Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe said the day is an opportunity to thank, honour and celebrate aged care employees, which are now more important than ever.

"In 2020, there are an estimated 459,000 Australians living with dementia, with many supported by aged care employees," Ms McCabe said.

"We recognise the immense contribution of aged care employees to people living with dementia, their families and carers and the important role they play in their lives.

"During the COVID-19 crisis we have seen aged care workers go above and beyond to support the people in their care - this has been evident in the Communities of Practice sessions Dementia Australia has been running for aged care workers, where information, resources and expertise have been shared."

The Communities of Practice sessions are among a number of initiatives Dementia Australia has contributed to the sector to support them at this difficult time.

Earlier this year, Dementia Australia offered free online learning modules to aged care workers and this week marked the beginning of the Dementia Australia National Symposium Series 2020 - Dementia care is quality care.

The free online webinar series, held for six consecutive weeks starting Tuesday 4 August, gives attendees the chance to hear and learn from the best of local and international speakers on dementia care, standards, leadership and cultural change.

Also on offer are virtual classrooms, where aged care employees can learn about ways to support people living with dementia in their care during the COVID-19 pandemic in an interactive, online learning setting.

"Aged care employees are on the frontline every day working to provide care for Australians, including those living with dementia," Ms McCabe said.

"On Aged Care Employee Day, and every day, we acknowledge aged care staff for their professionalism, compassion, empathy, dignity and the care they provide."

Aged Care Employee Day was initiated by aged care provider Whiddon in 2018 and is now led and co-ordinated by Leading Age Services Australia. This year's theme is 'thanks for caring'.

Individuals and employers wishing to take part can find information and resources on the Aged Care Employee Day website here: www.agedcareday.com.au.