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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A World Mental Health Day message from Jan Bannerman , Joint Managing Director, Talent Quarter
If you've spent a few years in Emergency, chances are you've thought about it. "Could I do remote nursing?"
When our Nurse Alex moved from Northern Ireland to Australia in November 2025 , she wanted to do two things: work as a nurse and make the most of the opportunity to explore Australia. Travel nursing has given her the chance to do both! Making the most of the time between contracts 🐋 After wrapping up a contract, Alex headed to the Gold Coast for some well-earned downtime - which happened to fall right in the middle of humpback whale migration season. “I went whale watching which was incredible. It was peak season for humpback whales migrating down the east coast. There were so many whales!” For Alex, taking a break between contracts isn’t just about travelling. It gives her a chance to properly switch off after working in demanding and sometimes unfamiliar environments. “Contracts can be both physically and mentally demanding at times, and working in unknown environments can be overwhelming. Having time off between contracts has helped me recharge to be ready for the next contract.” Work, travel and a bit more freedom One of the things Alex has enjoyed most is being able to choose contracts that suit her experience and the way she wants to spend her time in Australia. “It’s great being able to balance the work and the holiday aspects of my Working Holiday Visa. As much as I love work, I love being able to see and experience Australia in all of its beauty in my downtime.” It’s also given her the chance to broaden her nursing experience. Alex comes from an ICU background, but since starting travel nursing she’s also worked in ED and on a medical ward. And then there are the places. Instead of only visiting somewhere for a weekend, Alex gets to spend a few weeks living and working there - experiencing smaller towns and parts of Australia she might never otherwise have had the chance to call home. Next stop: Tasmania 📍 Alex has now started a new contract in Tasmania, where she’s looking forward to gaining more ED experience and, of course, exploring more of the state while she’s there. For any nurses thinking about doing something similar, Alex’s advice is pretty simple: “Do it! I was nervous to start travel nursing, but I’m so glad I did it. The team at Talent Quarter supported and guided me throughout the whole way. They are always just a phone call away.” For Alex, it’s that freedom that makes travel nursing so worthwhile. “You could work the full year straight if you want, or take months off at a time to travel. It’s up to you.” A new contract, a new part of Australia and the freedom to decide what comes next. That’s what travel nursing has looked like for Alex so far. Thinking about giving travel nursing a go? Whether you’re ready for your next contract or just curious about what opportunities are out there, we’d love to hear from you . Get in touch with our Talent Quarter team and have a chat about where travel nursing could take you next! Click here: https://www.talentquarter.com/contact-us or get in touch with our consultant, Lewis Dew!
