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.”
