It’s been five years since COVID-19 first hit our aged care homes, but for many workers, the daily reality hasn’t eased up much.
As of late June 2025, more than 300 residential aged care homes across Australia are still juggling active COVID-19 outbreaks. That means thousands of residents and staff are back in PPE, back to daily RATs, and back to covering shifts for teammates in isolation.
According to the latest figures from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, 307 homes were dealing with outbreaks at 8:00 a.m. on June 26 — affecting over 2,400 people, including nearly 700 staff.
In just one week, there were 137 new outbreaks and sadly, 27 more resident deaths linked to COVID-19. It’s a tough reminder that for aged care teams, COVID is far from over.
One reason outbreaks continue to spread is that booster rates have declined. As of June 25, just under 56% of residents aged 75 and above had received a booster in the past six months, which is significantly below the recommendation from experts. Fewer than 18,000 residents received a booster shot in the last month alone.
For workers, this means more risk on the floor. If residents aren’t up to date, the virus can get a foothold fast, especially during winter.
It’s not just the virus that wears people down; it’s the scramble to find staff. Since the pandemic began, surge workforce providers have clocked more than 200,000 extra shifts to keep services running.
Last week alone, they covered 151 urgent shifts. But everyone knows surge staff can’t fix everything. It’s permanent team members who keep the wheels turning, and many are burning out.
Love it or hate it, infection control audits and spot checks are still happening, too. The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission has conducted more than 6,000 infection control checks since March 2020, and in the past year alone, it has undertaken over 2,300 visits and remote assessments.
Why? Because the basics matter, clean hands, fresh PPE, proper visitor rules — all of it helps keep you and residents safer.
Some workers tell HelloCare they’re exhausted by constant testing and the “forever” feeling of COVID rules. Others say clear communication and better support from management make all the difference.
If you’re feeling worn down, here are a few things to keep in mind:
✅ Don’t skip your own booster. Protect yourself so you can continue to do your job safely.
✅ Speak up if you’re short on PPE or RATs — it’s your right to work safely.
✅ Ask for extra help when you’re stretched thin. Filling gaps alone is not sustainable.
✅ Look after your mental health — talk to your mates, your union, or an employee assistance program if things feel too much.
COVID-19 might have dropped off the nightly news, but it hasn’t left aged care. For many homes, daily RATs, extra cleaning, and surge rosters are still just part of the job.
One day, the testing will ease up. But until then, it’s about doing what you do best: showing up, looking out for each other, and speaking up when you need support.
