BlueCare raising rates even higher to support staff and innovation in aged care
BlueCare today announced it will provide an additional 5% boost on top of recent federal increases to the pay packets of thousands of staff, acknowledging their contribution to the sector and the rising costs of living.
Personal Carers, Allied Health Assistants, Activities Officers, Hospitality Officers and our support team working in Aged Care Facilities and out in the Community will now receive a range of improved benefits*, chief among them, BlueCare’s commitment to pay many roles within their aged care team 5% above the modern award rate.
This is on top of the recent increases to award rates of pay as a result of the Fair Work Commissions’ Work Value Case decision which awarded 15% increases to certain roles working in aged care and a 5.75% increase as part of the national minimum wage decision.
In addition, our Nurses also recently received 11 – 15% pay increases, as BlueCare passed on the Work Value Case increases.
UnitingCare Aged Care and Community Services Executive Cathy Thomas said BlueCare was committed to innovation in aged care and improving remuneration was the first-step in ensuring BlueCare had the right workforce in place to meet the changing landscape.
“Our wage increases coincide with the introduction of BlueCare Neighbourhoods, a new operating model that will future proof our in-home service offering, enabling staff to deliver more coordinated and personalised care locally to clients,” Ms Thomas said.
“With industry reforms, changing customer needs and workforce pressures, the new operating model and pay rates come at a much-needed time and will help ensure BlueCare maintains its position as the market leader in providing person-centred aged care service in communities across Queensland.”
Ms Thomas said BlueCare was currently recruiting for around 300 roles to its new BlueCare Neighbourhoods, which each have its own leader, liaison, Home Care package partner, nurses, personal carers and general administration support.
“BlueCare neighbourhoods will enable staff to have much greater level of communication and collaboration with colleagues, customer and families, while enjoying greater benefits and working locally within their own communities,” she said.
Ms Thomas said despite the increases to rates and benefits, staff continue to report the personal benefits they receive from caring for clients as the greatest motivator for coming to work each day.
“Getting to be that human connection for clients who are often living alone, taking care of their needs and often just spending time with them over a cup of tea, really does make a meaningful difference to their lives,” Ms Thomas said.
Ms Thomas said it was fitting to be announcing a fresh new chapter for BlueCare as it celebrated its 70th birthday this month.
“BlueCare has been a trusted part of Queensland communities for generations, and the improvements to staff conditions and service delivery are testament to our commitment to ensure that our people, clients and communities continue to be at the heart of all we do,” Ms Thomas said.
“There’s never been a better time to join the BlueCare family.”