Our founder and CEO Nick McDonald says: “This increase is not only about recognising and rewarding our care staff – which includes Personal and Home Care Attendants, Registered and Enrolled Nurses, and Home and Garden Maintenance – for the important work they do; but also attracting more fantastic people to our industry.
Like many industries, there is a growing shortage of workers, leading to the risk of many vulnerable people going without vital care. We know that in the next decade alone an additional 17,000 direct aged care workers are needed each year just to meet basic standards of care. Our goal at Prestige is to hire over 150 by the end of the year.”
The pay increase, which was effective from July 1, 2022, cements Prestige as one of the highest-paying providers in the industry.
“We are setting a precedent that we hope both government and other providers follow, allowing us to collectively address the care worker shortage, and ensure our most vulnerable members of the community receive the care and support they need,” says Nick.
Attracting and retaining extraordinary care staff at Prestige does not stop with a pay increase
Permanent part-time and full-time staff are also rewarded with a host of other benefits. These include paid car allowance and travel time between shifts, all certifications, like the NDIS working screening check, manual handling and first aid paid for, plus opportunities to upskill in Certificate IV courses, to name a few.
“Permanent staff are an important part of our employee mix. Listening to their needs and concerns and implementing initiatives such as these new benefits is crucial for retaining and growing this cohort,” says Nick.
Casual care staff, as well as permanent, also benefit from ongoing paid training and development opportunities, flexibility with their shifts; regular reward and recognition programs – including the Carer of the Year Award which comes with a $1,500 prize, discounted health insurance and an impressive Employee Assistance Program.
If you or someone you know is interested in joining an employer who will care for you while you care for others
Send us your CV or visit our Careers page. There are opportunities available for those with and without industry experience or qualifications.