Celebrating Carinity’s aged care heroes
On Aged Care Employee Day on August 7, Carinity celebrates our 1,000-plus dedicated staff members who care for Queensland seniors.
It isn’t just our nurses and carers who support older people living in Carinity aged care communities or those who receive care at home. A number of Carinity employees with different skills make a difference to seniors – helping them to live with purpose every day.
A former home maker, Janice Kelly is now a Diversional Therapist who arranges activities for residents of the Carinity Brookfield Green aged care community in Brisbane.
“There are many reasons why I wanted to work with older people. I believe we learn so much when working with them. I find it brings a lot of joy not only for them but also for the people that work with them,” Janice said.
“Our seniors have wonderful stories to share and are great people to be with. I enjoy listening to their life stories and the wonderful adventures they have had. I enjoy sharing music with them and see the joy it brings.”
The on-site chaplain at the Carinity Wishart Gardens seniors’ community in Brisbane, Gill Johnson is a trusted companion and confidante for older people and their families during all stages of their aged care journey.
“Going into care is one of the biggest changes we make in life for both the resident and their families. One of the most empowering things for residents is to be listened to,” Gill said.
“My role is to be in the moment with each resident – to listen to their life stories; to acknowledge frustrations and fears; share in their joys and help them to find hope.”
Residential Manager of Carinity Shalom, Joseph Lionheart, enjoys providing support and guidance to the team of staff at the Rockhampton aged care community, while nurturing a positive working environment.
“I like fixing problems: I will give my all to do what it would take to resolve any issues. A nurse’s role is to identify any health issues or concerns a resident or client may have, and try to find a solution,” Joseph said.
“I ensure good quality working relationships are built and maintained between external and internal stakeholders – and also with staff and residents and their family and relatives.”
As a member of Carinity’s ICT Business Systems team, Amie Butler collects, analyses and collates data which is used by aged care and home staff to help deliver better care to seniors.
“I am not ‘on the ground’ delivering care to our residents or visiting our home care clients, but I can use my skills to provide information and improve ICT processes to support those delivering our services,” Amie said.
“If I can figure out ways to improve a process or provide information that makes our managers’ and staff’s day a little easier – so they in turn can spend more time on delivering a valuable service that ultimately improves the lives of those in need – then I have reached my goal.”
One of the unsung heroes at Carinity Cedarbrook is its head chef, Vanessa Turnbull. After a long career in hospitality, Vanessa decided to use her culinary skills to bring joy to Gold Coast seniors.
“Because of my training and skills, I decided to try aged care as I wanted to feel I was making a difference in peoples’ lives. I have a real nurturing nature and food is a great way to express care for others,” she said.
“I also like working with families to find the best way to meet the residents’ needs. When the residents are happy is when I’m most satisfied.”
