is to recognise the entire workforce,” she said.

"We are committed to ensuring our elderly residents can continue living and receiving care in their home communities, or as close as possible to them.

"Being close to family, friends and well-known spaces is a major contributor to emotional and physical wellbeing and we are pleased and proud to be able to support our elderly residents in this way.”

Ms Patat said was the day was designed to celebrate every team member involved in the journey of caring for older Australians.