Join us as we meet some of our amazing aged care workers.
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.”
