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.
