Burnout & Wellbeing in Aged Care - What the Numbers Say
Chris O • December 17, 2025
Working in Aged Care means giving compassion, patience and heart every day. But in a sector built on care, your own wellbeing matters just as much as the people you support.
What the Numbers Say
Recent Australian research shows wellbeing in aged care is under real pressure:
- Around 1 in 4 workers experience burnout symptoms like fatigue and emotional exhaustion (ARIIA, 2024).
- Burnout rates increased and resilience has declined (Medical Journal of Australia).
- Over half of workers in some studies have considered leaving due to workload and emotional strain.
These aren’t just stats - they’re the lived reality of the people caring for our most vulnerable.
Why It Matters
Burnout doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the slow build-up of long shifts, emotional load, and never-ending demands. But you matter too - your health, your energy, your purpose. It’s okay to pause, take leave, ask for help, and reset. Caring for yourself is part of caring for others - you can’t pour from an empty cup! Alexiss, our Head of Aged Care at TQ, puts it perfectly:
“Pause and reconnect with your purpose. Remember what drew you to aged care, because those meaningful connections can reignite your spark when you need it most.”
What Helps Reduce Burnout in Aged Care
- Smarter workloads, better schedules: When shifts are balanced and you have more control over your work, burnout drops - and job satisfaction rises.
- Strong support systems - Good leadership and supportive teammates make all the difference. Care work is relational, and carers need care too.
- Spot pressure early - Noticing stress points before they build helps keep teams steady and safe.
- Extra hands when needed - Partnering with Talent Quarter means having qualified staff ready to step in when workloads peak.
- Hiring for the long haul - Bringing in the right permanent staff creates stability, strengthens teams, and helps prevent burnout before it starts.
🤝 Connections with Impact
At TQ, we really do believe that great care starts with supporting the carers. We’re here to help connect you with workplaces where you feel valued, supported and able to thrive - physically, mentally and emotionally.
Let us help you find an Aged Care role that’s right for you!
And remember, it’s okay to pause. To take leave. To ask for help. To reset. The best carers are those who know when to look after themselves first. Because when you’re well, the positive impact you create ripples through everyone around you.
If you’d like support, guidance, or simply someone to talk to, our Aged Care Team is here for you. Get in touch!
📩 Alexiss:
Alexiss.Macneil@talentquarter.com
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