Our hospitality teams are integral to the smooth operation of our aged care homes and contribute significantly to our residents’ quality of life. There are several benefits of working in an aged care home for hospitality staff:

1. Meaningful work and personal fulfillment
2. Stable and predictable work
3. Positive work-life balance
4. Opportunities for professional growth
5. Strong sense of community
6. Staff benefits and job security
7. Diverse and inclusive work environment
8. Contribution to resident wellbeing

One of the most significant benefits of working in an aged care home is the sense of purpose and fulfillment that comes from making a positive impact on the lives of older people. Our hospitality staff play a crucial role in ensuring that residents feel comfortable, cared for, and respected.

Whether it’s preparing nutritious meals, maintaining a clean environment, or providing an essential service, hospitality staff have the power to directly impact our residents’ happiness and wellbeing (Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, 2022).

Unlike the often unpredictable and high-pressure environment of restaurants and hotels, aged care homes typically offer a more stable and predictable work setting. Regular hours, fewer late-night shifts, a calmer working environment and a steadier routine can lead to reduced stress and a healthier lifestyle (Hello Leaders, 2023).

The structured nature of work in aged care homes often allows for a better work-life balance compared to other hospitality settings. With more predictable hours and fewer demands for overtime or late-night shifts, hospitality staff can enjoy more time with their family and friends and pursue personal interests outside of work.

Working in an aged care home can provide opportunities for professional growth and development. Many aged care providers, including Eldercare, offer training programs and professional development opportunities to help staff enhance their skills and advance their careers.

Working in an aged care home fosters a strong sense of community among staff and residents, which allows for the development of meaningful relationships and a supportive workplace culture. Hospitality staff often become an integral part of the residents’ daily lives, creating bonds that are both professionally and personally rewarding. This sense of community can lead to higher job satisfaction and a more enjoyable work experience (Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, 2022).

Working for a not-for-profit aged care provider, like Eldercare, means hospitality workers can maximise their take-home pay by opting in to salary packaging. Eldercare staff are also able to access additional benefits, from discounted services to health and wellbeing initiatives.

Additionally, the demand for aged care services is growing due to an aging population, which translates to increased job security for those working in the industry. Hospitality staff can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with stable employment and the potential for long-term career opportunities (Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, 2022).

Aged care providers often prioritise diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming environment for people from various backgrounds. This diversity enriches the workplace and enhances the quality of care provided to residents (Willis et al., 2018).

At Eldercare we place people at the heart of everything we do and believe everyone deserves to be respected. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive and supportive organisation, with a strong equal employment opportunity ethos, Rainbow Tick accreditation in support of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender diverse and intersex (LGBTIQ) community, and a proven track record of gender pay parity (Workplace Gender Equality Agency, 2024).

Hospitality staff in aged care homes play a vital role in enhancing the overall wellbeing of residents. For example, chefs take pride in preparing meals that are not only nutritious but also tailored to the dietary needs and preferences of the residents they help to care for. Cleaners and laundry assistants ensure that the living environment is hygienic and comfortable, while hospitality assistants provide attentive and friendly service, especially during mealtimes. These contributions are essential to maintaining a high quality of life for residents.

In summary, working in an aged care home offers numerous benefits for hospitality staff.

Read more about the additional benefits available to Eldercare employees and explore Eldercare’s current job vacancies.

Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. (2022, August 29). Getting the dining experience right – Aged care staff fact sheet. https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/resources/getting-the-dining-experience-right-aged-care-staff-fact-sheet

Hello Leaders. (2023, August 22). The role of hospitality in aged care. https://helloleaders.com.au/article/the-role-of-hospitality-in-aged-care

Willis, E., Xiao, L.D., Morey, W., Jeffers, L., Harrington, A., Gillham, D. & De Bellis, A. New Migrants in Residential Aged Care: Managing Diversity in Not-for-Profit Organisations. (2018). Journal of International Migration and Integration, 19, 683–700. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12134-018-0564-2

Workplace Gender Equality Agency. (2024). WGEA Data Explorer. https://www.wgea.gov.au/data-statistics/data-explorer