Aaron’s Story: Celebrating Aged Care Employees Day
Meet Aaron Young (40) Area Head Chef - Whiddon Central Coast & Far West
1 August 2023
Aaron joined Whiddon in 2020 seeking a change from his previous roles in hospitality and a fulfilling way to apply over 20 years of experience as an executive chef across various hotels and restaurants. He was quickly drawn to Whiddon’s commitment to Relationship-Based Care (RBC) and forward-thinking approach to food and dining.
“I was looking for an aged care provider that had a big focus on the food side of day-to-day operations and were reinventing how food in residential aged care is presented. Whiddon emphasises the important role food plays in the lives of residents and the need for it to be reflective of resident needs, choices, and preferences. This is what appealed to me and solidified the direction I wanted to take with my next career move,” said Aaron.
With a pathway for career growth and progress key to a rewarding career, Aaron has undertaken several exciting opportunities including a move to Sydney and Whiddon Easton Park to oversee the opening of a new commercial kitchen and home-style kitchens.
He continues, “I was committed to learning as much as l could about food in aged care and I have been able to gain this knowledge at Whiddon which has allowed me to have the opportunity to progress my career in aged care. With each career move comes challenges and excitement, but I always feel encouraged by my peers and management. At Whiddon, there is a strong emphasis on listening and supporting staff and ensuring we feel valued for the work we do.”
In his current role as Area Head Chef, Aaron provides invaluable support for chefs and catering departments across 8 Whiddon locations in the Central Coast and Far West region of New South Wales. In spending as much time as he can with residents, Aaron is not only able to better cater for the residents in Whiddon’s care but really understands the individual he and his team are cooking for.
“I feel like I’m cooking for a big family, that’s the care l put into my food and treat it like my own family,” said Aaron.
“I don’t have any of my grandparents with me anymore, and they would be the same age as the residents at Whiddon. I see a lot of my grandparents in the residents I meet, and this is what makes it so enjoyable and rewarding to get to know our residents. Most just want to chat about their past, reminisce, and get to know you.”
Speaking to his favourite memories at Whiddon, Aaron reflects fondly on the many meaningful connections and resident interactions over his 3 years at Whiddon.
“It’s hard to pick just one story as many have meant a lot. I like to come and see the residents as often as l can, because I know how much it means to them and the impact it has on me.”
“Some l will sit and have a coffee with and others we strike up a conversation and talk about our interests. A resident and l shared an interest in owls and one of her hobbies was crafting bedazzled cardboard owls. One day she walked and handed a sparkly owl and said “here I made this for you”. She wanted to say thank you for our conversations and taking interest in what she was doing. It was such a nice gesture and a special touch. I always keep it on my desk and the memory comes back when I look at it.”
Aaron also proudly encourages other chefs considering a role in aged care to give it a go, saying “it’s more rewarding and fulfilling than you may first think.”
In the lead-up to Aged Care Employees Day (August 7), Whiddon is proudly sharing stories of exceptional team members to say #ThanksforCaring. Aged Care Employee Day honours the more than 427,000 residential care, home care and retirement living staff who care for 1.5 million older Australians every single day. From direct care workers to the extended allied workforce, Aged Care Employees Day highlights and celebrates the many different roles of those involved in the aged care journey.
About Aged Care Employees (ACE) Day
- Aged Care Employee Day (ACE Day) takes place on August 7 of every year and celebrates the diverse workforce providing quality care to seniors.
- The day, now championed by the Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA), represents more than 427,000 residential care, home care and retirement living staff who care for 1.5 million older Australian’s each day.
- Aged Care Employee Day was announced in 2018 by Australian not-for-profit care provider, Whiddon, as a day to celebrate all workers involved in the journey of caring for people who receive aged care services.
- From direct care workers to the extended allied workforce, Aged Care Employees Day highlights and celebrates the many different roles of those involved in the aged care journey.
- Whiddon initiated Aged Care Employee Day after observing that existing days which celebrate certain parts of the workforce, such as International Nurses Day, were not sufficient to recognise the united efforts of the aged care workforce in delivering care services.
- In 2019, Aged Care Employee Day was recognised as a national event.
About Whiddon
Whiddon is an award-winning care provider with residential care, community care and retirement villages across metropolitan, regional, rural, and remote New South Wales and Southeast Queensland.
Whiddon has been providing exceptional care to older Australians and people with disabilities for more than 75 years, and has grown to be an industry-leading, not-for-profit aged care organisation caring for close to 3,000 customers with over 2,500 employees.
Whiddon is passionate about enriching lives and keeping older people connected to what matters most to them in life. The organisation aims to really understand each person through building deep relationships with them, their family, and their community.
Whiddon proudly partners with academics and universities that are developing the latest thinking, innovation, programs, and training around quality of life and ageing.
