BaptistCare Blog

Meet Amira - Occupational Therapist

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 02:00:00 +0000

As an Occuational Therapist, Amira always knew she wanted to care for a living, but working with older people had never been on the cards. It turned out to be the best career move she ever made.

Download this article as a printable PDF.

Amira is exactly the sort of person you’d want as your Occupational Therapist. She’s warm, caring, patient, and deeply passionate about supporting older people to stay in their homes for as long as possible, and empowering them to engage in meaningful activities which give their life purpose.

Based in a quiet village in the Blue Mountains with her husband, mother-in-law, and three grown daughters, Amira has been supporting BaptistCare clients across the Nepean, Blue Mountains, and Western Sydney regions for over three years.

Here she shares how she got into home care occupational therapy, what it’s like day to day, and her reflections on working for BaptistCare.

Connecting with older generations from a young age

As a first-generation Australian, Amira grew up in a close-knit, multi-generational family who, having recently migrated from Lebanon, were trying to make their mark in a new country full of opportunity.

“It was my Grandmother who raised me while my parents were out at work,” says Amira. “I would hang out with her and her friends every day until I started kindergarten.”

Spending her childhood with her grandmother’s generation gave Amira a natural ease around older people, and yet when she qualified as an Occupational Therapist, she initially rejected the idea of working in aged care.

“I never thought I’d be any good at it,” Amira admits. “It’s a challenging space, and I wasn’t sure I had enough resilience. It was only later that I realised how special it is to work with this generation – I wish I had known sooner.”

As an occupational therapist in home care, Amira works with clients like Beryl (pictured) to help them live an independent life in their own home.

“A privilege to serve humans in their twilight years”

After providing occupational therapy within a hospital and occupational rehabilitation setting, Amira made the difficult decision to step out of the working world so that she could focus on caring for her young daughter, who at the time had been diagnosed with a chronic illness.

After four years, however, she was back in the job market, needing to return to work temporarily for financial reasons.

“An opportunity arose at a local aged care home,” she remembers. “I was reluctant but took on the role, thinking I’d only stay for six weeks.”

Amira ended up staying for almost two years, falling in love with the job and knowing that aged care was where she’d spend the rest of her career.

What caused such a dramatic change in attitude?

“It was a gradual shift of perspective,” she explains. “Firstly, I discovered that aged care involves many aspects of occupational therapy that I’m most passionate about, such as pain management, equipment prescription, stroke rehabilitation, and manual handling processes.

“I also became aware that it is an immense privilege to serve humans in their twilight years. You could literally be the last person to hold their hand before they pass away – I began to realise that sharing these precious moments with people is a real honour.”

What’s it like working as an Occupational Therapist in home care?

Amira applied for an Occupational Therapist role with BaptistCare at home at the end of 2019. With continued caring requirements for her family, she needed a role that offered plenty of flexibility.

“BaptistCare bent over backwards to make it work for me,” she says. “They offered me the role and I haven’t looked back since.”

Amira says her days are highly varied, engaging, and incredibly rewarding.

Like most occupational therapists, she starts her day by working through referrals and reading up on each client’s situation before making initial contact.

Her day-to-day tasks might include:

Making calls to new clients or their Next Of Kin, and holding an initial discussion about their situation and needs
Spending the day on the road, driving to clients’ homes and conducting in-person consultations
Visiting homes and assessing clients’ day-to-day activities such as cooking a meal, going to the bathroom, or getting dressed
Attending to paperwork, writing reports to government bodies and for other stakeholders who advocate for the client’s right to access equipment and other interventions.

“I’m always looking for opportunities where we can restore independence in the activities of day-to-day living, and where there might be gaps in safety, function, or emotional resilience,” says Amira.

This last point may come as a surprise to some, but Amira says that gauging her clients’ emotional resilience and attitude toward ageing is crucial when it comes to occupational therapy in home care.

“We’re trying to establish how much change we can push,” Amira explains. “In older age, this can be difficult to measure. I think there is a universal vulnerability that older people experience, which sometimes makes change for the older person difficult to cope with – it’s no reflection on character, it’s just part of being human.”

“My job is to show them that we all come to a time in our life when we need the help of another human being.”

Occupational therapists like Amira support clients to continue participating in activities of day-to-day living.

Building trust

In this sense, building a trusting relationship with her clients is often Amira’s first priority.

“It can be a challenge,” she says. “Clients are sometimes confused about what I do and think I’m there to tell them they must move into residential aged care. They are often quite anxious by the time I arrive.”

Amira says that she deals with this by practising empathy, humility, and where appropriate, humour to break the ice.

“I meet clients wherever they’re at emotionally in their ageing experience,” she says. “Sometimes making them laugh helps to soften a situation. Other times, it’s about simply acknowledging that somebody’s situation is difficult, whilst finding ways for them to live with meaning and purpose.”

Amira works hard to ensure her clients are active participants in developing their own goals – an approach that has been proven to get the best possible results.

“Occupational therapists are always wanting to choose positive and enabling language,” Amira explains. “This helps our clients to start shifting their thinking from ‘I can’t’, to, ‘I can’. Together we work on creating realistic, safe, and meaningful goals, so they can live their best possible life.”

“Empowerment looks a bit like coaching - once the client knows that they are in the driver’s seat, they start to develop trust, and that’s when we can really start to make positive changes.”

Amira says that a supportive and caring employer like BaptistCare enables her to deliver the best possible care to her clients.

What’s it like working for BaptistCare at home?

“The culture here is genuine, and BaptistCare managers lead with love, kindness and respect – you see it filter down into every other role,” Amira says.

“I was always drawn to BaptistCare’s Christian values, particularly their ethos of love. I don’t think we can serve older people without love and compassion.”

Amira feels that her voice is heard, and her professional opinion respected and trusted. “Our team of BaptistCare at home occupational therapists meet regularly to share ideas on client interventions – we’re a close-knit team and we support one another in the work that we do.”

“By taking such care of their employees and offering that ‘behind the scenes’ support, BaptistCare enables us, in turn, to bring the same energy and compassion to our clients.”

Join the BaptistCare at home team

We invite you to join one of Australia’s largest and most trusted providers of home care, delivering loving, respectful, and reliable care to 9,000 people in their homes across NSW and the ACT.

You’ll receive a competitive salary with flexible hours that can fit around the other commitments in your life. We will support you, value you, and empower you to learn and progress throughout your time with us. Explore our current opportunities via the link below.

Meet Josh - Assistant Area Manager

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 01:00:00 +0000

Josh had always thought he’d be a banking ‘lifer,’ working his entire career in the sector until he retired.

After graduating in economics at the age of 22, he joined a prestigious graduate program at National Australia Bank (NAB). He soon found himself on a steady, well-trodden career path within the business banking sector. Josh flourished in his work, making his way up to the role of Business Banking Manager by the time he reached his thirties.

Download this article as a PDF

And so it was a surprise when he woke up one morning at the age of forty-five and told his wife he couldn’t face another day in business banking.

“I’d always loved my job,” says Josh. “But the nature of the work had changed over time and had become very sales-focused – it was all about trying to meet targets to make as much money as possible.”

Disillusioned and fatigued by the cut-throat, competitive nature of the banking industry, Josh decided to resign and seek out a more meaningful career path.

“It was by no means an easy decision after more than twenty years in the industry and with a family to support,” he says. “But I knew I needed to do something that made a genuine and positive difference in people’s lives.”

It was only a short time later that Josh enrolled on a course to obtain his Certificate III in Aged Care and was well on his way to a new and fulfilling career within the aged care sector.

Why aged care?

“Aged care had always appealed to me,” says Josh. “So many older people in our communities are lonely and isolated, and I saw the tangible difference that some additional support could make. I was keen to contribute to that.”

Josh’s first job after he qualified was as a care worker in a residential care home. While rewarding, the role was incredibly demanding, caring for multiple residents as part of a large team of care staff.

Only after six months and a family relocation from Port Macquarie to Dubbo did Josh start working with BaptistCare at home, supporting clients to live independently in their own homes.

“Working in home care was so different to the residential care home setting,” he reflects. “You’re working solo most of the time, but there’s more time to sit and chat with the clients. I was able to build closer relationships. It was very rewarding work.”

Josh and the BaptistCare at home team care for older people in their homes across Dubbo, Parkes, Cowra, and Orange, NSW.

Culture shock

Josh said that joining BaptistCare took some getting used to after working in business banking.

“There’s a real sense of shared purpose – we’re all here to support older people in the community to live well. It’s a powerful bonding agent, and the teams are close. We all genuinely want to see each other succeed.”

Josh experienced this firsthand when he initially joined the team.

“Even with my limited experience in aged care, they welcomed and supported me through training and mentorship programs. They set me up well for success.”

Moving from the male-dominated banking industry to an organisation where more than eighty-five per cent of employees are female was also a significant change for Josh.

“I’ve never been treated differently or excluded because of my gender,” says Josh. “I’ve always felt there are equal opportunities here, no matter your gender or background.”

Four years. Four promotions.

Having only moved into aged care six years ago, Josh has risen quickly to a managerial level.

He now works as Assistant Area Manager for the Central Mid-West region, leading forty-two Care Workers and 7 Care and Support Facilitators.

According to Josh, his success is partly due to having a clear career trajectory in mind from the start, grabbing opportunities as they arose, and drawing on the close support of BaptistCare management.

As Assistant Regional Manager, Josh supports the Regional Manager with service delivery across the Central Mid-West region of New South Wales.

“I was always keen to reach a similar level of seniority that I’d had at the bank,” Josh explains. “I’ve been ambitious, and BaptistCare has encouraged me the whole way. They’ve supported me at every crossroad and provided the training and resources I’ve needed to succeed.”

After working as a Care Worker for a year, Josh moved into the role of Office Coordinator, supporting the local home care team from an administrative perspective.

One year later, he made the bold move to apply for a Care Facilitator position – a role responsible for working directly with clients to create tailored care management plans as well as overseeing a small team of care workers.

“I was over the moon being accepted for that role – but it was a steep learning curve,” Josh remembers. “Even with a thorough orientation, learning the ropes was challenging, and I had to be proactive.

“Despite the challenges, I found that I could draw on skills and experience from my previous career to help me succeed.”

Josh had found his niche. He stayed in the Care Facilitator role for four years, gaining valuable experience.

As a Care Facilitator, Josh supported older people to connect with their community via local BaptistCare social clubs (pictured).

In June 2022, Josh made another leap, moving into the newly created role of Senior Care Facilitator – a position that would support new Care Facilitators and Care Workers as they joined a rapidly growing team.

“The Central Mid-West team has grown more than any other BaptistCare at home team,” says Josh. “Just in the last year, our team has grown by 100 per cent –it’s reflective of the need within the community.”

Josh’s enthusiasm and hard work saw him move up again in less than a year to another newly created position, this time as an Assistant Regional Manager, supporting the Regional Manager across a vast geographical area which includes the larger centres of Dubbo, Parkes, Cowra, and Orange.

“It’s exciting to be a part of this period of growth and have a say in the decisions we make as a leadership team.”

“With my previous experience, there’s a lot I can bring to the team.”

Despite the seemingly vast differences between business banking and aged care, Josh still has many transferrable skills that he draws upon daily in his role at BaptistCare.

“At the bank, I used to manage a large client base and had a say in directing large teams – experience that still serves me well today. I think skills like business management, accounting, and dealing with personnel issues are universal to any sector,” says Josh.

“I feel I can bring a lot to the leadership team, and my opinion is genuinely valued.”

For Josh, being able to impart his own learnings, knowledge, and experience in aged care to new Care Facilitators in the team has been one of the most rewarding aspects of his new role.

“I’m still learning myself, of course,” he laughs, “but I enjoy being able to mentor others along their journey and pass on what I’ve learned.”

“Life is too short to stay in a job that doesn’t fulfil you.”

Josh connects with BaptistCare at home clients at a local social club in Dubbo.

Despite the challenges of embarking on an entirely new career path later in life, Josh has no regrets.

“It’s never too late to change careers,” he stresses. “Making the initial decision is the hardest step, but nine times out of ten, it’ll be the right one. Everything else will just fall into place.

“Aged care might not suit everyone, but if you’re empathetic, respectful, and care deeply about improving the lives of older people in your community – then a career change into the aged care sector could offer a wonderful new start – just as it has been for me.”

Join the BaptistCare at home team

We invite you to join one of Australia’s largest and most trusted providers of aged care, delivering loving, respectful, and reliable care to 9,000 people in their homes across NSW and the ACT.

Our passionate team live out the BaptistCare values of Love, Respect, Reliability, and Empowerment in the amazing work they do each day.

6 reasons why you should become a Registered Nurse in aged care

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 01:00:00 +0000

At BaptistCare, many of our Registered Nurses have come to us from an acute care or hospital setting, choosing to make a sideways career move into aged care.

One of these nurses is Geeth.

Having worked at BaptistCare Warabrook Residential Care Home for over four years, she shared with us why she made the move and why she’s never looked back.

According to Geeth, a career in aged care offers an opportunity to flex a wider range of nursing skills - as well as providing support to develop new ones. The fixed rosters mean you can fit shifts around other commitments in your life. Most importantly, nursing in aged care enables you to make a real, ongoing difference in the lives of vulnerable older people.

Here are Geeth’s six reasons to become a Registered Nurse in aged care:

1. You’ll use a wide breadth of nursing skills

“Aged care really helps you spread your wings as a Registered Nurse,” says Geeth. “The work is so varied there is the opportunity to practice a wide range of nursing skills.”

Geeth explains that while hospitals offer a supervised work setting, with nurses caring for patients alongside doctors and other medical specialists, the residential aged care home is an unsupervised environment.

This means that Registered Nurses take primary responsibility for residents’ healthcare, with support from care supervisors.

“It involves making crucial decisions about someone’s care needs,” says Geeth. “This does add a bit of extra pressure to the role, but it also makes the work stimulating and rewarding.

“I’d also add that we are highly trained for this work – we’re never thrown in at the deep end and there is a lot of support available.”

2. You get to know your residents

Geeth says that nursing in a residential aged care home setting means you get to spend more time with residents, getting to know them and their families and gaining a deeper understanding of their needs.

“In a hospital setting, you might treat a client for only few days, but in aged care you get to build closer relationships, caring for residents over months or years. It’s very rewarding.

“I love spending time with older people and their families, listening to their stories and building trust.”

Geeth says that nursing in aged care is by no means ‘easier’ or ‘lighter’ than nursing in a hospital setting, the environment is just different which adds extra layers to the work.

“It feels like a family home – which of course it is for our residents – and the difference you make to people’s lives is just as profound.”

3. You can choose shifts that fit around your life

Geeth says that at BaptistCare, her team works around a fixed roster, making it easier to juggle family life or other commitments outside of work.

“You have a say in which days and times are most suitable for you, and the management will do their best to make it work,” says Geeth. “There’s also the opportunity to pick up extra shifts if and when you want them.”

Geeth says that BaptistCare also offers short, flexible shifts that worked well for her when she first returned from maternity leave and needed to fit work around her childcare requirements.

“My manager was very flexible with my starting hours, and there was a fixed roster, which meant that my shifts would stay the same for the foreseeable future,” explains Geeth. “It offered such stability and was a great help to me.”

4. You’ll receive a competitive salary

BaptistCare has one of the most competitive rates of pay for Registered Nurses in this sector.

“It’s definitely an attractive feature when considering a role at BaptistCare,” says Geeth. “The salary packaging option is fantastic too.”

As well as being able to salary package up to $15,900 per year for general expenses and a further $2,550 per year for meals and accommodation expenses, all BaptistCare employees can access novated car leasing options, which helps your budget stretch a little further on the purchase of a car and car-related expenses.

5. You will make a genuine difference in people’s lives

“When we come into a job like this, our primary focus is to help and care,” says Geeth.

“Working in an unsupervised environment adds a slight bit of tension to the role, but at the end of the day, if we were able to manage the shift by ourselves and resolve residents’ health and care needs, there is a real sense of confidence, self-pride, and job satisfaction.”

Geeth also says it’s the little things that seem to make the biggest difference for the residents.

“It might be something as small as giving someone a glass of water, changing the TV channel, or reading to them. Many residents are completely immobile and so it’s these little tasks that add up to make a big difference to residents’ quality of life.”

6. There are ongoing opportunities for professional development

Registered Nurses need to complete 20 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) each year, so learning opportunities are very important when it comes to choosing an employer, Geeth says.

“At BaptistCare, there is some sort of new education available for RNs every month.

“We have a learning portal where we can access a wide variety of internal courses. There are also opportunities to participate in external training – our professional Nurse Educator regularly organises specialist offsite training courses such as palliative care, infection control, and urinary catheter care – all of which are paid for by BaptistCare.”

Geeth has also been trained in additional administration skills relating to aged care such as managing government funding for residents and liaising with government bodies on their behalf.

“I now spend some of my week at a desk, and my other days on the floor caring for residents. It offers a bit more variety to my work. There is scope to mould the role around your interests as you grow and develop in aged care nursing.”

Learn more about nursing opportunities with BaptistCare

If you’re interested in working as a Registered Nurse in aged care, we’d love to hear from you.

By choosing BaptistCare, you’ll be joining one of Australia’s largest and most trusted providers of aged care and community services, delivering loving, respectful, and reliable care to over 24,000 people across NSW, ACT and WA.

You’ll receive a competitive salary, hours that promote work-life balance, and our genuine commitment to invest in your professional development.

Read other first-hand accounts of what it’s like to work for BaptistCare, here, and explore our current list of job opportunities.

If you’d like further information, contact us at mytalent@baptistcare.org.au.

Meet Geeth - Registered Nurse

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 01:00:00 +0000

Geeth's moving story cuts straight to the heart of what aged care is all about.

“I stepped into aged care 7 years ago and it's been an incredible journey.

Unlike the fleeting encounters with patients in a hospital setting, aged care lets me forge deep, lasting connections with residents over months and years. It's very fulfilling.

Recently one of my residents suffered a stroke. He was a huge cricket enthusiast and as I come from a cricket-loving Indian background, we had always enjoyed endless debates about the game!

Post-stroke, communication became a challenge. One day I started to chat with him about the cricket as usual, and as I did, I could see the tears begin to fall silently down his cheeks.

I put the TV on for him and saw a program about Kohli – a famous Indian cricketer who we’d often argued about. I made a small joke about him to the resident, and he suddenly broke out in a huge smile. As I left, he managed to say – ‘you’re a good one.’

It made me realise, it's these small, everyday interactions that really touch people's lives in aged care.

Meet Shristi - Registered Nurse

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 01:00:00 +0000

Having started her career three years ago, Shristi is a talented nurse and feels passionate about making a difference in the lives of her elderly residents at BaptistCare Kintyre Lodge, Dubbo.

“Qualifying as a Registered Nurse is one of the biggest achievements of my life,” says Shristi. “I love caring for people and giving back to the community.

“Working in aged care is very multicultural and you get to meet lots of interesting people. I’ve been able to improve my nursing skills through regular training and development opportunities. Above all, I feel valued and appreciated at work, which has helped me to grow in confidence over the years.”

When she’s not at work, she loves to travel, make new friends, and… dance!

“I love all forms of dance but I particularly love traditional Nepalese music and dancing in the typical Nepalese attire,” says Shristi. “I am not a professional dancer, but I dance to embrace happiness.”

What’s your tip for healthy ageing?

“Yoga is a wonderful way to improve flexibility, balance, and strength. It’s also a great opportunity to meet others and make new friends!”

Learn more about the BaptistCare family and explore our current opportunities below.

Meet Anne - Chaplain

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 01:00:00 +0000

Anne, a chaplain based in Red Hill, Canberra, has a unique role that supports the spiritual wellbeing of both our residents in Carey Gardens aged care home as well as BaptistCare home care clients in the community.

“I used to work in the Commonwealth Public Service,” she says. “My parents had become ill, and I was spending a lot of time in hospitals. Weirdly though, it felt like home. I was often asked a lot of questions about my faith while I was there, and I started to think seriously about becoming a chaplain.

“I moved into chaplaincy work in 2019 and started working with BaptistCare in 2022.”

Anne says her role is about supporting people wherever they’re at.

“Chaplaincy is for anyone who needs spiritual or emotional support – they don’t have to be religious.”

“When I’m meeting with people, I often have this sense that there is something special happening – regardless of a person’s faith, there is a sense of deep connection. I think we all need that as human beings. It’s very special.”

Anne had a recent reminder of this as she was ringing around her home care clients to arrange visits.

“Not everyone knows what chaplaincy is about, and sometimes people are put off just from the word ‘chaplain’,’’ she says. “This particular gentleman told me straight away that he was an atheist and didn’t need a visit.

“I assured him that chaplains are available to meet with all clients who are open to a visit, and it didn’t matter that he didn’t have a religious faith – that he might still benefit from chaplaincy support. He was reluctant but I suggested that I could come once, and if he never wanted me to come again, that would be fine.

“I arrived, and we began chatting. Halfway through the visit, he just stopped and said to me that out of all the services BaptistCare offers, this is by far the most important.’’

Ultimately, he was experiencing loneliness, and perhaps hadn’t identified that he needed some level of spiritual support, even if that just meant someone being present with him and lending a compassionate ear. This is what chaplaincy is all about.”

Chaplains support aged care residents with their spiritual wellbeing, in whatever form this takes for them.

Outside of work, Anne keeps busy with her beautiful family, including her beloved husband and four sons, an adorable border-collie called Indie, and her wider family of 34 – who she remains very close to and meets for dinner every fortnight.

Anne is also a gifted violinist and even toured with the Canberra Youth Orchestra when she was younger!

Anne has always been a gifted violinist – here she is playing at her wedding reception.

“I’ve always been very passionate about supporting and celebrating mothers,” Anne adds. “I’ve been involved in a global group called “Mothers Prayers” for around 17 years, where small groups of mothers come together each week to pray for their own children and all children around the world. We surrender them to Jesus and entrust them into His care.”

Asked what she loves most about working in aged care, she says it’s hearing the stories of lives well lived.

“It’s such a privilege to hear of people living life to the full – to learn about their joys, struggles, and sometimes regrets. Part of our role as chaplains is to be that safe space for reflection, to help them let go of some of that regret.”

Learn more about the BaptistCare family and explore our current opportunities below.

Meet Gerald - Registered Nurse

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 04:40:41 +0000

Gerald has worked as a Registered Nurse with BaptistCare for almost three years, but with over 16 years of experience, he is a wonderful asset to the team, recently moving into the position of Residential Care Team Manager at Caloola Centre Residential Aged Care home in Wagga Wagga!

Gerald says his recent success is due in large part to the wonderful career development opportunities on offer at BaptistCare.

“BaptistCare is very good for Registered Nurses’ career development,” he says. “I was enrolled in an Infection Control course after just one year and soon became an Infection Control Lead in the care home.

“After two years, I was doing Acting Residential Manager / Care Team Manager roles, as well as a Nurse Educator – I feel that BaptistCare has really invested in my development and I’ve grown so much in this role as a result.”

Outside of work, Gerald is a serial fitness junkie! Along with attending the gym three times a week, playing volleyball, and recently learning tennis, he is also a gifted martial artist, having practiced Muay Thai and boxing for many years.

“Wagga is a regional town in New South Wales, but really there is everything here that you could possibly need,” he smiles.

Having worked in a transplant specialty hospital back home in the Philippines, Gerald says that aged care offers RNs a fulfilling career path with opportunities you wouldn’t necessarily find in a hospital setting.

“As an RN, working in aged care is very fulfilling – you have the opportunity to build long-lasting connections with residents and their families, which is very different to the fast pace of hospital work,” he says.

“BaptistCare has been fantastic. It’s a truly Christian organisation, with our vision and our purpose to transform lives,” says Gerald.

“Our values – Love, Respect, Reliability, and Empowerment are all very fitting in aged care,

and our teams really do live these every day in the work that they do.”

Learn more about the BaptistCare family and explore our current opportunities via the links below.

Meet Glenn - Maintenance Manager

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 02:23:37 +0000

Glenn joined us as a Maintenance Manager just over two years ago at our Carey Gardens residential aged care home in Red Hill, Canberra.

Bringing a wealth of experience with him across multiple trades, Glenn is a well-valued member of the team, among both staff and residents.

“My role involves day to day handyman work and preventative maintenance, such as repairs, painting, basic plumbing, and organising contractors,” says Glenn.

“A big part of my role, though, is about building trust and good relationships with the residents. It’s important to make them feel welcome when they first arrive.”

One way Glenn does this is by sharing his musical talent with residents, putting on a regular concert as part of his band, “Party Mix.”

The band, which plays across various venues around the city, perform at Carey Gardens every few months – to the delight of residents and their families.

“We recently put on a show for Australia Day, which was very popular,” says Glenn.

Glenn is innovative in his maintenance work, too. He recently took on the task of building a raised garden bed so that residents in wheelchairs had an accessible spot to practice their love of gardening.

“We’ve been building it for a while and it’s almost finished,” Glenn gushed. “When it’s complete, it will be a great addition to the home and will hopefully make a big difference for our residents.”

Glenn has worked hard to create raised, accessible garden beds for residents at Carey Gardens aged care home.

Asked if he had a tip for healthy ageing, Glenn said that from his observations, it has a lot to do with state of mind.

“There are people here who have the mindset of, ‘I’m going to keep going, I will go for a walk this morning, I will get out in the garden today.’ And then there are others who seem to put the brakes on themselves.

“The appreciation for what I do is by far the most rewarding aspect of my job. It’s that human part of it – you feel good knowing you made someone happy through your work, knowing they were able to get what they needed.”

Learn more about the BaptistCare family and explore our current opportunities via the links below.

Meet Rachel - Community Support Worker

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 01:00:00 +0000

Meet Rachel, one of our incredible community support workers based in our Narralling Social and Affordable Housing community, South West Sydney.

Rachel has worked in social housing for over 20 years and is passionate about supporting people who’ve experienced major disadvantages in life.

“As a Tailored Support Coordinator, my work has taught me that people are amazing and resilient,” she says. “Some of our residents have been through unimaginably hard times and yet are still thriving. It really makes you see the world differently.”
Rachel fell into social housing when she joined a business traineeship in a social housing organisation at the age of 19.

“I knew I’d always wanted to work with people, and something about social housing just felt right.”

Since then, she’s moved around in the social housing space, drawing on support from great managers to grow in her career.

“It can, of course, be challenging to work in a role like this,” she says. “You want to help everyone, and there is so much need. It can sometimes be a struggle to manage that balance between empathy and keeping your personal life separate. But I always think – the moment I stop caring is the moment I need to stop working in this space.”

Alongside her team, Rachel supports local residents to sustain their tenancies and to set goals for the future, breaking the cycle of dependency upon social and affordable housing.

“Ultimately, our aim is to see residents thrive, grow, and achieve their dreams,” she says.

What does this work look like day to day? According to Rachel, it might mean facilitating referrals, helping someone to find employment – but in all cases, the person themselves sets their own goals based on their needs and wants.

“I feel especially passionate about supporting our local children,” adds Rachel. “I see them as a key component to breaking the cycle of family trauma

“Some of my greatest achievements here at Narralling have been winning major grants and funding that can support the children here in our social housing community.

“We recently applied for and won funding for an after-school sports program and a tutoring program, both of which have made a huge difference for local children.”

Each year, Rachel and the team put on a big Christmas party for residents, with a big focus on the kids. Last year’s party even featured a petting zoo with alpacas, rabbits, and goats!

Outside of work, Rachel is a social butterfly, spending time with family, friends, and raising her two young boys. Her Nan, who recently turned 101 (pictured below at her 100th birthday party!), remains a strong influence in her life.

Rachel’s tip for living well is to simply try each day to be a decent human being – “Wherever possible, be kind, compassionate, and okay with imperfection.”

Rachel (right) loves to spend time with her family, including her Nan (centre), who has been a major inspiration in her life.

Learn more about the BaptistCare family and explore our current opportunities via the links below.

Meet Michael - Hub Leader

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 01:00:00 +0000

Meet Michael, our new Hub Leader for BaptistCare HopeStreet’s Warilla and Port Kembla services based on the beautiful south coast of New South Wales.

Michael started with us just a few short months ago but brings with him nearly four decades of experience working in the community services sector. His knowledge and experience of working in communities with people who have experienced great challenge and personal trials is a wonderful asset to the BaptistCare HopeStreet team.

Starting out in youth services, Michael has worked across a diverse range of organisations and positions, including within executive leadership teams.

Joining BaptistCare HopeStreet, he says it’s great to be back at the grassroots level, working in community.

“Whether I’m supporting our employees to manage a challenging issue, or working to strategically develop HopeStreet’s service capacity, no two days are ever the same in this role,” says Michael. “And with the region in a period of transition, our team also have an exciting opportunity to create positive change at a wider community level.

“It may sound like a cliché, but the most rewarding part of my work is the people. It’s not only about seeing the positive changes in the lives of the clients we work with - it’s also a privilege to guide, mentor, and support our staff in the challenging work that they do.”

Outside of work, Michael loves to enjoy the local coastline, swimming, surfing, and even collecting retro surfboards from the 1970s!

He is also passionate about taking care of the environment.

“‘Taking 3 for the sea’ is a daily part of my life,” says Michael. “Picking up three pieces of litter from an area is a small achievable action that has an immediate and cumulative impact.”

Michael is also passionate about music, with some of his favourite musicians being Bon Iver and… Taylor Swift.

“I’m a proud Swiftie, although devastatingly, I missed out on tickets – despite my best efforts…” says Michael.

Learn more about the BaptistCare family and explore our current opportunities via the links below.

Meet Sheryle - Training and Quality Coordinator

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 05:24:31 +0000

Sheryle’s journey with BaptistCare Griffith spans more than 17 years, and during that time she’s worn many hats.

After supporting our residents at BaptistCare Griffith residential aged care home as a care worker for five years, she decided to become an Enrolled Nurse, gaining the qualification in her mid-fifties. She says it’s one of her proudest achievements. 🏆

After 12 years of nursing, Sheryle now supports the Griffith care home team as Training and Quality Coordinator, sharing her many years of knowledge with other staff.

Here’s what she had to say about her career to date:

How did you become a Training and Quality Coordinator in residential aged care?

I stepped into the role of Training and Quality Coordinator five years ago and I’ve enjoyed the change and variety. I love being able to share all my years of knowledge with our younger staff.

I started out as a carer, working on the floor with residents. I did that for 5 years and loved my work – I was always wanting to learn more.

Five years later, in my early 50s, I decided to enrol on a course to become an Enrolled Nurse. It took me two and a half years, but getting that qualification is one of my greatest achievements.

I’d always wanted to be a nurse since childhood.

I worked for 12 years as a nurse, caring for residents’ clinical needs, and managing medications.

In my current role, I don’t spend as much time with the residents and I do miss that element. However, my office door is always open, and residents pop in regularly for a chat and a cup of tea.

Working on the dementia ward means that for many residents, I’m a new face each day. However, one resident remembers me - he used to be a security guard and has reverted back to that role – always coming to check on me in the morning, and making sure I’m safe, which is lovely.

How would you sum up your job in a few sentences?

I provide training to our employees on anything from infection outbreaks and manual handling to the latest aged care standards. There’s always something new to learn or brush up on.

Seeing the staff pick up on the information I’ve provided and putting it into practice with our residents is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job.

What are your favourite hobbies or passions outside of work?

I enjoy being creative and love knitting, needlecraft, and cross stitch.

My partner and I also like to get involved in the local parkrun. It’s been a great way to make connections in the community and we often join the group afterwards for a catch up over coffee.

Do you have a personal win or achievement you’d be happy to share?

Getting my Certificate of Registration as an Enrolled Nurse at the age of 55 is one of my proudest achievements.

It took me two and a half years to complete the course as I was working part-time alongside my studies – but I always joke that it was because the information took a bit longer to get into my brain at that age!

Do you have a tip for healthy ageing?

Never give up – you can always achieve what you want to achieve. Don’t let age stand in the way.

What do you love about working in aged care?

The holistic approach to care. It’s very different to working in a hospital where you can rarely get to know your patients.

In aged care, you tend to build stronger relationships. You can get to know the residents and their families, including their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

You also get to know the staff well and work in a close-knit team. This kind of environment makes for close bonds and rewarding work.

Learn more about the BaptistCare family and explore our current opportunities via the links below.

Meet Belinda - Manager

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 06:37:49 +0000

Meet Belinda, a clinically trained counsellor and Manager of our Tuggerah HopeStreet hub on the Central Coast.

Belinda started her journey with BaptistCare over ten years ago when she joined as an aged care worker.

After taking a few years’ break to complete her master’s degree in counselling, she moved into BaptistCare’s community work, supporting people who have experienced great disadvantage and distress in their lives.

“Working across both aged care and community services was very different, but ultimately, the purpose and motivation are the same – we want to empower people to live safer, fuller, and more satisfying lives.”

Along with her clinically trained team, Belinda provides a range of discounted services that would otherwise be unaffordable for many of her clients.

“Counselling is expensive, and not everybody can afford it,” Belinda explains. “Many of our clients fall into this category, and it’s wonderful that we can make these services accessible to them.”

Day to day, Belinda’s responsibilities include:

Counselling clients - in person, over the phone, or via video link.
Running programs and group activities.
Interacting / networking with local agencies and organisations.
Supporting her counselling team with debriefs
Managing operations at the office

Outside of work, Belinda is a passionate Sydney Swans fan and tries to get to as many games as she can.

She also enjoys being creative - creating pottery, doing puzzles, and especially - Lego! Her miniature creations are nothing short of impressive!

Belinda’s tip for living well is to be curious about yourself and the things around you – this will help you to better understand your reactions and have more control over your life.

“When you're curious about yourself in this way, a neurological shift takes place,” Belinda says. “We start to move from that fearful fight or flight response and can reengage the logical part of our brain.”

Learn more about the BaptistCare family and explore our current opportunities via the links below.

Meet Makayla - Care Facilitator

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 05:55:58 +0000

Having moved into the aged care sector only a few short years ago, Makayla is already making a profound impact on the lives of older people in the Central Tablelands region.

Moving into aged care

Speaking with the Orange local about why she decided to make the transition from childcare into aged care, she said it was based on the guidance of her grandparents – who themselves received in-home care services.

“I used to spend a lot of time with them in Canberra before I relocated three years ago to be closer to family,” she says.

“When I was considering my next career move, they recommended that I try my hand in community aged care. I was reluctant at first, as I’m a sensitive person and was worried about how I’d handle the inevitable passing of my clients. But they were adamant that I had the right character and mindset for the work, so I decided to give it a go.

“Now I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. The work is interesting, challenging, and can sometimes be tough – but I’m still always excited to come to work each day.”

The Care Facilitator role

As a Care Facilitator, Makayla’s role is about empowering older people to keep their independence and continue living in their own homes for as long as possible.

“I work with them to create a plan for their future care, based on their unique needs and goals for the future,” Makayla explains.

Since joining BaptistCare just under a year ago, some of Makayla’s clients have passed away and she says it’s been a bittersweet experience.

“It’s deeply sad when someone you cared for has passed, but to know that you made a genuine, tangible impact on that person’s life during their last few years is deeply rewarding,” she says.

According to Makayla, if you want to be successful in aged care, you have to be a ‘people person’ - willing to slow down and take a soft, caring approach.

“A home care package shouldn’t be a quick signup – you have to take time to get to know the person and understand their unique situation and needs.

“Many clients feel like they’re a bother and a burden, and my role is to show them that it’s okay to ask for help. It’s about slowly unpeeling the layers to gain trust and understanding.”

Celebrating Christmas with local BaptistCare at home clients: Makayla’s role is about empowering older people to keep their independence in later life.

Coin collecting, reading, and heavy metal rock

Outside of work, Makayla says she’s an old soul, enjoying the simple things in life like reading and spending time with family.

“People are often surprised to learn that I’m only 25 years old as I’m a bit of a Nana,” she smiles. “I love coin collecting. It’s a generational thing – my mum, nana and I do it together.”

And just to break the ‘Nana’ mould entirely, Makalya also loves attending local heavy metal rock gigs!

“Do as much as you can, for as long as you can.”

Asked what she loves most about working in aged care, Makayla says it’s hearing what her clients liked to do in their younger years.

“I love hearing about what they did for work, who their families are, what hobbies they enjoy,” says Makayla. “It can be poignant, especially if the person doesn’t have any family left. But it’s such a privilege to hear their amazing stories.”

Makayla’s tip for healthy ageing is to simply take each day at a time.

“I always tell my clients to do as much as you can, for as long as you can. Each person ages differently.”

Learn more about the BaptistCare family and explore our current opportunities via the links below.

Meet Ros - Care Facilitator

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 05:16:03 +0000

People are often surprised to learn that Ros, one of our talented Care Facilitators for BaptistCare at home, used to work as a Senior Constable for the Detectives in Merrylands Police Station, Sydney.

She’s now supporting local older people on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales to live fulfilling, independent lives in their own homes.

“My career change sparks some great conversations,” she laughs. “But ultimately the motivations are the same – I want to affect positive change in my community.”

Being a police officer was Ros’ whole life and to say it was challenging work is an understatement.

“It was a very reactive role, and you saw everyone on their absolute worst day,” she says.

Police life meant incredibly long hours, high amounts of pressure and stress, and regular exposure to trauma.

By 2010, Ros had been diagnosed with severe PTSD and had to leave the police force permanently.

“I’m living proof that there is life after PTSD.”

So severe were her psychological injuries, Ros thought she’d never be able to work again.

“The police had been my whole life, and I didn’t know who I was without it,” she remembers.

“For a long while, I didn’t work at all. I married my childhood sweetheart, and we started a family.

“I got really into fishing during that time and still use it as a way to unwind, relax, and enjoy the peace of being out in nature.”

Ros’ passion for fishing led her to follow a particular fish – the Mangrove Jack – up to Queensland for her 40th birthday.

After regular weekend fishing trips in Forster, Ros and her family decided to uproot their lives from the city and make a permanent move to the Mid North Coast of New South Wales.

The change brought new hope to Ros, and she decided to dip her toe back into the workforce.

Why aged care?

“I needed something that wasn’t going to suck me dry - but would allow me to influence people in a positive way.”

Noticing that there was an older demographic within her new community, Ros tried her hand in aged care and started working for BaptistCare at home just two years ago.

It was an immediate fit. After just a year in the role of Care Worker, she was promoted to Care Facilitator, managing care plans that support her elderly clients to live independent, fulfilling lives at home.

“There are a surprising number of transferrable skills from my time in the police,” says Ros. “I know how to case manage, for example, and how to manage tough conversations with kindness and care.

“Working in aged care allows me to actually make a difference on the front line again. I like being part of a solution.”

The importance of social connection

Working with older people in the community has allowed Ros to notice a significant difference in those clients who stay socially connected with friends and family.

“They often need less help,” she says. “It’s like they’re not just existing – they’re still enjoying life.”

Ros says there’s also a simple but highly effective physical habit that keeps her clients healthy in older age.

“It might sound trivial, but staying hydrated is a powerful tool for healthy ageing. It keeps your skin healthy, your brain functioning well, and prevents many age-related illnesses.”

Learn more about the BaptistCare family and explore our current opportunities via the links below.

Meet Michelle - Training Coordinator

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 03:01:24 +0000

Meet Michelle, a familiar face to many in the BaptistCare Orana community – our beautiful residential aged care home based on the Central Coast, NSW.

Working in a hybrid role as both Training Coordinator and Care Supervisor, Michelle brings almost two decades of knowledge and experience to the care team, having worked at the centre for over 17 years.

“I first joined as a Care Service Employee (CSE), providing direct care to residents,” she says. “But after two years, I put myself forward for a government-sponsored Cert IV in Aged Care and was accepted for the program! It was a great opportunity for my development.”

Moving up

Michelle soon took a role as Care Supervisor, caring for residents and managing their care plans, attending to wounds, and administering medications.

In 2022, she decided to combine her Care Supervisor role with a new position – Training Coordinator – which supported Orana’s care workers to stay up to date with mandatory training requirements.

Working closely with the Staff Educator, Michelle gives educational talks to staff and facilitates assessments.

“It’s a great opportunity and I enjoy the variety of my two roles,” says Michelle. “In my Care Supervisor role, my focus is our residents, but in the Training Coordinator position, I’m able to care solely for our staff and support them to achieve their goals.”

Investing in people, no matter their age or stage of life

Michelle says she’s grateful that BaptistCare has continued to invest in her professional development, even into her late fifties.

“Some employers might not have chosen to invest in me given my age,” says Michelle. “BaptistCare has always been deeply committed to professional development and supporting fulfilment at work.”

According to Michelle, she’s not the only one in the team who’s benefited.

“Many employees here at Orana started out in the laundry, servery and care worker roles, and are now Administrators, Client Liaisons, and Roster Clerks.

“There are always internal opportunities and management are always willing to give people a fair go.”

Taking stock of small, joyful moments

Outside of work, Michelle’s great love is spending time with her family, including her husband, four children, five young grandchildren, and two puppies. Needless to say, she’s often on call for babysitting duties!

Spending time both in and on the water is also a big part of Michelle’s life.

“As I’ve got older, my husband and I have taken up a few water sports like kayaking and jet skiing,” she says. “Getting back into swimming has also been a big achievement for me – it’s not something I’ve ever been comfortable with, but I’ve slowly built up my confidence over time. Now I go swimming every week by myself! For me, that’s huge.”

Perhaps from her own lived experience, Michelle says her tip for healthy ageing is to take stock of the small, everyday moments of joy – whether it be sipping your favourite coffee, or soaking up time with family.

“Life will inevitably be hard at times,” she says. “But it’s these small moments of joy that build up resilience and help you through the challenges.”

Learn more about the BaptistCare family and explore our current opportunities via the links below.

Meet Doreen - Administrative Assistant

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 01:26:18 +0000

Working as an Administrative Assistant with BaptistCare’s at home team in WA, Doreen is originally from Dublin, where she still has a home.

The luck of the Irish

“We still have a house in Ireland, and it will always be home, but really, I have two homes now. All of my children have finished their studies here in WA.”

Doreen’s lyrical Irish accent as she describes her daily one-hour swim in the summer months, and her family-famous Christmas Mince Pies recipe transports you to her corner of the world.

“Cooking, baking and swimming, I love them all.”

“So, I make Christmas mince pies at Christmas time - I started when I was about 14 – I’ve got this recipe for mince pies, and I've been making them ever since. I make about 22 dozen each Christmas for friends and family. It’s the pastry that’s most tricky. My granny told me you can either make pastry or you can’t, and I guess I can.”

And when it comes to swimming, Doreen prefers the pool. “I think the ocean in Australia with the Sharks, I'd be terrified of it.”
Swimming is as much about physical as mental wellbeing for Doreen.

“I just think to get more active, and then as you get older, your joints start getting a bit achy, and in the pool, you can't feel that.”

“The hour goes so fast, and I think how lucky I am to be able to swim. It clears your head and you just feel great after it.”

From law to aged care

With more than 20 years of administration experience in the law industry, Doreen wasn’t entirely sure when she joined the BaptistCare Support Services team in Perth, WA.

“I've been here about seven months now and I wasn't sure what to expect when I started because I only ever did legal work.”

“But it’s really quite similar and I’ve just been loving it. Between meeting and greeting people, meeting them on the phone and in person, and organising files and getting content ready for courts and doing lots of memos. So, the work is different, but if anything, the processes are shorter and a bit more straightforward in my current role!”

There’s no ‘I’ in ‘Team’

Doreen says her role at BaptistCare, despite being behind a phone and desk, is rewarding, enjoyable and very satisfying.

“When I began, everybody just was warm and welcoming and happy to meet new people and the team is lovely to be around. If you work with a great team, why wouldn't you recommend it?”

“Because it's so positive, you know the values and you can talk to a manager at any time. It's not like, “oh, I'm afraid to talk to the manager” at all.”

For Doreen, it’s about teamwork and the positive environment where everyone looks out for one another.

“I could have the same job and a different team in a different environment, and it just might be awful because people clash or some people are negative; we don't have that here, so it's really good.”

Family ties

In fact, Doreen’s youngest daughter has recently joined the BaptistCare family. She has just begun studying to be a paramedic and will be working as care worker with BaptistCare to gain experience in caring for older people while she studies at university.

“I would recommend anybody to join it, because I've just been loving it and there's so many opportunities.”

“I’m most proud of my children. My special moment is probably when my youngest just started uni. I have three other ones, but just the thing like they're all grown up now and she's starting uni and it's sad because you know, they're gonna start spreading their wings and do what they need to do.”

Learn more about the BaptistCare family and explore our current opportunities via the links below.

Meet Sofia - Lifestyle Coordinator

Sun, 21 Apr 2024 22:06:55 +0000

Working as the Lifestyle Coordinator at BaptistCare Griffith Aged Care Home in Canberra certainly keeps Sofia Tofuaipangai on her toes and always looking for ways to make residents smile.

The first of her kind

Not many people can say they helped launch a country’s first ANZ bank, but Sofia Tofuaipangai can.

“I had worked in banking for the Tonga Development Bank before I saw the job advertised for the ANZ bank and I thought, let’s give it a go,” she said.

“I was one of the 13 Tongan staff to start the very first ANZ bank branch in Tonga. I worked there for three years before I had an unexpected change.”

It wasn’t just a career change that came next for Sofia, but a location changes as well.

Swapping Tonga for the United States of America.

“I ended up as a nanny for an American family,” she said.

“Every day I’d spend with the children walking them to school and looking after them, I got to know the whole neighbourhood. So, when the boys were older, I ended up looking after an elderly neighbour.”

This was Sofia’s first taste of caring for people as they age.

She became the personal, live in carer for a year before someone came to sweep her off her feet and change the direction of her life again.

A love story with Hollywood romcom vibes

When Sofia left Tonga to move to America, she not only left behind her family and friends but loss connection with her high school sweetheart.

He and his family had migrated to Australia when Sofia was working in the bank, and they lost touch completely when she moved across the world.

What she didn’t know, until years later, was he hadn’t forgotten her and had come to America not once, not twice but three times trying to find her!

“He finally found me in San Francisco 12 years after we lost touch,” she laughed.

“And so, we got married in the Monterey Hotel in 2002 and started planning my move to be with him in Australia.”

Finding her feet in a new career and country

It’s never easy moving and starting over, and initially Sofia dabbled in a few different jobs when she arrived in Australia.

“I arrived in 2004 and spent some time doing marketing for couple of months, she said.

“But then I saw an ad in the paper for an activity officer in an aged care home and I remember feeling excited and being able to see myself doing that job.”

“I could dance and sing, run exercise, talk to people, plan activities and really be myself,” Sofia explained.

“But I also could bring the care that runs through Tongan culture. In Tonga, older people are very well looked after and respected. We take care of them in our own home. I’ve always had passion for aged people and wanted to pursue that as a career.

Bringing the fun

Sofia has been worked in aged care for 20 years, the last five being a BaptistCare Griffith where she has brought a whole heap of fun to the residents, which wasn’t always easy during the COVID lockdowns.

“I love my job so much. To be able to put a smile on the faces of my residents is the most important thing to me, and you get to be so creative with what you do,” she said.

When Sofia discovered that a resident was a gifted musician during the COVID lockdowns, when performers were no longer able to come into the home, she started a staff and resident band!

“I didn’t know how to play any musical instrument when the idea of starting a band came to mind, but one of the residents, Bob, encouraged me to buy a Ukulele, saying he’d teach me, and he did,” she explained.

“Bob would play his harmonica, I played the ukulele, and our chaplain would play the guitar. We were a great band and it was lovely to be able to bring music to Griffith in the really hard COVID times.”

“Unfortunately, Bob is no longer with us, but I still get the ukulele out sometimes in our Dementia unit to play a few songs while the residents sing along, relax and have their morning or afternoon tea and enjoy the music,” Sofia said.

A smile a day makes work feel like play

Every day can be a little bit different for Sofia, keeping her on her toes and ready for anything.

On a day to day basis you can find her driving the bus to take residents on outings, setting up for special events, ensuring the craft group has enough wool (and in the correct colour), spending time with residents and their families, supporting other staff with training or planning, and so much more.

But at the heart of it all, the thing she loves most about her job is simple. To make residents smile.

“If I walk away at the end of the day and I have put a smile on residents' faces, then I’m a happy person. It’s the privilege of this job,” she said.

“I also think one of the forgotten things to aging and living well is to be happy and do what your hearts content, and that’s what I want to be able to create each day for our residents.”

“When someone walks through the door for the first time here that this is the beginning of something great for them, the next lovely part of their life,” explained Sofia.

“And that’s why it’s so important we create happy, uplifting and exciting things for our residents to do. We have a great and supportive team here and amazing residents who embrace fun and this is why I love coming to work each day.”

Learn more about the BaptistCare family and explore our current opportunities via the links below.

Meet Natasha - Care Service

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 02:00:00 +0000

Working as a care worker at BaptistCare Niola Aged Care Home in Parkes NSW, Natasha Zonino embraces the challenge of no two days being the same in her job.

Entering her Aged Care Era

Working as a care worker at BaptistCare Niola Aged Care Home in Parkes NSW, Natasha Zonino embraces the challenge of no two days being the same in her job.

After being at home caring for kids, she was ready to re-enter the workforce and started looking around her hometown of Parkes, in regional NSW, to see what was around.

“I was looking for something that I could enjoy, that would work around the kids and that would be rewarding,” Natasha said.

“Aged Care was an obvious choice and something I was really excited about.”

“I was able to undertake a traineeship with BaptistCare for my Certificate 3 and Certificate 4. Something that was really helpful for me as I went back to work,” she explained.

While it might have been the first time Natasha worked in aged care, she was already familiar with Niola because of a family connection.

A family affair

“When I was a teenager my mum worked at Niola,” she explained.

“It looked much different then. There’s been a big refurbishment since Mum was there, but I have memories of Mum being at work and hearing the stories of the job, so it wasn’t completely unknown as I started.”

It’s a family tradition that is continuing.

Two of Natasha’s children now work alongside her, and her sister and sister-in-law, at Niola Aged Care Home.

‘We’re at three generations to work here,” Natasha laughed.

“My daughters are such caring people that it was quite natural for them to go from working in the kitchen to training as care workers themselves.”

“It’s also really great to have people in your life who understand all the elements of the job, so they understand the highs and the lows that you go through,” she said.

Privileges of the position

No two days in aged care are the same, and this is something Natasha loves about the job.

To be able to do the essential care elements of the jobs and be able to bring joy through events, like when the staff turned the home into a cruise ship for a day to bring the holiday vibes to residents, keeps the job interesting.

“It’s such a privilege to do this job and to care for our residents,” she said.

“There’s so many elements to what we do each day, but you really do become an important part of the lives of the residents and so when you can care for them and make them happy and smile, it’s pretty special.”

When asked how she would describe her job in one sentence, Natasha needs just one word.

“Rewarding!”

Mum’s the word

Natasha has quickly found her feet, starting her career in aged care, and it might not be surprising because caring for people has been a thread throughout her whole life.

“It often surprises people when they find out, but I have seven kids!”

“It can sometimes mean going to work is the peace and quiet and ‘me time’ that I really need,” she laughed.

Getting into the great outdoors

When not at work, you can often find Natasha and the family enjoying the wonderful campgrounds and waterways of the Central West in NSW.

“I don’t always have a lot of time between work and the kids, but I love going camping and fishing,” she said.

“I love getting out around the waterways here and spending time fishing and enjoying time outdoors.”

No fishing trip is complete without a picture of your camp and Natasha has a great collection of very impressive photos of her successful fishing missions.

Loving the little moments

As she reflects on the last five years of her work at Niola aged care home and what she does in her job, Natasha said it’s the little moments that stand out most.

“You become more than just a carer to the residents,” she said.

“You become a friend, a confident and a part of their family.”

“They care about you as much as you care about them and often start sharing the stories of their life. Once I had a resident say they’d swim across oceans to be able to spend some of their day with me. It’s really lovely,” Natasha said.

As she goes about her work, she loves hearing the stories of the lives the residents have had.

“Everyone has such a different story and it’s great to be able to hear what they’ve done before they called Niola home,” she said.

“To be a part of our residents’ story now, the memories they are making and the memories they want to share, it’s something really, really special.”

Learn more about the BaptistCare family and explore our current opportunities via the links below.

Meet Casey - Residential Manager

Thu, 02 May 2024 06:28:04 +0000

Casey is a former Registered Nurse who made the move from hospital work to aged care just five months ago. Now working as a Care Home Residential Manager at BaptistCare’s Maranoa Centre, she shared with us why she chose to leave the acute sector, what she loves most about working in aged care, and her tips for healthy ageing.

From hospitals to homes

Making the move from hospital work to aged care homes was certainly not a decision Casey made lightly.

“Nursing is a very giving profession, but moving into aged care was also about taking care of myself so that I could better take care of others,” she explains. “Making that decision a reality was a big personal achievement for me.”

As well as offering better work-life balance, Casey says aged care has given her an opportunity to get to know her residents over time and build relationships.

“One of the main features of working in the acute sector is the constant pressure to get people out of the hospital once they come in. The focus stops being so much about the person and more about the bed space.

“Aged care is quite different. It’s built into my role to spend time with residents, to support them in feeling happy, safe, and at home. It still feels like a bit of a luxury to be able to do that!”

Supporting staff to support residents

Casey says that her role as Residential Manager is primarily about supporting her team to deliver exceptional, person-centred care to residents.

“I don’t provide direct care, although I often interact with residents,” says Casey. “My role, though, is more about taking care of the staff that work here and ensuring that the home is always running smoothly.”

Part of the care home community

And the support goes both ways. According to Casey, aged care homes offer a close-knit and supportive community for residents and employees alike.

“Our care home community is made up of hundreds of people – from the residents and their family members to the BaptistCare staff and those who come into the home to provide services. There is really a strong sense of community with a lot of support – it’s a privilege to be a part of it,” says Casey.

A balanced life

Outside of work, Casey loves to spend time with her two children who are fifteen and twelve. She also adores hanging out with her fur babies, a Jack Russell, and a gorgeous Australian Cobberdog, which is a mix of a Labrador, Poodle, and Spaniel – bred for their high emotional intelligence and lack of shedding.

“We love to spend time in nature together,” says Casey. “The Northern Rivers region has some stunning beaches and waterfalls, they are great for unwinding.”

Her tip for healthy ageing

Casey's advice for healthy ageing is simple: keep your body moving and lean into the things in life that bring you joy.

"It’s what we try to do for our residents here at BaptistCare,” she says. “We want to create an environment where residents can receive care that not only boosts their physical health, but also empowers them to live fulfilling and meaningful lives.”

Learn more about the BaptistCare family and explore our current opportunities via the links below.

Meet Deborah - Quality and Education Supervisor

Mon, 13 May 2024 00:39:37 +0000

Deb’s 45-year nursing career has seen her care for people across the entire lifespan, moving from paediatrics at Westmead… to aged care at BaptistCare’s Maranoa care home.

She says there’s a surprising amount of crossover.

“My passion was always working with children, and I never thought I’d move out of that,” she says. “But my journey took me to some surprising places.”

From paediatrics to aged care

In 2007, a friend encouraged her to try her hand at facilitating nursing students into placements, and she discovered a passion for mentoring.

“To my delight, I found I had a natural gift for coaching,” says Deb. “I placed my nursing students into all areas of nursing, including aged care. I was able to use my experience to support others and that felt good.”

It wasn’t until she relocated from Sydney up to Evans Head in New South Wales’ Northern Rivers region during the pandemic that she decided to transition into aged care, taking on the role of Quality and Education Supervisor at BaptistCare Maranoa residential aged care home.

“People are often surprised I’ve moved from one end of the lifetime – paediatrics - to the other - aged care,” says Deb. “But there are lots of similarities.

“Young children often can’t fully express or communicate what they are feeling, so as a nurse, you use your observations, and keep trying different approaches until something works.

“Caring for older people with dementia can be similar, or those are who palliative. They can no longer communicate in the way they once did.

“There is also a real vulnerability at these two stages of life – both are completely reliant on the knowledge, skills, care and kindness of other human beings.”

Leaving the profession in good hands

Deb says she is passionate about teaching the skills that healthcare students don’t always learn in the Education system, providing practical tools and resources that enable staff to realise their own potential in delivering exceptional care

“Ultimately, I want to feel like I have played a small part ensuring that the profession is left in good hands,” she says.

Day-to-day, this involves working alongside our training coordinators and the home’s leadership team to empower staff to deliver exceptional care to residents.

This might mean putting together training, “toolbox” talks, and enhancing internal processes like orientations for new starters.

“We’re a quite a new team, and we want the workplace culture here at Maranoa to be as high a quality as the care we deliver to residents,” says Deb. “That’s a marathon, not a sprint, but we’re committed to cultural change. We want our people to recommend Maranoa as a place to work.”

Travelling the world

Outside of work, Deb is an avid traveller! Last year, she travelled to more than seven countries on a bucket-list trip, one of the many highlights of which was an overnight stay in a 950-year-old Scottish castle!

“I have another round the world trip up my sleeve too, but we’re just outlining the finer details,” she smiles.

Deb also loves to spend time on the beach near where she lives, practice meditation, and focus on her own personal development.

“I love using my brain and learning new things,” she says. “The way I see it, we have one brain and one body – use them or lose them.”

Learn more about the BaptistCare family and explore our current opportunities via the links below.

Meet Darren - Chef Manager

Thu, 23 May 2024 04:52:10 +0000

Meet Darren, an award-winning fine dining chef who recently decided to transition to the role of Chef Manager at BaptistCare Orana aged care home, Central Coast, NSW.

A family heritage

For Darren, cooking is in his blood.

“I’ve been a professional, full-time chef since the age of 16,” says Darren. “But I’ve been working in the kitchen since I was seven years old. I’m now 64.”
Darren comes from a long line of illustrious chefs, including his father and his grandfather before him. Darren’s middle brother also cooks for a living.

After decades of working in Sydney’s fine dining scene, including taking on roles such as Executive Chef at Sydney’s luxury Grace Hotel, and Group Operations Manager for Oaks Hotels and Resorts, Darren was ready for something new.

He started with BaptistCare as Chef Manager in January 2024.

“Moving into aged care was about stepping out of the highly pressured, fast paced world of fine dining and enjoying a new challenge,” says Darren.

"I’d seen the work of Maggie Beer and Stephanie Alexander and was inspired to make a difference in aged care too. Now BaptistCare Orana is the first Baptist Care site to be part of the Maggie Beer Foundation’s Mentorship Program.”

Cooking with passion

Darren’s days at Orana fly by in a flash. He arrives at 6.30am and the next minute, it’s 3.30pm and the end of his shift.

“I’m on the go the whole time,” he smiles. “But if I have a nano second, I like to try something new for our valued residents, like today – hand made petit fours for our Coffee Club residents!”

Darren says that delivering excellence in the food industry is all about the simple things.

“Food just needs to be shown love. For example, the protein always ends up being the hero on the plate – but why not the vegetables? With a little seasoning and extra love, they can be absolutely magical.”

“I always ask our servery staff to taste the food we are serving to residents. You can’t serve something when you have no idea what it tastes like yourself,” says Darren.

The value of good competition

Outside of work, Darren is still heavily involved in the food industry, being a familiar face to many.

He regularly competes in global culinary competitions, recently clinching Gold at the 2022 ICC Sydney Restaurant of Champions.

Having sat as Chairman of Judges for the NSW, ACT & Regions Chapter of the Australian Culinary Federation, and continuing to judge competitions today, Darren is a big advocate for aged care dining.

“I’m working on adding a new competitive category for aged care,” he says. “Why shouldn’t there be one?”

Darren is also stirring up enthusiasm and morale within Orana’s kitchen, with servery teams soaking up his talent and passion.

“It’s so great to see the team getting excited about the food we’re serving,” he says.

The BaptistCare ‘family’

“We chefs are just frustrated artists – we crave acknowledgement,” Darren jokes.

“Seeing my valued residents loving what I cook for them is so satisfying. I love it!

“The other day, one of the residents’ sons walked past me in the carpark and asked if I was the new chef. When I confirmed, he told me his mother had reported that she’d had the most delicious chicken dish of her life that week.

“It's wonderful to receive feedback like that. I will always go the extra mile to serve a better product to my Baptistcare ‘family.’”

The secret to healthy ageing?

According to Darren, it all comes back to good food.

“My dad lived to 98, my grandfather 96, my Mum 88, and my Nan 94. They all ate well, and had a good, balanced diet – but – cooked with love!”

Learn more about the BaptistCare family and explore our current opportunities via the links below.

Meet Jo - Care Facilitator

Fri, 31 May 2024 04:42:33 +0000

No two days are ever the same for Jo Gibson, and that’s one of the things she loves most about her job as a care facilitator with BaptistCare At Home in WA.

A personal journey into the job she loves

Jo might be newer to BapitstCare, working with BaptistCare for two years, but she’s no stranger to the field.

She’s worked as a care facilitator for 15 years and it was a personal experience she had that made her want to follow this career.

“My parents were living back in the UK and when the calls from them started getting less and less, I knew something was wrong,” Jo explained.

“Mum had Alzheimer's, and Dad refused to acknowledge it. We sought someone to help and ended up with a really good worker from the Dementia society in the UK who told Dad it wasn’t about him, it was about Mum.”

“They were so supportive putting a plan in place that worked for both my parents.”

“It was inspirational, and I was like, I want to do what she does,” Jo said.

Jo made it happen and now loves being able to provide what she felt for her clients and their families.

A guiding light in hard times

There are many elements of being a care facilitator that Jo loves.

From no two days being the same, the team she works with or being able to be that support for someone who needs it, but it’s guiding clients and her team through their early Home Care journeys that resonates with her most.

“I have a rule of no stupid questions for everyone I work with, from clients and their families to the staff I mentor,” Jo explained.

Understanding that the Home Care field is big and sometimes confusing helps Jo explain to her clients that everything is okay, she’s there to help, and if something isn’t working it’s as simple as talking about it and making a change.

“It can be really vulnerable to admit you need help and so it makes sense sometimes we see pushback and confusion at the start,” said Jo.

“I get to have that conversation with them telling them it’s alright, their feelings are normal, and I’m here to help them and make it fun along the way.”

For her colleagues that she mentors, Jo loves empowering them to be the best carer they can be while also supporting them through the ups and downs that comes with starting a new job.

“I like giving people a true picture of what the job is about so they know what’s coming and how to overcome some the challenges they might experience,” she said.

“It’s a great job. Especially for people with a high level of empathy and care, and sometimes they just need to know the support is there and they can pick up the phone and get a bit of reassurance.”

Inked to perfection

In and around her working days, you will often find Jo hanging out with her two delightful grandchildren or maybe in a tattoo parlour.

“People are often surprised that I have so many tattoos,” Jo laughed.

She has tattoos that represent her kids, a beautiful piece featuring words from her mum that she got after she passed away, as well as just moments in life captured with ink under the skin.

Jo has no solid plans to get anymore ink just yet, but never say never.

“My husband says I’m too old,” she laughed.

“I’m definitely going to be that old lady in the aged care home who has to stretch out their skin to show off my tattoos.”

Perhaps not surprisingly, when asked about what she thinks the secret to aging well is Jo simply says ‘enjoy every moment’.

“Life is too short to not drink the wine or do the things you enjoy,” she said.

“Do what you want! Life is too short, so just enjoy it.”

Learn more about the BaptistCare family and explore our current opportunities via the links below.

Meet Ashley - Resident Activities Officer

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 01:27:16 +0000

A visit to see his Grandparents led Ashley Nicholls into a job he now loves - planning activities for residents at BaptistCare Maranoa Centre Aged Care Home.

Right place, right time, right job

Sometimes, a great job finds you when you least expect it, and you get to skip the stress of the job hunt.

Ashley Nicholls was in the middle of a visit to see his Grandparents, who were residents at BaptistCare Maranoa Centre Aged Care Home in NSW, when he heard about an interesting job opportunity.

“I was between jobs at that point,” Ashley said.

“And I heard about the activities officer job, and I thought I’d give it a try. That was two and a half years ago.”

He soon worked out that there was a lot that goes into planning the different activities for the residents.

“It’s a lot of fun and seeing the residents full of joy is great, but they’ll also let you know when they don’t love the newer activities you try,” Ashley laughed.

Wellbeing behind the fun

Each day, Ashley plans at least two, sometimes more, activities for the residents in the home to take part in and each one has many layers of benefits for each person.

“The activities we plan have to be good for the resident’s body and mind,” Ashley said.

“It needs to activate their brains and move their body in a way that engages muscles but doesn’t overdo it.”

“But they’ll tell you if they think the activity is silly, and then you rethink it and go again. It’s great because the residents really drive the activities we do,” he said.

With all the activities Ashley runs, he says there is a clear favourite.

“Bingo!,” he said.

“It gets really competitive. The top players take it all very seriously, but then you get others who are there to have a lot of fun. It’s a good mix.”

Balancing work and study

At 28, Ashley has a rich life, both through his job with BaptistCare and all he does away from it.

With a love of music and playing instruments (a talent he sometimes shares with residents) he is also in his first year of a law degree.

“It’s been a really big step for me to start studying law this year. To find the confidence to start and follow what I want,” Ashley said.

The juggle has been made all the easier by the companionship of his best friend, Poppy - a 14 year old Mini Foxie and ‘bundle of joy.’

“But something else great about this job is I can work and study at the same time. I get up early to study and then go to work,” he said.

Encouraging others into aged care

Finding joy in this job has shown Ashley the benefits for people his age who are looking for a rewarding career in the caring sector.

He says that spending time with residents, hearing their stories and wisdoms, has changed his perspective on aging and living well in your latter years.

“There’s a real warmness and cheekiness the residents share with you each day,” Ashley explained.

“You get to hear their stories and see how diverse their thoughts and opinions are and that’s great to take with you out into the world too.”

When asked what he’d say to other people under 30 who might be considering aged care as a career, his advice was clear.

“Give it a go!”

“It’s really supportive and an area that brings people together from the heart,” he said.

“You get to meet so many different kinds of people and give a lot of joy. Just give it a go.”

Learn more about the BaptistCare family and explore our current opportunities via the links below.

Meet Stephen - Administration Officer

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 06:35:33 +0000

Stephen's career to date has been nothing short of pure adventure. From an explosives expert in the Navy to producing films with Netflix, he’s embraced as many different experiences as life has to offer.

The road to aged care

Stephen has only been working in aged care for a few short months but says it’s incredibly rewarding work.

In his role as Administration Officer, Stephen supports families through the process of moving into residential aged care, explaining how the costs work, showing them around and making them feel welcome, as well as alleviating any fears or concerns they may have.

Stephen says this work is totally different to anything he’s ever done – and that’s saying something given his varied career history!

Having started out as an explosives expert in the Navy, he’s worked in a wide variety of roles, including Public Relations, road safety, bus driving, bar work, and even bouncing.

“You name it, I’ve probably done it,” he laughs. “I fell in love with this town several years ago and have called it home ever since. All my recent jobs have centred around this beautiful place.”

Stephen’s most recent role was an Operations Manager for a film production company, supporting movie producers like Netflix set up and make global content in Australia.

His decision to move into something as different as aged care was about staying local and giving something back.

“At Maranoa, we’re a home through and through,” says Stephen. “Like me, most of the team live locally and so we often know prospective residents and their families from around town – Maranoa is an extension of that community and it’s wonderful to be a part of.”

Adventure, motorbikes, and antiques

Stephen’s love of adventure has extended far beyond just his work experience.

“I’m an avid traveller and adventurer,” he says. “I spend as much time on the road as I can and have been lucky enough to visit as many as 30 different countries.

“I think it’s a love of the unknown. For example, I like to book a ticket to somewhere in the world, then book the return home from a completely different country. I figure out the in-between as I go.”

Stephen recently returned from a month in Morocco, arriving in Marrakech and hiring a car, before adventuring across the country and ending up in Casablanca for the journey home.

Along with collecting antiques from across the world (including most recently a stunning Moroccan jewellery set that dates back five hundred years!), he also has a love for motorcycling - both at home and overseas.

“It’s a very mindful experience, mostly because it’s so dangerous! You can’t think about anything else other than the road,” says Stephen.

Embracing the ‘scary things’

Stephen says his tip for healthy ageing is simply to embrace life in all its fullness.

“Be actively engaged in life – do all the scary things,” he says. “Don’t wait – do, go, now.”

Learn more about the BaptistCare family and explore our current opportunities via the links below.

Meet Jane - Care Facilitator

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 00:43:18 +0000

Meet Jane, one of our incredible Care Facilitators for BaptistCare at home in Wagga Wagga.

Jane joined the aged care sector in 2018 after working in variety of roles across the legal, accountancy, and HR industries. Culminating all of her skills and experience, she’s truly flourishing in home care, having taken on the role of Care Facilitator with BaptistCare in 2021.

“I joined the aged care sector because I was drawn to community work and giving something back,” says Jane. “As a mum of 3 boys – and soon to be a grandmother - it also offers me ongoing stability and promising career opportunities.”

What does Care Facilitator do?

Jane says her role is about coordinating a circle of support on behalf of her elderly clients to help them achieve their goals, stay socially connected, and continue living independently in the community.

That circle of support might incorporate the client’s GP, their chemist, friends, carers, and family.

“It’s about supporting our clients to make their own choices and live their best lives, whatever looks like for them,” says Jane.

A CrossFit Master

Jane works equally as hard outside of work, training as a CrossFit Master athlete!

CrossFit is a gym-based sport and involves activities like Olympic lifting, gymnastics skills, cardio-based activities, and all within set workouts.

“Every day is different, there’s both group and personal training and you’re always learning something new,” says Jane.

“For example, I recently relearned how to do a handstand – it’s much harder when you’re an adult!

“I love CrossFit because I’m not so great at sitting around a lot - I like to be out and about doing things and keeping active.”

Jane competed in New Zealand’s CrossFit Masters League recently and came 3rd in her age group! She’s currently in training for her next big competition, which will take place in Queensland later this year.

What’s the secret to healthy ageing?

Jane says she loves to ask this question to her older clients, especially if she is impressed with how they are doing.

“The answers I get are nearly always about keeping your body and your mind engaged, and staying connected with your community and your family,” says Jane.

The best part of working in home care?

The stories!

According to Jane, one of the great privileges of working in aged care is that you get to hear the beautiful stories of a time before phones, the internet, or technology.

“Those stories are mostly passed down through word of mouth now,” says Jane. “And it’s very special to be able to listen.”

“For example, the other day I visited a client who told about his work as a ship labourer when he was a young man. He travelled the world! He told me how the ship would have to avoid certain islands because they were still plagued by pirates! It was amazing to hear.”

It’s day to day connections like these that Jane says make her role as a Care Facilitator truly fulfilling.

Learn more about the BaptistCare family and explore our current opportunities via the links below.

Meet Janaya - Care Facilitator

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 02:26:29 +0000

Meet our rising star, Janaya, who is fresh into her new role as Care Facilitator for BaptistCare at home, Murrumbidgee.

Janaya is no stranger to BaptistCare, having been a Care Worker in 2019 before leaving to complete her Bachelor of Nursing.

“I now work as a Care Facilitator based in and around Murrumbidgee in NSW, using my expertise as a nurse to make clinical judgements in my care of older clients,” explains Janaya.

“I love my job, to be able to put a smile on people’s faces and get them the help that they need is deeply fulfilling. To watch how my assistance can genuinely change someone’s life. That’s pretty special.”

Inspired from a young age

Although only in her early 20s, Janaya says that the aged care industry is where she’s always wanted to be.

“My mum’s a residential aged care nurse, and I used to spend time with her at work when I was growing up,” Janaya says.

“Seeing the difference that she made for elderly people in our community was so inspiring. I knew I wanted to follow in her footsteps when I was older.”

However, Janaya didn’t feel drawn into Care Facilitation until she began working as a Care Worker for BaptistCare at home in 2019.

“I was always interested in what the Care Facilitators were doing,” she says. “Whether they were administering medication to clients in their homes, managing inductions, or even completing documentation, I was always intrigued.”

After my degree, I saw this role come up and just went for it. Now here I am!

Nailing it at home with renovations underway

Outside of work, most of Janaya’s time is taken up with renovating her home with her partner.

“Planning permission has just been granted,” she says excitedly. “And now we’re about to get stuck into construction.”

Outside of work and renovating, she loves spending time with her two gorgeous pooches, Charli (a miniature poodle) and Trigga (a German Shepherd).

“They are like chalk and cheese, but are the best of friends,” Janaya laughs. “They’ll often tag along while me and my partner go for a walk, swim, or a run!”

Janaya’s tip for healthy ageing?

“It’s simple in concept,” she says. “Keep moving your body as much as you can, for as long as you can.”

She says it’s equally important to keep your mind active.

Together, this might look like doing some puzzles each day, or going for a walk outside.

“Many of our home care clients are reluctant to walk because they are afraid of falling,” says Janaya. “But this is where the assistance of a care worker can be really effective.

“Just having another person there with you to provide both physical and emotional support in staying active can be a real confidence booster!”

Learn more about the BaptistCare family and explore our current opportunities via the links below.

Meet Adam - Care Service Employee

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 12:56:16 +0000

Meet Adam - a familiar face to many in New South Wales’ Murrumbidgee region.

Adam is a Care Worker for BaptistCare at home and has spent over ten years supporting local older people to stay connected to their community through BaptistCare’s social club activities.

Making a difference for local people

“I started out with BaptistCare as a volunteer bus driver, working just one day a week,” says Adam. “That was over ten years ago! I’m now an employed Care Worker, working full time.”

Adam says that his first role was ‘just’ a driving job, but it wasn’t long before he became involved in the caring side of things.

“I just started building these connections to our clients and I wanted to do more for them,” he explains.

“It’s the clients that have kept me here all these years – they are amazing.”

Making a difference for local people

As part of his role, Adam runs the local BaptistCare at home social club in Murrumbidgee, organising daily, engaging activities for BaptistCare at home clients.

“Social club gets people out of their homes and into the community,” says Adam. “I’ve witnessed for myself the difference that makes for older people. After a few weeks, you start to see the newfound confidence and happiness in their behaviour.

“It also makes a huge difference for the person’s carer at home – they can get a well-deserved rest while their loved one is with us.”

Adam also facilitates group day trips once or twice per week, usually picking up around 20 people and heading to a local beauty spot.

“It’s usually within a 100-kilometre radius of the social club,” Adam explains. “Our trips always involve a delicious lunch – and often with a view!”

“Last Friday, we took 26 ladies from our social club out for lunch,” says Adam. “We drove to a beautiful café about 100 kilometres away which has a ladies’ clothes shop attached to it. It was a great success – the group loved it!”

No stranger to adventure

Facilitating outings, activities, and adventures is something Adam has done most of this adult life.

Before BaptistCare, he worked as a tour guide, organising and leading hikes and bushwalks all over the world!

“It was my job but it’s also a lifetime passion which I continue to practice,” says Adam.

“Recently I've been lucky enough to hike Sapa in Vietnam and walk a 75 km section of the Great Wall of China as well as having older group adventures to Mt. Kinabalu, Mt. Kilimanjaro & Mt. Rinjani.” says Adam.

“I’ve even taken on the epic, 230-kilometre Portuguese Caminho, and have seen some of the world’s most amazing walks – including, of course, in our own backyard! I’ve spent many weeks hiking in Tasmania and Queensland, usually taking on 100-kilometre walks twice a year that take several weeks to complete.”

The best part of working in home care

“For me, it’s about getting to know the clients,” says Adam. “I love hearing their stories and learning about their achievements in life.”

“I learn so much from the clients – every day I learn something new from them.

“One thing I see in some of our clients is what it looks like to age well. It’s about eating healthily, staying active, and continuing to engage with your community.”

Adam says that staying socially connected is a lot easier these days for seniors.

“Take advantage of all the programmes out there to be engaged socially – you won’t regret it, he says.

Learn more about the BaptistCare family and explore our current opportunities via the links below.

Meet Colleen - Clinical Manager

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 05:18:56 +0000

Colleen Ross can still remember the first day she put on a nurse's uniform. Young, full of excitement and a passion for caring for people, she never could have imagined that 50 years later she’d still be doing, and loving, this job.

From humble beginnings

Since Colleen started her nursing career in 1974, there have been many changes in nursing and health care.

Drawn to the profession because she wanted to care for people, those early days of training are etched in Colleen’s memory.

“On day one you just turned up to the hospital,” she laughed.

“We had these uniforms we were given and we had such a struggle trying to put them on. They’re all starched and white and we were all coming out looking hilarious.”

“Then you hit the hospital floor and you just did it. With help and training of course, but you were bedside from day one,” Colleen said.

The hands-on experience really drew Colleen into nursing, and being able to help and care for people has kept her in it for 50 years.

“In those early days we did a lot of real bedside nursing, and that was quite powerful for me,” she said.

“It was this instant pride I had in caring for my patients. Something I still have and hope I pass on to other people that I’ve worked with across my time.”

One job, a whole world of opportunities

After the initial training and spending time working in the WA health system, Colleen was offered an opportunity to work in the United Kingdom.

She jumped at the chance to experience what nursing was like in the bustling city of London.

“It was so exciting to, after learning so much here at home, be able to go to London and give that a go,” she said.

“I found myself planted at this really good hospital called Hammersmith in the city and that’s when the adventures really started.”

Being young, full of enthusiasm and ready to embrace a new city, Colleen was ready for anything. Even if things didn’t always go to plan.

“Ok, I have to tell you the story about the motorbike,” Colleen laughed.

“It was the easiest way to get around the city, and it wasn’t hard to get a license, so that’s how I got myself to work each day.”

It was on her way to night shift one evening that Colleen got into a little bit of a pickle on one of the big London roundabouts.

“I didn’t have the best bike; it was pretty powerless, so going around the roundabout you’re practically pedalling.”

“So, as I’m struggling to get around this roundabout I’m pulled over by a Bobby [police officer],” she said.

“Turns out I hadn’t put my light on and they were pulling me over to tell me that. The problem was, with this bike, I could only turn it on while the bike was going, but I couldn’t get it going again!”

“Before I knew it the Bobby is running beside me pushing the bike to try to get it started while I wobble about and fiddle with the light. It was quite the entertaining commute to work,” she said.

Same same, but different.

In a way that feels very Australian, there were always reminders of home when Colleen was living and working in the UK.

Familiar faces from hospitals in Perth would pop up in corridors and in the wards she was stationed in.

It was also with distance and a bit of comparison, that she could see the real strength of the Australian health system.

“There were things that were the same, but also a lot of differences,” she said.

“Our buildings were flasher because they weren’t so old, and that meant that sometimes in London things just had to be done differently. They didn’t have the purpose-built setups that we had in WA.”

And so, as her Visa was coming to an end, the call home was too strong, and Colleen jumped on a plane and headed back to Australia.

From hospitals to aged care

Colleen has been working with BaptistCare for seven of her 50 years of nursing, but she’s been in the aged care space for a lot longer.

“When I started having kids it changed work for me and I needed something that worked better around the family.”

“I started one day a week and found that I loved it. I loved being able to look after the same people each day,” she said.

“You’re having deep relationships with the residents here, where in a hospital setting people are coming and going all the time.”

After 50 years of nursing, the thought of ‘how much longer’ often crosses Colleen’s mind.

This milestone has been a time for reflection, for acknowledging all she’s done and what she has left to give.

“It’s pretty remarkable, really, the trust people put in you. People automatically trust you when you’re a nurse and that’s an amazing privilege.”

“So, when I think about ‘is it time’, I’m not sure I’m ready just yet. I look at what I do and I’m still teaching and still leading, and I still have the passion for this work,” Collen said.

“I’ve been so lucky and had so many great moments in my career. To work with great teams for nearly ten years with BaptistCare.

But what it really all comes down to is I still really enjoy being a nurse.”

Learn more about the BaptistCare family and explore our current opportunities via the links below.

Meet Tony Wood OAM - Care Facilitator

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 02:00:00 +0000

Tony is certainly not someone you’ll forget in a hurry.

Instantly putting you at ease with his warm, empathetic, and down-to-earth character, it quickly becomes apparent why he’s flourished in aged care over the past 15 years.

Tony is a Care Facilitator with BaptistCare at home in Canberra, working with older clients to create comprehensive care plans that enable them to continue living well in the comfort of their own homes.

An influential Canberran in his own right, Tony is better known around town as the “man behind the mask” of the Canberra Raiders NRL team mascot - Victor the Viking – a role he has played for a staggering 41 years.

Tony’s community work also extends into healthcare, where he is a strong advocate for Rise Above, the cancer relief charity for Canberra and the surrounding region.

In 2021, Tony was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his services to rugby league and to the community.

The call to aged care

Tony began his career in hospitality but, in the late 2000s, felt a call to do something outside of the box.

“I wanted to transition into work that was totally different,” he says. “Aged care spoke to me – unlike in hospitality, people are coming to you out of necessity, and I wanted to be able to brighten people’s lives in those difficult moments.”

Tony started out with BaptistCare as a Client Liaison Administration Officer, a role that saw him support families as they transitioned loved ones into residential aged care.

“I worked in that role for 13 years,” he says. “It was an amazing job. I still sometimes attend the funerals of clients I supported during that time, and I am thanked for the role I played – that’s the most wonderful recognition you can receive.”

As the organisation evolved, Tony decided to make the move into home care just two years ago.

“Home Care is similar in that you’re accompanying someone on a journey,” explains Tony. “It’s about that personal touch, building relationships. That’s the job.”

“Aged care: a giant ball of string.”

Tony says that aged care in Australia can often seem like a giant ball of tangled string.

“Older people are handed this ball, and we say, there you go – there’s all the aged care services available to you. It’s totally overwhelming,” says Tony. “Our job at BaptistCare is to help our clients untangle that ball, straighten it all out, and build a relationship in the process.”

“You’ve got to be able to walk away each day and know that you brightened someone’s day. It’s those small everyday changes that start to make a bigger difference over time.”

Forty-one years as Victor the Viking

Bringing a smile to people’s faces is an ethos that carries over into every aspect of Tony’s life.

Asked what his biggest passion was outside of work, Tony didn’t hesitate.

“It’s my two beautiful grandkids,” he gushes. “They are just one and two years old and a huge part of my life.”

Of course, the NRL is another defining feature, with Tony having served as the Canberra Raiders’ much-loved mascot, Victor the Viking, since he was 18 years old, making him the longest-serving NRL mascot in Australia.

“I was just a teenager when I got the idea for Victor,” remembers Tony.

“I’d attended a game against the Western Suburbs Magpies. We were losing, but I kept on looking at the Magpies’ mascot, and somehow, he still made me smile. I remember that game not because of what happened on the field but because of the experience the mascot gave me.

“I felt our team needed that, so I came up with Victor the Viking to bring the same lightness to our game.”

The original Victor mask was made of paper mâché, a design which didn’t last long on a rainy game day says Tony, but it was a start.

Fast-forward to today, Victor the Viking is known as an “Aussie legend” and one of the most popular sporting mascots in Australia.

Making change right across Canberra

Tony’s work in the community has also seen him play a pivotal role in bringing additional care services to Canberra.

Tony sits on the board of a community-led committee that will oversee the construction of a new six-bedroom facility to support people aged 18-59 facing chronic or terminal illness.

Yvonne Cuschieri House, named after the well-known Queanbeyan resident and founder of the Rise Above Cancer Support Group, aims to continue her legacy and vision of offering respite and support to local families in need.

“We broke the soil three months ago and the building is now underway,” Tony says proudly.

Recognised with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)

In January 2021, Tony was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his services to rugby league and to the community.

BaptistCare at home’s Tony Wood poses with his family after having received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2021 for his services to rugby league and to the community.

“Receiving the OAM was a real shock to me,” says Tony. “You do the work you do, not to be recognised, but to bring joy to other people and a smile to people’s faces. Whether it be through the footie, my work at BaptistCare, or anything else I’m involved in with the community.”

Tony’s tip for healthy ageing?

Tony encourages older people to be themselves, ask questions, and express their emotions in a healthy way.

“Our older generations are often afraid of being a bother or making a fuss,” explains Tony. “They can hold in their fears, worries, or anxiety, and this creates a pressure cooker situation for their mental health.

“I always encourage my clients to talk about their concerns. Bottling things up can leave them feeling isolated and depressed – our role is also about helping them stay connected to their community and above all, keeping them smiling.”

Learn more about the BaptistCare family and explore our current opportunities via the links below.

Meet Steph and Gareth - Care Facilitators

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 00:22:29 +0000

Meet our power couple from Orange, Steph and Gareth Danis.

Having worked for decades as critical care nurses, they’ve found a beautiful new way of life in community aged care. 🏡

“We both made the career move just under a year ago,” says Gareth. “I joined BaptistCare first as a Clinical Care Facilitator (Registered Nurse), and Steph joined as a Care Facilitator just a few months later. To say it’s been life-changing is an understatement.”

A new pace of life

After decades of fast-paced shift work, the couple say that working in community aged care has offered them a new way of life that affords them more time with family and one another.

“We’d always used to tag in and out of shifts,” says Steph. “We can actually sit down together as a family for dinner now, and the kids get both of us instead of just one parent most of the time.”

Regular working hours also mean more time to pursue hobbies and passions outside of work.

Gareth, for example, is a gifted woodworker, practising traditional carpentry and resin-making.

Steph is also an avid gardener and animal lover. Along with their ten and eight year old sons, the couple’s family also includes two dogs, two cats, and even an axolotl!

Transferrable skills

Steph and Gareth both say that moving into elderly care facilitation incorporates a surprising amount of transferrable nursing skills.

“Having had all those years of nursing experience means we can quickly recognise what type of care our clients might need and can organise the relevant services,” explains Gareth.

But there are some key differences to the roles, too.

The couple says working in home care allows them to provide more individualised care, slowing down and building relationships with their clients instead of hurrying them out of the door - or the bed - as is so often the case in hospitals.

“In the emergency department, you get patients through the crisis as fast as possible, and then they move on,” says Steph. “But home care allows you to slow down, build relationships, and witness someone’s life transform over time.”

“It’s about preventative care and reablement,” explains Gareth. “You start to see how a holistic, coordinated approach to older persons’ care is so important.

“Taking that time with clients means you get to hear the most amazing stories, too. They are genuinely life-inspiring and a real asset to draw upon.”

Partners in life and work

Asked how they manage their relationship as both partners and colleagues, the couple shrugged it off.

“It’s nothing new for us,” says Steph with a smile. “We worked together in the acute sector for many years, so it’s kind of our normal.”

“We have different clients too,” adds Gareth. “So, in fact, we don’t interact all that much at work. But it’s nice to have someone to share the experience with all the same.”

The couple say that for them, it was a no-brainer to move together to BaptistCare.

“We could tell from the start that it was a special organisation,” says Steph. The culture here is wonderful—the managers actually care about the well-being of their teams, and there is a lot of flexibility and trust.”

“Someone’s always bringing in food, too, which is the real clincher!” laughs Gareth.

Gareth and Steph’s tips for healthy ageing!

Steph says for her, it’s something she learned from her own grandparents.

“It’s crucial to make important choices about your future while you are still able,” she says. “So often, older people put the hard decisions off until it’s too late, and other people end up making them for them.”

“It usually centres around living arrangements but making these decisions earlier might mean you are able to stay independent for far longer.”

Gareth's tip for healthy ageing is simple: Keep having fun and find things that make you laugh.

“You can’t downplay the power of a good laugh, and finding joy in the small everyday things is what makes life worth living.”

Learn more about the BaptistCare family and explore our current opportunities via the links below.

Meet Christine - Care Service Employee Support Facilitator

Sun, 18 Aug 2024 23:25:59 +0000

Meet Chris, one of the most experienced members of our BaptistCare at home team in Murrumbidgee, Wagga Wagga.

For over 18 years, Chris has dedicated her career to caring for the elderly in her local community.

A journey of care

“I’d always been drawn to aged care,” reflects Chris.

“I think small country towns like Junee survive and thrive on community spirit, and when you know the older generations personally as we do, there’s a deep desire to give back and care for them in their latter, most vulnerable years.”

Chris first joined BaptistCare on a traineeship after leaving a sales role at the local liquorice factory, which she never felt was quite for her.

Learning on the job, she swiftly became adept in her role as a Care Service Employee (CSE), caring for older people in their homes, and was soon promoted to Care Facilitator, a role she stayed in for 13 years.

“Eventually, I hit a wall and needed something new,” she remembers. “That’s when BaptistCare supported me to move into my current role of Employee Support Facilitator.”

Chris now manages BaptistCare’s many frontline aged care workers in the region, providing ongoing support and drawing from her own many years of experience.

“It feels very personal in this role,” says Chris. “You get to know your team well, you might learn their kids or their dogs’ names – you start to understand their aspirations and dreams, and over time, can be a real support to them.”

Tackling climate change

Chris is often the first to put her hand up for new experiences and projects to sink her teeth into, and getting involved in a new study by Charles Sturt University is nothing different.

“I’ve been really proud to work on a case study on behalf of BaptistCare,” says Chris. “We’re collecting data that will inform an investigation into the impact of climate change on the aged care workforce in rural communities.

“In places like Wagga, this is really important. Our temperatures reach well into the minus figures in the winter and regularly hit the mid-40s in the summer, often with dense dust storms. Asthma and hay fever can be a real problem for our teams and affect how we care for our clients.”

As the only aged care provider involved in the study, Chris says it’s great to be involved in such innovative work that promises to make a real difference in how the organisation develops future policies around climate change.

Beyond the job

Chris and her partner love to travel and have been lucky enough to visit some incredible places, including most of Asia, New Zealand, and of course – our own backyard here in Australia.

“We have a caravan and are often on the road exploring new places,” says Chris with a smile. “Next year, we’re off on a once-in-a-lifetime trip on the Ghan. We can’t wait.”

Along with spending quality time with her children and three young grandsons, Chris is an active volunteer with the Rural Fire Service.

When there’s time in her busy schedule, she also loves gardening.

“Gardening is my escape,” she laughs. “Everyone in my family knows not to follow me out into the garden; it’s my haven – my happy place to be alone and have me-time.”

Chris’ tip for healthy ageing?

Chris says it’s about continuing to do the things that you love most, and overcoming any barriers that prevent you from enjoying them.

As part of her role, she helps many people to do this – whether it’s supporting her own team members or influencing one of her client’s care plans.

“For me, this role is incredibly special – it allows me to help so many people in even just one day. That’s a real privilege.”

Learn more about the BaptistCare family and explore our current opportunities via the links below.

Meet Emma - Health and Well-Living Consultant

Sun, 25 Aug 2024 22:04:50 +0000

Meet Emma, one of our talented Health and Well-Living Consultants based in Orange.

Emma’s clinical background in physiotherapy, coupled with her gentle and dedicated approach to client care have set a new standard of excellence in the Central West team.

Health and Well-Living consultancy - unpacking the role

“As part of my role as a Health and Well-Living Consultant, I visit older clients in their homes and conduct health and well-living assessments,” says Emma.

“These are incredibly comprehensive assessments, examining every aspect of a person’s life. We work out preventative treatments that will help them to retain their independence for the foreseeable future, and ultimately – enhance their quality of life.”

The role is unique, and, as Emma explains, a proud point of difference for BaptistCare at home, with no other local provider offering the same service.

The assessment results in a comprehensive report, created in partnership with the client and their family. This includes recommendations for coordinating multidisciplinary care tailored to the person’s individual care needs.

This might involve physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dieticians, podiatrists, and nurses. Emma oversees it all, checking in regularly to ensure her client is benefitting as planned.

“In our line of work, prevention is always better than cure,” says Emma. “We want to keep people out of hospital and living their best life at home.”

The journey into aged care

Having originally graduated as a physiotherapist, Emma has worked in many different role types, including private practice, community outreach, and of course - aged care.

The location has always been the constant.

“Orange has been my home since I was nine years old,” she says. “Working in the regions means there is variety in the work, and you can gain a lot of experience from early on in your career.”

Emma believes that aged care provides extensive opportunities to make a significant impact on someone's life.

“In private practice, you’re often treating an isolated issue or a specific injury. Once it’s resolved, the person often moves on,” Emma explains.

“But in aged care, you’re focusing on every aspect of a person’s life – their day-to-day functioning, their social connections, their living environment, and so much more. You really see that person’s whole life begin to change and transform for the better over time – and that’s a direct result of the care you’ve given them. It really doesn’t get more rewarding than that.”

Recognition and reward

Emma’s passion and talents were recently highlighted at the national BaptistCare Shine Awards, particularly for her work on the innovative Short Term Restorative Care Program - an 8-week rehabilitation course for older people that is supported with government funding.

“I helped roll out the program in this region two years ago,” Emma says. “It’s a truly life-changing service for people that have recently experienced a decline in their day-to-day functioning.”

“It’s about supporting them with intensive reablement and rehabilitation.”

Emma’s unwavering commitment to the program has been instrumental in the program’s success, resulting in her being awarded the prestigious BaptistCare Shine Award at a special ceremony held in the Blue Mountains.

Emma receives the prestigious BaptistCare National Shine Award from BaptistCare CEO, Charles Moore.

Empowered by great leadership

Emma says that one of the best parts of her role here at BaptistCare is the coaching and mentorship she has received from her leaders – both professionally and personally.

“My managers are phenomenal mentors and have made a huge difference to my life,” she says.

“As well as supporting me with my work-life balance after returning from maternity leave, they’ve given me so much confidence and encouragement to take on new opportunities – such as the Short-Term Restorative Care Program.”

Emma poses with her manager, who she says has been a constant support for her both personally and professionally the last few years.

Emma says the team culture is all about trust, flexibility, and support, which makes for a truly special working environment.

“People just flourish here,” she says. “I’ve told my manager, I’m never leaving BaptistCare!”

Family adventures

Outside of work, Emma leads a full life, balancing time with her two young children – aged just one and three - and embarking on camping adventures with her family.

“Camping and adventuring as always been our passion,” says Emma. “Before kids, my husband and I travelled around Australia, sleeping in a rooftop tent! We saw so much of the country, it was amazing.

“Our caravan adventures these days may not be as extensive but we have a beautiful time as a family all the same.”

Emma has also just got back into Division 1 netball, which she says has been a shock to the body but great fun.

Emma’s tip for ageing well?

Emma says it’s about being proactive in planning your future care and reaching out for the many available supports.

“Don’t wait for things to go wrong – prevention is key, and you’ll likely live a full and independent life for far longer if you take this approach.”

Learn more about the BaptistCare family and explore our current opportunities via the links below.

Meet Rosy - Care Service Employee

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 19:28:31 +0000

Meet Rosy, one of the most passionate aged care workers you’ll ever meet.

Rosy is originally from Indonesia, but after relocating to Australia many years ago, she decided to embark upon a career in aged care. She works at BaptistCare Maranoa residential aged care home in Alstonville, a small town located in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales.

Transitioning from home care to residential

Rosy started out her career caring for older people living at home in the community. With a young family to support, the shift work suited her lifestyle very well.

“Home care was wonderful, but I found it challenging over time,” explains Rosy. “I’d spend hours each day with my clients, for years and years. You can’t help but develop strong bonds. When they eventually passed away my grief was huge. It would take me months to recover.”

Just under three years ago, Rosy decided to transition into residential aged care at BaptistCare Maranoa aged care home. She still cares deeply for her residents and mourns them after they pass, but with a close-knit team to support her, she says it’s an entirely different experience.

“Maranoa feels like home, and the team there is like family,” says Rosy. “We look after each other as a team.”

Life as a dementia care worker

“When I first joined the Maranoa team, I requested to work in the dementia wing,” says Rosy. “Many people were surprised as this work can be challenging, but I find it special and deeply rewarding.”

Rosy and her team look after 24 residents in the wing, all of whom are living with various stages of dementia.

“I just love bringing a smile to their faces,” says Rosy. “Even though some are living with the advanced stages of the condition, they somehow still know me. When I’ve been off for a few days, they ask ‘Where were you?!’ I always find that amazing.”

Rosy says building strong relationships with the residents and their families is a privilege, and makes the role particularly fulfilling.

“It brings me joy to bring them joy,” she says. “When it’s my day off, I miss going to work – I love being with my residents and caring for them.”

Life outside of work

Rosy has an equally fulfilling life outside of Maranoa.

With three children, ages 17, 12, and 7, she’s often taking them to various sporting activities and revelling in their successes.

“My eldest is in Year 12 and wants to study to become a registered nurse after she graduates,” gushes Rosy proudly. “I encouraged her to come and work at Maranoa and get a feel for what it’s like to work in aged care – she took me up on it and is loving the experience.”

Rosy is also passionate about health and fitness and loves to take time out during her week to go to the gym, practice yoga, weightlifting, and maybe jump into the odd Zumba class!

And, as a social butterfly, she enjoys spending quality time with her friends too.

“With most of my immediate family still in Indonesia, my friends and extended family here are an amazing support network. We spend a lot of time together,” she says.

Rosy’s tip for healthy ageing?

For Rosy, it’s about keeping a positive attitude and learning to be content with what you have.

“Of course, you have to take care of yourself physically,” she says. “It’s important to eat well, exercise regularly, and look after your skin. But learning to practice gratitude for what you have and looking outward and not inward makes a big difference to our overall health and wellbeing.”

Rosy says she is not rich, but every day feels unbelievably lucky to have her beautiful family and a job that brings her so much joy. She can’t help but smile and want to give back.

Learn more about the BaptistCare family and explore our current opportunities via the links below.

Meet Lee - Registered Nurse

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 01:00:00 +0000

Meet Lee, a Registered Nurse who works at BaptistCare’s Mid Richmond centre in Coraki on the Far North Coast of NSW.

Lee made the move into aged care nursing in her 40s, after previously working in banking. She still says it’s one of the best decisions she ever made.

The move into aged care

“When I worked for the bank, I had to commute a long way and it became exhausting,” says Lee. “One day I’d just had enough and decided to do something totally new.

“A local job network recommended aged care, which was very close to my heart at that time.”

Lee had been supporting both of her grandmothers, both of whom were living with dementia. She felt like an opportunity to move into aged care had arrived at a perfect moment in her life.

“I began as an aged care worker, and after a short time I decided to pursue nursing,” says Lee.

Keen to challenge herself, learn more, and take on more responsibility, Lee soon graduated as a registered nurse and has been nursing local people in various aged care homes across the region for almost two decades.

“I love that I can make a genuine difference in someone’s life,” says Lee. “In a small town like this, you often find yourself caring for people you know, like an old school friend’s parents, or a previous schoolteacher. It's a real privilege to be able to care for those who once cared for you.”

An unintended career break

In 2022, Lismore and the surrounding region suffered catastrophic flooding that caused unprecedented damage and disruption. Tens of thousands of people were displaced, and thousands of businesses were destroyed.

Lee was working in a local aged care home that was sadly destroyed, with all the residents and staff having to be evacuated to escape rising flood waters.

Out of work for a time, Lee took the opportunity to volunteer in her community, helping provide food, shelter, and emergency supplies to those who had lost everything.

In July 2022, she returned to work at BaptistCare’s Mid Richmond residential aged care home in Coraki, a short drive from her own home in Lismore.

A lifelong love for musical theatre

Outside of work, one of Lee’s great passions is musical theatre. She was a professional singer earlier in her life when she lived in Sydney, but now enjoys practicing her craft as a hobby with the Ballina Players Musical Theatre Company. She’s been a core member of the Company since 1997, playing major parts in many different productions.

“The highlight of my musical career was, without a doubt, playing Dusty in Dusty the Musical,” gushes Lee. “It was my biggest role – I sang 21 songs and had 19 different costume changes! People still remember me from playing that role now.”

She and the Company are now rehearsing for their next big production, 9-5, which arrives on stage in November!

Share the Dignity

Lee’s commitment to her community doesn’t end there. As a “Charity Queen” for the menstrual equity charity Share the Dignity, she has led a team of local volunteers, or “Sheroes,” and managed relationships with local partner organisations such as Woolworths and Bunnings.

Share the Dignity provides sanitary items for women and girls going through period poverty – which may include dealing with domestic violence, homelessness and keeping up with the rising cost of living.

“Every November, we run our “In the Bag” campaign,” Lee says. “People in the community can donate a bag, along with essential items to their local Bunnings.

“I often invite the BaptistCare residents to help with sorting through the donations and filling the bags – they absolutely love to be involved and are looking forward to this year’s run – it’s coming up very soon!”

Learn more about the BaptistCare family and explore our current opportunities via the links below.

Meet Susan - Care Team Manager

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 01:00:00 +0000

Meet Susan, Care Team Manager at BaptistCare Niola residential aged care home in Parkes, New South Wales.

With 30 years of nursing experience behind her, Susan recently decided to make the transition from the acute sector into aged care, joining BaptistCare in March.

She’s already making waves, having moved from her initial role as a Registered Nurse on the care home floor to Care Team Manager in just a matter of months, a position that now sees her manage a large team of care workers and nurses.

Embracing a new world of nursing

Like many in her position, Susan found that working in emergency meant long, tiring days, a highly pressured environment, and the inability to really get to know her patients.

“It was about getting people out as quickly as possible – that’s what success looks like in the acute sector,” she explains. “We get people in, resolve their problem as best as we can, and then move them on to regain the bed space. It can feel very impersonal.”

Susan says that aged care is a whole new world in comparison.

“It’s a slower pace and your residents are here long-term. So there is time and space to really build meaningful relationships and witness the difference you are making in their lives.”

Dropping shift work when she moved into aged care, Susan now works the same hours each day, arriving home to her family happy, relaxed, and fulfilled.

Stepping up – embracing new opportunities

Susan was only with BaptistCare for four months before her Care Team Manager (CTM) took maternity leave. Identifying an opportunity for a new challenge and her own professional development, she applied for the role and was successful, moving into a more senior position that now sees her manage a large team of care workers and nurses at Niola.

“My new role as CTM is challenging but very rewarding,” says Susan. “I manage a team, which I’ve not done before, and even though I’m often operating out of my comfort zone, I’m developing new skills and growing professionally which is exciting.”

A Coastie at heart

Having grown up on the coast of New South Wales, Susan is a true ocean lover, enjoying regular breaks away to the beach for swimming, surfing, and long walks by the water whenever she gets the chance.

She adores her family, calling her three young adult children her greatest achievement in life. She also enjoys taking her two rambunctious pups out and about with her - a gorgeous Australian Kelpie and a mixed-breed rescue with cheeky tendencies!

Susan is passionate about fitness too, having taken on big challenges such as Sydney’s City2Surf event and a 60 kilometre fundraising walk for the Fred Hollows Foundation!

Susan’s tip for healthy ageing?

According to Susan, it’s about staying physically active and moving your body as much as you can.

“Exercise is just as important for your mental health,” she says. “Try to keep your mind active and challenged, eat healthily, but don’t be afraid to enjoy the odd treat here and there! They are important too.”

Learn more about the BaptistCare family and explore our current opportunities via the links below.

Meet Jen - Care Service Employee

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 00:42:17 +0000

Join us as we meet some of our amazing aged care workers. 

Meet Jen, a Care Service Employee with our BaptistCare at home Central Coast team. She has proudly worked for BaptistCare for an incredible 26 years in both residential services and home care.

Jen’s love of working with seniors started when she was a hairdresser. She enjoyed working with her senior clients, listening to their stories, diving into their history, gleaning their wisdom, looking at their family photos and learning about their lives. It wasn’t long before she realised she wanted to work more closely with seniors. So, she joined BaptistCare and has never looked back!

Thriving in aged care

Jen’s foray into aged care began with BaptistCare Orana, working in the kitchen. She describes her experience of switching from hairdressing to aged care as “…a really big step for me, it’s a big unknown moving into a completely new industry.” But as with everything Jen does, she met the challenge head on with enthusiasm and energy.

After 11 years at Orana, Jen wanted to move into a role that provided more hands-on interaction with seniors. So, she made the switch to the At Home Central Coast team and has never regretted it!

Where you want to go

Jen loves every moment working in the home care team. As she puts it “BaptistCare can take you where you want to go”. And Jen is going places, using her passion and skills to serve clients across different home care services, including Refresh Retreats for people living with dementia and the Transitional Aged Care Program (Transpac), helping rehabilitate people after a hospital stay.

Jen says about her work -

“My job is amazing, and I love every day of it. I’m not just a carer; I’m a friend, an advocate…I’m the one blessed, and my job is the most rewarding way to get through life”.

Challenges are fun!

When she’s not at work, Jen loves a challenge; the bigger, the better! She’s completed the Oxfam Trail Walk, not once, but twice. She’s run several half-marathons, has achieved a personal best in weightlifting (an outstanding 135kg for a deadlift) and, just for fun, she helped her husband build their house. In the rare moments when Jen has spare time, you will find her tending her new garden, spending time with her family at the beach or setting up a swag for a weekend camping with her husband.

Jen’s tip for healthy ageing…

Jen’s number one tip for healthy ageing is -

“Don’t take life’s mishaps to heart. Things will go wrong in life but don’t see it as a failure. See it as an opportunity to learn, to grow, to speak up and use your voice.”

We love Jen’s enthusiastic approach to life – look for the challenge, give it a go and if it doesn’t work out, figure out what you learned and grow from it.

Learn more about the BaptistCare family and explore our current opportunities via the links below.  

Meet Lena - Chef Manager

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 02:14:11 +0000

For Lena, food has always been about family, connection and care.

Now the Chef Manager at BaptistCare’s newest residential aged care home, Glendale Lodge in Elderslie, NSW, Lena brings more than 27 years of experience to the kitchen – along with a deep love of cooking that began when she was just 10. “I started making dinner to help my parents,” she shares. “We were always making things from scratch – pickles, relishes, peppers. We still do. A couple of weekends ago, Dad and I were making smoked sausages together.”

Lena’s Eastern European background and her father’s passion for food laid the foundation for a remarkable culinary journey. She completed a four-year apprenticeship at Canterbury Leagues Club, where she was mentored by a head chef who made a lasting impact. “She was so patient and dedicated. She really took me under her wing,” Lena recalls.

Over the years, Lena worked across clubs, pubs and fine dining restaurants – even running her own catering business for a time. But when COVID-19 disrupted the hospitality industry, she started looking for something more stable and meaningful. That search ultimately led her to aged care.

“Working in aged care has given me a real sense of purpose,” Lena says. “It’s not like restaurants – in aged care, I can get to know the residents and their families. I can ask them what they like to eat and even invite them to share their recipes with me. That’s special.”

Lena joined BaptistCare in April 2025, bringing valuable insight from a previous role where she helped commission an aged care home from the ground up. That experience gave her a strong foundation in setting up kitchen operations, building team culture, and navigating the many behind-the-scenes details that bring a new home to life.

Although she came on board at Glendale Lodge during the later stages of commissioning, Lena has embraced the opportunity to shape her department and contribute to the home’s culture. “It’s a blank canvas,” she says. “Even coming in towards the end, you can still set the tone of your department – and the whole home.”

She’s focused on establishing clear processes, a collaborative team environment, and a welcoming dining experience for residents from day one. For Lena, helping to shape the early culture of a new home is not just exciting – it’s a chance to create something lasting and full of heart.

As Glendale Lodge welcomes its first residents, Lena’s mornings will start early – usually at 6:30am – reviewing dietary preferences, planning meals, and ensuring everything in the kitchen runs smoothly. She looks forward to walking the floor during mealtimes, chatting with residents and asking for feedback. “It shows we care,” she says.

She will also welcome opportunities to invite residents to visit the kitchen, if they’d like to. “Sometimes they’re curious – they want to come and see how we do things.”

Lena believes that transparency builds trust. “It’s never going to be exactly like home,” she explains. “We cook on a larger scale and have to adapt, but when we explain how it all works, residents understand that – and they feel part of something special.”

Alongside daily operations, Lena’s responsibilities include compliance, cleanliness and ordering – and creating a calm, respectful environment for her team. She values open communication and the sharing of ideas. “Together, we can make the workflow easier and less stressful for everyone,” she says.

Outside work, Lena enjoys spending time with her family, going for long drives and picnics – and the occasional Netflix binge. “If I start a series, I just have to finish it,” she laughs.

Her advice for anyone considering a career in aged care? “You’ve got to love food and care about people. If you have those two things, aged care is a great place to grow as a chef – and find purpose in what you do.”

Lena’s tip for healthy ageing: While nutrition is important, so is the joy and connection that comes with food: Enjoy it.

Learn more about the BaptistCare family and explore our current opportunities via the links below.  

Meet Kathryn - Care Team Supervisor

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 02:00:00 +0000

We’re pleased to introduce Kathryn, a passionate Care Team Supervisor based at the BaptistCare at home office in Cowra, in NSW’s Central West. With a career spanning nearly two decades at BaptistCare, Kathryn is a wonderful example of dedication, resilience, and enthusiasm for aged care.

When Kathryn first joined BaptistCare, it wasn’t as an employee, it was as a volunteer. That was back in December 2005. “I’d applied for a role as a care worker but wasn’t successful,” she recalls. “I decided to volunteer to understand more about the job and what the organisation was looking for.”

At the time, BaptistCare was known as Baptist Community Services, and Kathryn felt it was the right place for a fresh career path. “I wanted to join because the mission and values were so much in line with mine,” she says.

Up to that point, Kathryn had worked in various roles across several industries – design and export of cables, catering, in partnership in an auto-electrical business, hotel and motel cleaning, and hospitality. “I’d definitely worn a few hats!” she says.

But as a parent of five, she was looking for something more stable. She says she stumbled into aged care almost by accident. In search of a new direction, she looked into TAFE education.

“At the time, the only course available was in aged care,” she says. “It was never part of the plan, but going into it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’m so glad I made the leap.”

After volunteering for a short while, Kathryn recognised aged care was a growing industry with real potential, especially in her region. “So many people need home care,” she says.

Her commitment paid off. Just a few months after signing up as a volunteer, Kathryn was offered a role as a care worker. “I’ve been lucky to grow within the team. I later became a Care Facilitator and am now a Care Team Supervisor. I’ll always be grateful to my then-manager, Samantha, for her support along the way.”

What Kathryn loves most about her role now is that no two days are the same. “I love the variety, the challenges, and most of all, watching our care workers grow both personally and professionally.”

Having been a care worker herself, Kathryn understands the demands and is passionate about helping others develop in their roles.

“I know how hard our people work, it’s not an easy job, and I’m passionate about advocating for them. I hope I inspire them to recognise their own potential and perhaps follow a similar pathway to mine.”

She also enjoys working within her team. “Donna is a brilliant manager, and Kyle deserves a medal for his support. We proudly call ourselves the ‘Best in the West.’”

For those considering a career in home care, Kathryn offers practical and heartfelt advice.

“As a care worker, you’re going into people’s homes and helping them on a very personal basis. It can be difficult sometimes, especially when clients are unwell or unhappy. It’s important to look after your own health – both mind and body – so that you can give your best to your team and your clients. Stay within professional boundaries and always work within the policy and procedures of BaptistCare.”

She also encourages team members to support each other. “Praise your teammates, and speak up if something’s bothering you. Use your voice so you can be heard.”

Kathryn’s advice for healthy ageing? Start now!

“Set lots of goals and don’t be afraid to change direction. Stay active in your community, laugh often, and live each day fully. And when you turn 65, join the BaptistCare Social Club.”

Outside work, Kathryn loves anything that involves her partner Stephen and their blended family of seven children, 13 grandchildren, and pup, Pippie. “Pippie runs the household – and the recliner.”

She also enjoys sewing, meditation, listening to podcasts, tackling cooking challenges with her sons, and going on camping adventures. “Last year, we camped across six states in six weeks.”

And, she adds, “For anyone who knows me, they know I love wrestling… and donuts.”

Learn more about the BaptistCare family and explore our current opportunities via the links below.  

Meet Nirusha - Residential Manager

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 07:22:45 +0000

Leading with warmth and purpose – meet Nirusha from BaptistCare Glendale Lodge

As Residential Manager of BaptistCare’s newest residential aged care home, Glendale Lodge, located in the serene Elderslie area of Sydney's Macarthur region, Nirusha has been part of something special from the beginning. Glendale Lodge opened in June 2025, but Nirusha was there long before it all came together.

“When I came in, there was no furniture, no art, nothing,” she says. “Just the vision.”

That vision has now come to life.

Glendale Lodge

Glendale Lodge residential aged care home follows a household model, with six houses, each designed for 16 people, a total of 96 beds. Each home has its own kitchen, laundry, dining area and lounge, and every resident enjoys the comfort of their own bedroom with a private ensuite. The first household is already full and Glendale Lodge is now ready to welcome more people into neighbouring houses.

Nirusha says the aim has always been to help residents feel truly at home. “We want to make it as non-clinical as possible,” she explains.

This approach has helped create a warm, connected community. “Every time a new resident comes in, the others say, ‘Welcome to our family.’”

A career built on care

Nirusha began her aged care journey as a new graduate Registered Nurse in 2018. She soon progressed to a Clinical Care Coordinator role, then spent a year as a quality assessor, auditing aged care homes around Australia.

Two years ago, she joined BaptistCare as a Care Team Manager at Blue Hills Manor aged care home in Prestons, NSW. Just five months later, she stepped into a maternity leave role as the Residential Manager, a move that paved the way for the exciting new chapter as Residential Manager at Glendale Lodge.

“I always had a passion for caring for others, especially elderly people,” she says. “I like listening to their stories and their wisdom.”

Why BaptistCare?

For Nirusha, it was BaptistCare’s values that attracted her and made us the right place to grow her career.

“I want to stay with BaptistCare because of the strong values and the focus on person-centred care,” she says. “It felt like a place where I could truly make a difference.”

That sense of purpose flows through her leadership.

“I love being part of a team that creates a warm environment and supportive home for residents. It’s incredibly rewarding to see residents and families happy, and staff coming in with smiling faces.”

Thinking of a career in aged care?

Nirusha says a career in aged care is both meaningful and fulfilling. “It is dynamic and people-focused,” she says.

For those considering the path, she says it requires more than just skills, it requires heart.

“You have to be compassionate, patient and ready to learn every day, because every day is different. You also have to be calm and a good listener. But most of all, you have to be kind. Never underestimate the power of kindness.”

She also believes it’s essential to keep growing personally and professionally. Given the emotional demands, resilience and self-care are important, as is ongoing learning.

“Keep investing in yourself. Things keep changing, especially aged care standards, so stay up-to-date with them.”

Life outside work

Outside work, Nirusha enjoys spending time with her husband and their pup, Leo. “He really is my fur baby, and I love him,” she laughs.

She finds renewal in the great outdoors. “I am a nature lover and feel most at peace when surrounded by greenery. I enjoy travelling to places near rivers, oceans, or hills, soaking in the calm and beauty of the natural world. It’s how I rest and recharge.”

Tips for healthy ageing

With years of experience in aged care, Nirusha’s advice is simple and grounded: “Stay active, physically and mentally. Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly.”

But just as importantly, she says, stay socially connected. “Not just through your phone, but with real people. Connect – really connect.”

Learn more about the BaptistCare family and explore our current opportunities via the links below.  

Meet Tina - Clinical Pathway Leader

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 05:57:45 +0000

Join us as we meet some of our incredible team.

Meet Tina, Clinical Pathway Leader at BaptistCare HopeStreet in Tuggerah, New South Wales

If you ever find yourself at BaptistCare HopeStreet in Tuggerah, chances are you’ll meet Kristina, known as Tina.

A Clinical Pathway Leader, Tina guides a multidisciplinary team to deliver holistic, wrap-around support for vulnerable and marginalised people in the local community. HopeStreet Tuggerah supports recovery from domestic and family violence, mental health, parenting and trauma. Services include counselling for children and young people, case work, group programs and chaplaincy.

Leading with purpose

Tina works with a team of counsellors and a case worker to support clients. “I started with BaptistCare nearly three years ago as a children’s counsellor,” she says. “My heart has always been with kids – I was a paediatric nurse for nearly 20 years before I retrained as a counsellor.”

Originally from England, Tina moved to Australia 23 years ago and has spent her career supporting children and families. Before joining BaptistCare, she delivered restoration programs for parents with children in out-of-home care.

When she stepped into the leadership role at Tuggerah, she agreed to trial it for six months.

“But 18 months later, I’m still here,” she says with a laugh. “I absolutely love it. I never imagined I’d be in a leadership role, but now I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

Giving children a voice

At the heart of Tina’s leadership is her passion for social justice and her belief that children need to be heard.

“I’m always advocating for the child’s voice,” she explains. “In every discussion, I’m asking – what’s the impact on the child? What do they need? We can’t forget them in the process.”

To that end, Tina recently introduced a ‘children’s voice tree’ into the Tuggerah playroom – an idea inspired by a domestic and family violence conference.

“At the end of each session, children can write something they want me or their parent to know on a leaf and add it to the tree. It might be something they found hard, something they’re proud of, or just something they want to share.”

Some leaves are wiped clean after each visit, others stay up – with the child’s permission – to inspire and connect with others.

“When I read those leaves, I remember why we’re here,” Tina says. “It grounds me.”

Creating safe, healing spaces

Tina’s team at Tuggerah works with children and families navigating complex challenges – from domestic and family violence to intergenerational trauma, housing stress and financial hardship.

“No two days are the same,” she says. “One minute I’m running a group session, the next I’m supporting the team or linking families with services.”

It’s emotionally demanding work, but Tina is committed to making it sustainable, for herself and her team. “We debrief, support each other, and even have a ‘Silly Walks’ competition – whatever it takes to keep us going.”

Life outside work

Outside work, Tina enjoys the energy and unpredictability of family life. Her son dreams of playing professional soccer, so weekends are spent on the sidelines – a natural fit for this proud English soccer mum.

Her daughter, a talented singer, adds to the household buzz, and with two teenagers, life is anything but quiet.

To relax, Tina loves walking anywhere she can dip her feet in the water, a simple pleasure that helps her unwind and reset.

Considering a career as a child advocate?

Tina’s dream is to see more child advocates. “If I could put a children’s counsellor or advocate in every centre, I would. There just aren’t enough of us – and the need is only growing. There’s so much opportunity to support more families, advocate for more kids, and create more places like HopeStreet Tuggerah, where people feel seen, safe and supported.”

If you’re considering a career supporting children and families affected by trauma, Tina’s advice is to prioritise self-awareness and establish strong personal boundaries.

“Come prepared with knowing what your boundaries are, especially if you're going to work in the field of children or domestic violence,” she says. “It’s not easy to hear so much trauma.”

To manage the emotional toll, Tina journals and turns to creative outlets. “I cannot draw, but I love to doodle and colour,” she says. “I know what I need, and I’m very self-aware in those moments.”

Adaptability is also key. “If you're a routine person, this is probably not the job for you,” she says. “Every day is different. You can’t expect children to be the same every time, and they’ll throw curveballs at you.”

She also emphasises the importance of ongoing learning and being open to growth. “Never stop training, never stop searching for new ways to talk to people.”

Her final piece of advice? “Don’t take everything personally. When someone’s having a bad day, it’s not a reflection of you – it might just be your job to hold space for them for a while.”

And there’s likely to be room for enjoyment too – whether that’s the satisfaction of discovering a child who had avoided school finally spent a whole week in class, or seeing a colleague win a ‘Silly Walk’ competition.

Because at the end of the day, Tina says, “We’re here to do serious work – but joy is part of healing too.”

Learn more about the BaptistCare family and explore our current opportunities via the links below.  

Meet Kersten - Wellness Coordinator

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 02:00:00 +0000

Join us as we meet some of our amazing aged care workers. 

This Monday, say hello to Kersten, Wellness Coordinator at BaptistCare Yarra Rossa Village.

Energetic, creative and compassionate, Kersten plays a vital role in supporting residents, helping them to stay active, confident and connected in village life.

Tucked into the Canberra suburb of Red Hill, Yarra Rossa is home to modern apartments, leafy green spaces and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. It’s a place where residents can stay active, social and supported – and Kersten plays a big part in making that happen.

A people-first approach from day one

Kersten joined BaptistCare when Yarra Rossa Village was just nine months old. She says she’s shaped her role in line with the evolving needs of residents and the support of Village Manager, Steve, who has helped make that possible. “I grew the role myself and Steve has been fully supportive.”

Kersten’s says her role is interesting, varied and hands-on. She not only helps residents become involved in their community but also assists with things like My Aged Care registrations and organising home care services.

“It’s a very reactive role, because you are always responding to the lifestyle needs of residents. But it gives you a real buzz, no two days are the same,” she says.

When a new resident moves into Yarra Rossa Village, it is usually Kersten who takes them through their unit, hands them a gift pack and generally helps them feel at home.

She also helps Yarra Rossa’s Customer Service Officer and coordinates monthly outings, group events and Yarra Rossa’s beloved ‘Speakers Corner,’ where residents can share their stories or hear from guest speakers.

“It’s great when residents talk, because they always have something they’re passionate about – their family life and careers. It’s really fascinating.”

A sense of community

Kersten also works closely with the residents’ social committee on village events, helping to reinforce a sense of community.

“Last year, we had the CEO of Cancer Council come and talk for Daffodil Day. This year, we’re running a Q&A with a resident who’s battled cancer, and another who lost her sister. We’ll decorate everything in yellow and have a lovely morning tea with cupcakes.”

She produces the village newsletter, The Village Read, sharing recipes, writing up events, publishing photos and publicising community updates. “I love putting it together,” she says.

She also takes a creative approach to bringing residents and the broader Red Hill community together.

“We hold a huge Christmas market here each year and the Red Hill community knows all about it. It just gets bigger and bigger every year. This year, we’re also holding a Wellness Expo with 28 exhibitors, a bake sale and a sausage sizzle, I’m really excited.”

Why aged care?

Before joining BaptistCare, Kersten held roles in administration, village management and sales. But she quickly realised that connection, not sales targets, was what drove her. “I like engaging with the residents,” she says.

It was also personal. “After seeing my mum go through the process when she was very unwell, I was quite enlightened by it,” she says. “I saw the impact I could make in someone’s quality of life.”

Her tip for healthy ageing? Keep moving

Kersten is a big believer in staying active, especially as we age. “Keep moving, don’t stop. That’s my biggest advice.”

Yarra Rossa has plenty of options for doing just that, including aqua aerobics, Tai Chi and small group training. Kersten encourages residents to engage as much as possible in as many as possible, even during the colder months.

Life outside work

Outside work, Kersten enjoys going to restaurants with her husband, travel and spending time with family. “I love nothing more than dining out with my husband and going on holidays,” she says. “We just went to Vietnam in June with the family, which was fantastic.”

And while Canberra’s winters are icy, she practices what she preaches, starting each day with a gym session. “I go to the gym with my hoodie, beanie, gloves and puffer, all rugged up. It wakes me up and gets me going for the day.”

Considering a career as a wellness coordinator?

Kersten has a few words of advice. “You need a lot of patience and empathy,” she says. “Retirement living is a really exciting industry to be in. It’s changing quickly.”

It’s the dynamic mix of meaningful connection, variety and the chance to make a difference that she loves most about her role. “I just couldn’t ask for anything more,” she says.

Stay tuned for more Meet the Team stories, and if you’d like to explore working alongside people like Kersten, visit our job opportunities via the link below.

Meet Agi - Hub Administrator

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 10:18:35 +0000

Join us as we meet some of our incredible team.

For more than a decade, Agi has played a vital role at BaptistCare HopeStreet Campbelltown, helping to keep the hub running smoothly. From welcoming clients and coordinating appointments to troubleshooting IT hiccups and assisting with reports, her role is as varied as the people she meets.

“I do a bit of everything,” Agi says. “No two days are the same, and that’s what I love about it.”

The road to HopeStreet

In 2013, Agi was returning to the workforce after maternity leave with her second child. She’d been commuting from Campbelltown to North Sydney for a recruitment agency role, and the long days – often 12 hours away from home – had become unsustainable.

“I started looking for something closer to home that I could still do well,” she says. She applied for a part-time role as an Administration Assistant with HopeStreet, which later evolved into her current position of Hub Administrator. She now supports not just Campbelltown, but other BaptistCare locations as well.

Agi manages client intake, registers new clients, talks them through available services, allocates them to counsellors and schedules appointments. “That’s a big part of my job,” she says, “but I also do anything and everything to keep the office running.”

She also manages Work Development Orders, which allow people experiencing financial hardship to reduce their fines by attending counselling or group programs, and helps with reports for the Men’s Behaviour Change program, which is partly funded by the Department of Communities and Justice.

“It’s all about making sure our clients get the right support at the right time,” Agi says. “It’s such a varied role – there’s always something different to do.”

The reason she’s stayed

While the practical benefits of location and hours initially drew her to BaptistCare, it was the people she works with who have kept her there so long.

“I’ve been really blessed with the team over the years. They’re warm, supportive and caring – it genuinely feels like a family,” she says. “That’s what’s kept me here.”

The team’s shared purpose also plays a big part. “We all work together for our clients and do everything we can to support them.”

Being on the front line means Agi often hears personal and sometimes heartbreaking stories before a client has even met with a counsellor.

“I’m not a counsellor, but I listen. I want people to feel heard,” she says. “It’s a privilege when someone trusts you enough to share their story.”

How the work has changed her

Agi says the role has broadened her perspective on life.

“Before I started here, I lived in a bit of a bubble,” she admits. “I’d never encountered family or domestic violence personally, so I didn’t understand the scale of it. Within six months, I realised how much struggle there is in the world. Everyone who comes through the door has been through something.”

That insight has made her more grateful for what she has. “It makes you appreciate your health, your family and the things you might take for granted,” she says.

Life outside the office

Away from work, Agi focuses on what makes her happiest – time with her partner, two children, and two beloved dogs: a Jack Russell mix rescue and a playful seven-month-old dachshund.

“I love going to the beach, bushwalking, exploring new places, and walking the dogs,” she says. “It’s important to do the things you love and focus on the positives – just as our counsellors encourage our clients to do.

Thinking of a similar career?

For anyone considering working in a counselling service, Agi’s advice is to be open-minded and resilient.

“You’ll meet people going through incredibly tough times,” she says. “It’s not about having ‘happy clients’ – it’s about being there for them in a way that makes a difference, even in small moments. Those moments can mean everything.”

Stay tuned for more Meet the Team stories, and if you’d like to explore working alongside people like Agi, visit our job opportunities via the link below.

Meet Annette - Care Worker

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 04:57:15 +0000

For more than 20 years, Annette has been part of BaptistCare, supporting clients in Gundagai in the Murrumbidgee region of NSW. She joined

BaptistCare when her children were young, after working in a variety of jobs. The care worker role offered something she hadn’t found elsewhere: flexibility.

“At the time, I had three little ones and this job worked around them,” Annette recalls. “I didn’t have to do night shifts like I had in other jobs and my parents and sister could help mind the kids. It wasn’t full-time, but it was enough to keep us going, and it fitted perfectly with family life.”

Listening, connecting, caring

As a care worker, Annette spends her days supporting clients in both practical and personal ways. “I go out in the field and do the cleaning, shopping, whatever the clients want,” she says.

Her role is about meeting people where they are and giving them the support they need to live independently at home. It’s connection, as much as care. “We might be the only people they see that whole day, or for two or three days,” Annette says. “We’re only there for an hour, so we’ve got to make the most of it.”

After two decades, what Annette values most hasn’t changed: it’s the people. “I really enjoy working with clients and hearing their stories. I’ve always loved history and many people talk about life on the land – things like milking cows. I can relate because I grew up with that myself. It makes me feel connected when they share those memories.”

For Annette, listening is key. “Asking about people’s lives helps build genuine connection. That’s what I love.”

Why the work matters

Annette is honest that being a care worker has its challenges. It can be sad when clients pass away, especially in a small town where she has known many of them all her life. But she finds strength in knowing her work has made a difference.

“At first, it upset me a lot,” she says. “But then I realised, you’ve given them longer at home than they might have had otherwise – sometimes three or four extra years.”

Technology has been another challenge. “When I started, rosters came in the mail and you faxed things back. Moving to phones and apps has been the hardest part for me,” she admits.

But she’s quick to add how grateful she is for her colleagues. “The office staff in Wagga are amazing. If I need help, they’ll give me a bit of extra time or show me what to do. I wouldn’t get that anywhere else. That support has kept me here.”

Healthy ageing

Annette says that people who have reached their 80s and 90s must be doing something right. She’s also noticed they often have one thing in common. “They grew up walking everywhere, working hard,” she says. “They didn’t sit around like we do now and I think that’s made a big difference.”

A life grounded in family

Outside work, Annette enjoys life’s simple pleasures. “I do a bit of gardening, though not much,” she says. “I don’t really have big hobbies – I spend time with my family.”

Her three daughters and extended family keep her busy. “Mum’s still alive – she’ll be 89 this year – and I’ve got lots of siblings. Dad only passed away last year, so family is really important to me.”

Considering a career as a care worker?

Annette’s advice is simple: “Go for it,” she says. “It is a rewarding job. You can see the difference it makes in people’s lives. You know you’ve helped someone stay at home, where they want to be, for as long as possible. That makes it all worthwhile.”

Stay tuned for more Meet the Team stories, and if you’d like to explore working alongside people like Annette, visit our job opportunities via the link below.

Meet Tom – Care Worker

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 02:40:03 +0000

Join us as we meet some of our incredible team.

When you talk to Tom, a care worker with BaptistCare at home in the Richmond Valley, NSW, it’s clear how much he loves helping others.

“My role is looking after clients, taking them shopping, helping around the house, cleaning and providing personal support,” Tom says. “It’s about helping people stay at home living well for as long as possible.”

Tom has been with BaptistCare for about 18 months, after working more than two years as a cleaner in a local hospital. “It was a good job,” he says, “but I didn’t get to see the same people regularly. Here, you build relationships and really get to know your clients.”

Tom was encouraged by his mum, Joanne, who works as a Care Facilitator with BaptistCare at home, Far North Coast NSW. Joanne thought he’d go well in the role because he really cared about patients at the hospital and was also great at cleaning.

“When I found out this job meant doing a bit of everything – transport, housekeeping, talking and sharing – I thought, this is my job,” Tom says.

He and Joanne are two of four members of their family of nine who work with BaptistCare at home on the Far North Coast, each caring for people in their local community. Their family’s inspiring story was featured earlier this year in Four family members care for their community with BaptistCare at home.

“It’s really special,” says Joanne. “It means we can support each other and share insights that help us do our jobs even better.”

Time, respect and connection

What Tom enjoys most is the time he can spend with his clients. He also likes the fact that although he does have bosses – one of them being Joanne – he largely works on his own, planning his client visits and doing what needs to be done.

“You don’t have someone always in your ear telling you what to do,” he says. “It’s nice to plan your own visits and take the time to talk. That’s the best part.”

Tom’s team, including his mum, have also made a big impression on him. “Everyone treats me with respect,” he says. “If I ever have a doubt, they’ll call and check in. I feel really comfortable in this job.”

Joanne adds, “He’s a very caring person. Sometimes the clients say, ‘Don’t worry about mopping today, we’ve baked a cake!’ because they just want to sit and talk. He takes that time, and that’s what people remember.”

Going the extra mile

Tom’s attention to detail has helped clients in unexpected ways. Joanne recalls one day when a client was distraught after losing his wedding ring.

“Tom just wouldn’t give up,” she says. “He asked questions, retraced steps, even checked the car. Then he saw the faintest little glint of sunlight on the back seat, and there it was. The client was over the moon.”

Healthy ageing

Having supported many older Australians, Tom says he’s learned a lot about healthy ageing from their outlook on life.

“Most of my clients tell me they don’t smoke and they don’t drink much,” he says. “They keep moving, walking, doing swimming or fitness classes. They all say the same thing: ‘Keep your legs going, keep moving and don’t stop.’”

Life beyond work

When he’s not working, Tom enjoys reading, gaming and fishing with his brothers. “I like a quiet type of life,” he says.

For Joanne, seeing her son thrive in a role where he’s valued and making a difference is incredibly special. “He just takes that extra time,” she says. “He listens. And that’s what care is all about.”

Considering a career as a care worker?

For Tom, being a great care worker comes down to a few simple but powerful things. “You must always be respectful,” he says. “You’re in someone’s home, listening to their stories and being part of their day.

When someone’s living with dementia or recovering from illness, they can become frustrated, so you’ve got to have an open heart and be there to comfort them. Work hard, be compassionate, and take the time to sit and talk. That time really matters.”

Stay tuned for more Meet the Team stories, and if you’d like to explore working alongside people like Tom and Joanne, visit our job opportunities via the link below.

Meet Shireen - Allied Health Consultant

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 01:03:04 +0000

Join us as we meet some of our incredible team.

When you speak with Shireen, her care for others and love of life on the NSW Far North Coast really shine through.

An occupational therapist with more than 25 years’ experience, Shireen has been part of the BaptistCare at home allied health team for the past two years, providing comprehensive and holistic assessments to clients on aged care packages.

Her choice of career was inspired by her own family. “I first chose to work in this field to care for people like my grandmother who lived to 110, and now for people like my father, who is 98 and still living independently in his own home,” she says. “I want the best for my family and I hope I can provide that same standard of care for everyone’s grandparents and parents.”

Shireen’s role takes her from BaptistCare at home’s base in Ballina, north as far as Tweed Heads, south to New Italy and west to Kyogle. “My work spans three river catchments – the Tweed, Richmond and Brunswick – where the rhythm of the land and community is woven into daily life,” she says. “Beaches, farming and floods are a major part of people’s life stories here.”

With the introduction of the Support at Home aged care reforms, Shireen’s title has recently changed from health and well-living consultant to allied health consultant. “This role is unique to BaptistCare and shows the organisation’s commitment to quality clinical care and governance,” she says.

In fact, it is this commitment to allied health and making a difference in older people’s lives that helped Shireen decide to take on the role. “BaptistCare’s Christian values and its genuine care for each individual person’s needs played a very important part in that decision.”

Shireen’s focus is on helping older Australians continue to live independently, safely and meaningfully in their own homes. “I get to problem solve alongside clients, their families and care facilitators to find ways, including through allied health services, to stay living well at home,” she says.

What she loves most about the role is working with a great team and helping people understand that it is possible to regain function and improve health and quality of life.

Refresh Retreats

She also loves the work she does as a facilitator for BaptistCare at home’s Refresh Retreats, a three-day program that supports carers and their loved ones living with dementia. The retreats are held at peaceful venues across NSW, the ACT and WA. Shireen facilitates a retreat in a location surrounded by rainforest near Lismore.

“Being involved in Refresh Retreats has been a real privilege,” she says. “We have a great venue and a great team and it is incredible to see the building of positive relationships and improved confidence over the three days for both carers and their loved ones. We also have a lot of fun sharing meals together.”

She has run six retreats over the past two years. “It’s incredible to see the change over those few days. Couples can arrive feeling stressed and leave holding hands, smiling and more confident,” she says. It reinforces her belief that healthy ageing is about healthy relationships. “People need to feel that someone is there for them – and BaptistCare is.”

Tips for healthy ageing

Shireen’s number one tip for healthy ageing is to cultivate hope. “It gives life meaning and motivates us to keep persevering even when being healthy is compromised,” she says.

She also believes that everyone needs stable relationships in order to stay hopeful. “Our work roles and the relationships we cultivate are so important to the very vulnerable and lonely in our community.”

Her other advice is to stay socially connected and keep moving. “These help us to stay strong physically, cognitively and emotionally,” she says.

Life outside work

When she’s not working, Shireen takes full advantage of living on the coast. “I get to swim in the ocean every day and enjoy having the chance to snorkel and kayak,” she says. “I also have three grandchildren I love to spend time with – although they live several hours away in both directions. Fortunately, I live a 20-minute walk from the airport!”

Thinking of a Career in Aged Care?

Before joining BaptistCare, Shireen completed a master’s degree in dementia studies and worked in Armidale and on the Gold Coast in dementia OT roles. Her advice for anyone thinking about a career in aged care is to find an area of interest and study it. “There are so many exciting, evidence-based and innovative approaches to aged care,” she says. “Learning gives you the confidence to try new things and that’s how we grow.”

Stay tuned for more Meet the Team stories and if you’d like to explore working alongside people like Shireen, visit our job opportunities via the link below.

Meet Lauren - Spiritual Care Coordinator

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 03:10:46 +0000

Join us as we meet some of our incredible team.

When Lauren first left high school, she was certain she wanted a career in music. She enrolled in a Bachelor of Music, majoring in piano and voice.

But formal study soon took the passion out of it for her. “Piano is my therapy, the way my soul speaks,” she says. “I realised that if I made music my career, I’d have to be technical rather than emotional. Playing for the love of it mattered more.”

What Lauren didn’t expect was that life would guide her toward a different calling, one shaped by meaning, purpose and connection. “I completed a Bachelor of Theology, then a Masters and suddenly I was doing a job I thought I’d never do.”

As she moved towards ministry, she completed a rigorous panel process – interviews and assessments focused on self-reflection, boundaries and supporting others safely. In the midst of it all, she also welcomed her son, who turns 18 this year.

From ministry to community spiritual care

After several years as a minister with the Church of Christ, Lauren felt drawn beyond traditional ministry. She wanted to walk alongside people, helping them in their spiritual journey. “I moved into in-home spiritual care because it was much more community-based than the church, and I loved that,” she says.

That shift led her to BaptistCare, where she has now worked for three years, supporting older Australians across Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs. “It’s a wonderful job,” she says. “I feel it’s such a privilege. I adore it.”

Walking alongside people

Many people Lauren meets are navigating loneliness, grief, loss, or major change. Others are seeking clarity, or renewed purpose.

“Our work is about helping people find meaning,” she explains. “Sometimes that’s reconnecting with community, sometimes with themselves, and sometimes with a higher presence – whatever that looks like for them.”

Each visit is different. There may be coffee at the kitchen table, quiet reflection, deep conversation, laughter, or simply sitting together in stillness.

On the road

Lauren often spends days on the road, when she’ll typically see three clients, with an hour or so of travel between each appointment. Her work takes her from Melbourne CBD down to the Mornington Peninsula, and out to Pakenham and Narre Warren.

What she values most about the role is the privilege of being invited into her clients’ homes and hearing their stories. “I sit with the full spectrum of the human experience – joy, grief, excitement, loss, isolation, love, tenderness and grief,” she says. “I'm walking into someone's sacred space and asking them to be completely vulnerable. It is an honour I never take lightly.”

It can be emotionally demanding, so Lauren also takes care to rebalance between each visit. “You learn strategies that help. I tune into my body. I pay attention to where tension sits, what emotions are lingering, and what I need to let go of before I step into the next home.”

She also values the support from her BaptistCare colleagues. “We have a great team. We turn to each other when we need to and touch base and support each other.”

Water and music

Outside work, piano remains central to Lauren’s wellbeing. “It’s still how my soul speaks,” she says. She turns the music in her car up loud. “Sometimes it’s piano,” she says with a laugh, “but sometimes it’s techno.”

She also finds joy near water – strolling along the beach, swimming, or taking the long way home just to see it.

Walking is another favourite pastime. A recent trip to the Grampians with her son brought a moment of unexpected beauty. “I got lost and stumbled across the most profound Indigenous artwork. It reminded me that sometimes getting lost leads you exactly where you need to be.”

Tips for healthy living

Lauren’s approach to wellbeing is grounded in one belief: paying attention.

She checks in regularly with herself, noticing when her mind feels full, when her body feels tight, and when she needs rest. She believes paying attention to these signals is crucial for healthy living.

“When I honour my limits, I’m better able to care for myself and others,” she says. “I think that’s true for everyone. Many of us, especially women and people in caring roles, put ourselves last.”

Is a career as a spiritual care worker right for you?

Lauren says being a spiritual care worker requires listening skills, empathy and self-awareness. Her advice to people wanting to work in the field is to start by learning and keep on learning. “Having a strong foundation of knowledge is so important,” she says. “Study gives you the tools you need.”

She also advises people to choose to work in an organisation with values that align with their own. “Work is tied closely to identity,” she says. “If an organisation’s values don’t match your’s, it can feel jarring. Being somewhere that reflects your own ethics really matters.”

Stay tuned for more Meet the Team stories and if you’d like to explore working alongside people like Lauren, visit our job opportunities page.

Meet John - Senior Case Worker

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 04:38:35 +0000

In the heart of inner Sydney, HopeStreet Woolloomooloo has been providing compassionate community support for more than a decade. Here, people experiencing homelessness, family and domestic violence, addiction, mental health and other complex challenges have found support and a safe place to belong.

John has been a Senior Case Worker for nearly six of those years, walking alongside people through some of life’s toughest moments.

A career in community support

Before joining BaptistCare, John worked at Catholic Community Services in Waterloo, in the now-closed Assistance with Care & Housing for the Aged (ACHA) program, which provided transitional housing for older people experiencing homelessness.

“We supported 16 residents and helped prepare them for permanent housing,” he explains. “When that program was absorbed into the home care system, it was time for a change.”

As he had already worked alongside many of the local services in Woolloomooloo, including St Vincent’s homeless health, HopeStreet felt like the right fit.

A day in the life

John’s mornings start early with a mix of routine and outreach. After a quick coffee, he checks his emails and collects around ten breakfast packs donated by Kids Giving Back, a program teaching children cooking and community service.

“I’ll head out into the streets to see who’s sleeping rough,” he says. “Sometimes there are around six, other days fewer, especially in winter when people try to find temporary accommodation or a couch to sleep on. It’s about saying hello, checking in, handing out a pack, and reminding them they’re not alone.”

Back at the HopeStreet hub, John’s role is varied and people-centred. He helps clients with housing transfers, property maintenance issues, or reapplying for housing after a failed tenancy. Much of the work he does is around advocacy and administration support, which could be anything from helping people set up MyGov accounts, to applying for passports, licences or white cards.

“For many of the people we see, online systems are overwhelming,” he says. “Sometimes someone else has set up their MyGov for them with a random email, and they’ll be locked out of their accounts. We help people rebuild that access. It sounds small, but for them, it’s life-changing.”

You’ll also often find John at the HopeStreet community café, which he says is more than just a place for coffee. “It’s a place for connection, a safe space. People know they can come and go. We can’t control who’s outside on the street, but inside, people are welcomed. That’s why it works so well.”

Standing alongside people

John says he has seen lives turn around when people are given another chance. He recalls one man who had spent time in prison. “When he came out, he was determined to change. He went into rehab, joined programs, and just wanted to stay out of gaol. We supported him with practical things, but he did the hard work.”

John is also inspired by the resilience of young mothers in the community. “We’ve got mums here working hard at a job, raising kids, some of them are also caring for relative’s children. Their determination is incredible.”

Why it matters

John says his work is both challenging and deeply rewarding. “Every day is different. You don’t know what you’re going to get. You see the bad side of life, but also the brilliant side. That’s why I come in every day.”

For John, a big part of that is keeping an open mind. “It doesn’t matter who turns up and how they turn up, you can’t judge.”
He maintains work/life balance by reminding himself that he is a visitor in Woolloomooloo. “I can’t be here 24/7, but while I’m here I can show empathy, care and love.

Then at the end of the day I close the door behind me. I don’t take work home with me. I don’t take home my phone or any equipment. That helps me look after my own mental health.”

Life away from HopeStreet

Outside work, John loves food and travel. He enjoys smoking meats and experimenting with Asian and Indian cooking, often driving to specialty stores in Sydney’s west to find authentic ingredients.

Travel is another passion, which he shares with his wife – recent trips through Rajasthan, Agra and Varanasi left lasting memories, and together they are planning future adventures to Sri Lanka and Laos.

Thinking of a career as a case worker?

For anyone considering a career in social care, John’s advice is to go for it. “It’s a job where you’ll be challenged every single day, but also inspired.

You’ll see resilience in people you never expected. And every day, you’ll know the work you do matters.”  

Stay tuned for more Meet the Team stories, and if you’d like to explore working alongside people like John, visit our job opportunities page.

Meet Julia – Booking Coordinator

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 03:12:02 +0000

From her desk overlooking the Mylor countryside in the Adelaide Hills, Julia books camps at Mylor Adventure Camp and Wirraway Homestead. She coordinates school camps during term time and bookings for church groups, organisations and private camps on weekends and school holidays.

The camps are run by BaptistCare Adventure Pathways to help build resilience, teamwork and connection in the great outdoors. It’s a role she’s relished for almost five years.

Adventure with purpose

Adventure Pathways offers fully-facilitated camps to schools across South Australia during term time, and two summer camps at Wirraway Homestead during school holidays. All camps include accommodation, catering and activities and the summer camps offer horse clinics and horse adventures.

“We offer adventure with purpose,” Julia explains. “We aim to connect people with themselves, with others, with faith and with the natural world through adventure.”

Various programs are available for students from reception (kindergarten) age to year 12. They include team-building games and outdoor sports, such as archery and canoeing, as well as more adventurous activities.

“For older students, we have our high ropes ‘leap of faith’ and a giant flying fox,” Julia says. “For younger students, we have the flying possum, which is a giant swing, and for the smaller ones, parachute games.”

To support students with autism or high anxiety, the team often works with families ahead of time to help them feel more confident and comfortable about camp. Specially designed equipment is also available to support students with mobility needs, including those who use wheelchairs, to experience activities such as the flying fox.

“We want all students to feel as if they can come to camp,” says Julia, who loves hearing peals of laughter and screams of excitement echo across the camp to her office.

Seeing the difference

Julia has thrown herself into her role, even going out in the field to provide hands-on support at the camps. She has seen how powerful they can be, especially for students experiencing challenging circumstances at home.

“Being on camp takes them away from that and allows them to be a kid again, to enjoy themselves and not worry about anything else,” she says. “While some arrive quiet or withdrawn, by the end of camp they’re often laughing, smiling and making friends.”

Beyond the fun and friendships, she sees how the experiences help build confidence, connection and resilience in students, and develop skills they can take home with them.

A career change

Before joining BaptistCare, Julia spent around 13 years as an office manager at a large corporate law firm. Her turning point came on the evening of one of the firm’s regular client cocktail events, which showcased the work of different artists. That particular night, the exhibition featured artists from Tutti Arts, a South Australian multi-arts organisation whose purpose is: ‘to shine a light on the astonishing art of learning disabled and neurodivergent people’.

“On seeing their artwork hanging on the wall, the artists were screaming with happiness. I remember standing there crying to see them so happy. It was then I decided I wanted to work for a charity or not-for-profit.”

Julia admits she never expected her admin career in the legal profession to lead her into the world of adventure camps. But when she saw the booking coordinator role advertised, she knew of the good work BaptistCare does and decided to apply, viewing it as a possible first step into the not-for-profit sector. Now, having found a role she genuinely loves, she’s very happy where she is.

“I really see the benefit of what we do here,” she says. “That’s why I love my job and why I want to stay.”

Thinking of a similar career?

Julia’s advice is to go all in. “The culture is amazing, our facilitators are amazing,” she says. “Put your heart and soul into it. It's such a great environment.”

And while she feels she’s where she’s meant to be, she says BaptistCare does offer a wide range of opportunities to explore different roles and pathways.

Tips for healthy living

When it comes to tips for healthy living, Julia says, “Don’t do as I do – I love my chocolate and my food!” But she quickly adds, “Two things come to mind. One is that mental health is just as important as physical health. Talk to people – find someone you can connect with and keep talking. If you’re not struggling yourself, make sure you check in on others.”

The second thing is walking outdoors, ‘in the green’. “Nature is good for you – physically and mentally.”

Life beyond work

Julia enjoys reading, cross-stitch and jigsaw puzzles. She jokes that she’s not especially adventurous herself, but does love travel. Originally from a small village in England, she migrated to Australia 18 years ago. Apprehensive about the move because it meant being so far away, Julia says, “Hand on the heart, within a day of being in Adelaide, I fell in love with the place.”

She loves exploring South Australia – and although not a big drinker, her partner works in the region’s famous wine industry. “He’ll say, ‘Just try this wine,’ and then ask, ‘Can you taste peaches?’ All I can say to that is, ‘No – I can taste wine!’”

Interested in working with people like Julia? Explore current opportunities and discover where a career with BaptistCare could take you at our job opportunities page.

Meet Beth - Allied Health Consultant

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 02:28:53 +0000

Helping people live well at home across Canberra is what motivates Elizabeth (Beth) every day.

After joining BaptistCare in 2023 as a community physiotherapist, she stepped into her current role as an Allied Health Consultant, supporting older people through holistic health and wellbeing assessments.

Like many working parents, Beth’s mornings begin with getting two young children ready for school and childcare. Once the house is quiet, she tries to fit in a run and grab a coffee before her workday begins. From there, it’s emails, phone calls and booking assessments. Quite often, she’s also responding to urgent requests following incidents that may have occurred overnight and need quick attention.

“I visit clients two to four days a week, depending on how appointments are scheduled and usually stay for around two hours,” she says.

“We talk about what’s important to them, their goals, their medical history and how that’s impacting their life now. From there, we look at how BaptistCare can support them and whether we also need to connect them with other services.”

The objective is always the same: helping people live safely and well in their own homes for as long as possible.

“Sometimes a goal might be something as simple as wanting to keep going out for coffee with friends,” she says. “Then it becomes about working out how we help make that happen – keeping them strong, organising transport and making sure they feel safe.”

At the end of the day, Beth is often writing reports or liaising with GPs and family members. “There’s always paperwork,” she says with a laugh, “but it’s all part of providing the best care.”

Health wasn’t Beth’s first career path. After leaving school she worked as a jewellery designer. After briefly considering careers in law or teaching, she discovered physiotherapy and realised it suited her perfectly – active, practical and focused on helping people see real outcomes.

Her decision to join BaptistCare was driven by values and a desire to work in the community. “My experience has been that BaptistCare genuinely lives by its values, and that’s why I’m still here.”

For people considering a career in allied health, physiotherapy, or aged care – or those thinking about joining BaptistCare, Beth has simple but heartfelt advice.

“Just jump into it,” she says. “Aged care is incredibly rewarding. You use all of your skills, no two days are the same, and you can make a real difference to someone’s life in a very short amount of time.”

Outside work, Beth’s life is full. She spends most of her time with her children, enjoys reading and loves being outdoors. Camping, boating, running and long walks help her recharge. And when it comes to healthy ageing, Beth’s message is clear.

“Keep moving,” she says. “Movement really is medicine. If it were a pill, everyone would take it.”

Interested in a meaningful career where you can make a real difference?

BaptistCare is always looking for passionate people who share our values and want to help and support communities to live well. Visit baptistcare.org.au/careers to learn more about working with us and explore current opportunities.

Meet Nancy – Care Facilitator

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 01:00:00 +0000

Before joining the aged care sector as a caseworker, Nancy worked as a Mandarin interpreter, before moving into childcare. For more than two years, she has drawn on these experiences working across diverse communities to shape her role as a care facilitator with BaptistCare.

“I chose to join BaptistCare because it’s a not-for-profit organisation and because of its values,” she says. “These values align with my values. I’m passionate about community services, I want to help people who are in need. BaptistCare has a really good reputation and genuinely wants to make a meaningful difference. That’s what I like.”

Supporting clients from the beginning

Nancy has now been in the position for two years and her work is both practical and personal. She helps clients with assessments, care planning and budget management, while also coordinating a wide range of services, from home care to allied health.

“Our role is to be very good listeners,” she says. “We have to assess the client’s situation carefully to find out what we can do to help them, with all the resources we have internally and externally.”

Nancy says what many people don’t realise is just how much support is available. Helping them to navigate it can make a huge difference.

“We also make sure we regularly check in, offer ongoing support and visit clients at home, especially when they’re returning from hospital. Those visits give us time to talk, understand what’s changed, and show them we really do care.”

She also works closely with clinical and hospital teams to ensure smooth transitions from hospital back into the client’s home. “It’s a complex role with a lot of responsibility,” she says. “But it’s also very rewarding.”

Life outside work

Helping people going through challenging or vulnerable times requires resilience. “I manage this by learning to disconnect when I’m not working, spending time with my family, and doing things I enjoy,” she says.

“I'm busy. Weekends are about chauffeuring my kids around all their sports and activities. You have to do all those mum duties, the voluntary jobs for the clubs they belong to. You're on the roster,” she says with a laugh. “You gotta do it.”

Outside work, Nancy loves travelling. “Who doesn’t?” she says. She also enjoys cooking and exercising, drawing inspiration from the clients she supports. “We see clients in their 90s, still walking around, doing their own thing and we say to each other – we want to be like them.

Nancy’s healthy living tips

Having seen firsthand what helps people live well as they age, Nancy’s advice is practical and powerful. “Keep busy, keep motivated and always engage with the community. Have a good relationship with family and a good social network.”

She believes something as simple as getting out and about regularly can have a big impact because it involves incidental exercise. “If you want to go anywhere, you have to walk. Or you have to get in and out of the car. You have to manage a couple of steps. You might even need to climb stairs. So, you’re exercising without intentionally trying.”

Interested in working in a similar role?

Nancy offers thoughtful and honest advice. “You need a kind heart, a can-do attitude, resilience, and an understanding of what the work involves,” she says. “Try your best. Sometimes you need strong boundaries, but it’s really meaningful work,” she says.

More than a job. A shared purpose.

Want to be part of something bigger, and make a genuine difference every day? Visit www.baptistcare.org.au/careers to learn more about working with us and explore current opportunities. 