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