Getting old is a worrying and frightening thing, according to Martha Lamprey.
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But the Gumly resident said the impending aged-care crisis was scarier.
It follows a landmark report revealing a staffing shortfall across the industry.
With the region and the rest of the country staring down the barrel of an ageing population, the need for more workers is set to increase.
Wagga’s aged care professionals last month told The Daily Advertiser there was already more demand for assisted care than staff to fill positions.
Having lived a full life working, raising a family and paying taxes, Mrs Lamprey said slowly losing mobility and independence was something she had never considered.
“I used to love knitting, but my fingers aren’t working right now,” Mrs Lamprey said. “I can’t even go into the shops … I can’t do any of that now.”
She said it was a scary reality, but the assistance provided by BaptistCare had eased that fear.
For about ten years, an at-home carer has arrived at the Lamprey’s door to help with daily tasks like groceries, transport and shopping.
“They come and help Nobby (Trevor Lamprey) shower and things like that,” Mrs Lamprey said. “He’s had several strokes and quite a lot of falls which has made him very sick.”
She said BaptistCare had returned her independence.
It is the reason Mrs Lamprey wanted to encourage job seekers to join the assisted-care sector across the region.
Every one of us is going to get to that stage one day.
- Martha Lamprey
“It’s been wonderful to have someone come and help us,” she said. “I can stay in my own home.”
Government data this year revealed about 360,000 residents were employed across the aged care sector, but before 2050 it would need to increase to seven figures.
The Daily Advertiser in July reported a lack of interest in the sector was continuing to the crisis, with residents less inclined to work in what could be considered a depressing industry.
But Mrs Lamprey said as a former nurse she had considered it “a privilege to help old people”.
“Every one of us is going to get to that stage one day,” she said. “It’s about making sure they have the quality of life they should have.”
Fellow Wagga resident Neola Yuill-Goal, who started receiving assistance after a fall, said the support had been “just great”.