Aged Care Employee Day on August 7 is an opportunity for Carinity to officially recognise the dedicated professionals who support older people entrusted into our care.
From nurses, personal care workers and allied health professionals, to administrators, chefs and gardeners, every role in aged care contributes to the wellbeing of seniors.
These employees are amongst 456,000 aged care workers who support older people across Australia.
They include Moira Williams and Preet Pannu who support Townsville seniors living in the Carinity Fairfield Grange aged care home.
“The most rewarding part of being a personal care worker is helping people maintain their independence and dignity. I enjoy building positive relationships with residents,” Moira said.
“Knowing that I can help them feel comfortable, respected and valued gives me a strong sense of purpose and satisfaction.”
Preet formerly worked in the hospitality sector and has “always enjoyed helping people”.
“Working in aged care gives me the opportunity to support older people, make a positive difference in their daily lives, and treat them with the respect and kindness they deserve,” she said.
“Seeing residents happy and knowing that my work contributes to their comfort and wellbeing motivates me every day. Even small acts of care can make a meaningful difference.”
Mariana Brat is a Personal Carer who has worked at the Carinity Cedarbrook aged care home at Mudgeeraba on the Gold Coast for eight years.
“A personal care worker thrives to be compassionate, kind, humble, patient, understanding and empathetic. It’s a rewarding job,” Mariana said.
“The most fulfilling thing about being a Personal Carer is the bond that you form with the residents and their family, and also fellow staff members.”
While providing quality care to residents is her main priority, Mariana enjoys “putting a smile on residents’ faces and being the person they trust and rely on”.
“The best part of working with the elderly is listening to their life history, experiences, travels, and lots of interesting stories. Every day is different and I go to work with joy,” Mariana said.
“I am happy when all my residents are happy. After two days off work when you go back the residents tell you how much they miss you. That means a lot – and it means my duties are done 100% from the heart.”
Bronwyn McLean’s ageing parents inspired her to support seniors around the Rockhampton and Livingstone areas, through her Lifestyle Carer role with Carinity Home Care.
“I wanted to work in a position where I can give assistance and make a difference to our seniors – and to help keep them in their own home for as long as possible,” Bronwyn said.
“The thing I enjoy most about caring for seniors is hearing their life stories and just making a bit of a difference for them by providing care at home.”
Ronwyn Spence worked in a bakery and fish and chip shop in Mount Morgan over several decades before seeking a career change. She undertook a course in aged care and now works for Carinity Home Care.
“I enjoy visiting my clients and helping them with their daily routines, getting to know them and hearing about their lives. I take pride in my job and know that I am making a difference in their lives,” Ronwyn said.
“My family and I have known most of my clients for most of my life. Knowing that I have made a difference in my clients’ lives is really rewarding.”
For Sue Weeks from Carinity Home Care Logan, each day on the job is different. She provides a range of supports to Logan seniors, including domestic assistance and getting them out into the community.
“It’s wonderful to see some of my clients regain their confidence to leave their home. That wouldn’t have happened without the trust we’ve built over time, simply by being there each week and supporting them,” Sue said.
“As seniors age, their ability to do everyday tasks changes. I am there to meet them where they’re at, on that particular day. They are just so grateful for the big and small differences I make.”
Carinity CEO, Kevin Griffiths, thanked the dedicated carers who support seniors across Queensland every day, while also admiring their unwavering dedication and compassion.
“I feel honoured to lead such a committed team of people who are so passionate about providing care and comfort to older members of their community,” Kevin said.
“Whether they live in our residential aged care homes or we assist them in their own house, the individuals in our care are truly fortunate to have such committed and loving people supporting them.”
