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