Peninsula Village: Aged care staff ineligible for $800 government bonus as they’re not ‘direct care’
Hundreds of aged care staff who work in laundry, food preparation, reception and maintenance are not eligible for an $800 government bonus because they are not “direct care”.
Central Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Central Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Peninsula Villages chief executive officer Shane Neaves has written an open letter to the Federal Government condemning its definition of “direct care worker” which precludes many staff from accessing a bonus of up to $800.
“The additional funding promised by the government was to support and help the sector to stay strong, including a Retention Bonus Grant for aged care workers,” Mr Neaves said.
“But the Commonwealth will only offer financial support to ‘direct care’ workers. Shame on you government.”
Mr Neaves said the government’s Retention Bonus for Aged Care workers splits the most important factor in providing holistic care — it divides the workforce into those rewarded and those who were not.
“I openly invite the government to address the ‘non-direct care’ workers who have risked their own personal safety to work in the aged care sector and provide important interaction with our residents as to why they aren’t being rewarded. Only recognising one side of the sector is poor form,” he said.
Peninsula Villages cares for more than 300 residents across three facilities on the Central Coast.
“Jodie (Woodward) is our laundry supervisor, she deals daily with infection, heavily soiled linen and resident’s personal items,” Mr Neaves said.
“Her goal is to make our residents feel valued by providing a personal linen service so that residents feel presentable and take pride in their appearance — but she is not considered part of the Commonwealth’s definition of ‘direct care’ — no retention bonus, shameful.
“Lyn in environmental services. Her goal is to maintain and present resident’s rooms and common areas, ensuring a clean and safe environment and so much additional work has been incurred with cleaning due to COVID-19.
“Greg is in grounds management. His goal is to provide gardens and grounds that encourage our residents to actively participate in their environment, either walking, planting or just finding a sunny spot to sit and reflect. So, a welcoming, natural and healthy environment isn’t important to the holistic care of a resident?
“Sharon is in catering services. Sharon’s goal is to provide nutritious menus, that are enjoyable, offering choice and variety to residents. The importance of eating in a resident’s day is just as important as any other ‘direct care’ need. No food, no health! But the Commonwealth does not see this as ‘direct care’.
“Doug is our maintenance officer. His goal is to provide not only preventive maintenance, but he looks after the facility so that all our residents know they are in a safe and secure environment. He is there for all the little things residents need assistance with such as tuning the TV/radio or hanging a picture.
“Finally, Sue (Peisley) in reception. Sue provides high level assistance to our residents and their families with all their day to day functions. Her goal is to be involved assisting our residents in maintaining an active lifestyle. Whether it is assisting with direction to activities, family concerns or organising outings, this role is key to residents feeling safe and involved in their community. But once again — not considered ‘direct care’ — the front line of the organisation,” Mr Neaves added.