Join us as we meet some of our amazing aged care workers.
People are often surprised to learn that Ros, one of our talented Care Facilitators for BaptistCare at home, used to work as a Senior Constable for the Detectives in Merrylands Police Station, Sydney.
She’s now supporting local older people on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales to live fulfilling, independent lives in their own homes.
“My career change sparks some great conversations,” she laughs. “But ultimately the motivations are the same – I want to affect positive change in my community.”
Being a police officer was Ros’ whole life and to say it was challenging work is an understatement.
“It was a very reactive role, and you saw everyone on their absolute worst day,” she says.
Police life meant incredibly long hours, high amounts of pressure and stress, and regular exposure to trauma.
By 2010, Ros had been diagnosed with severe PTSD and had to leave the police force permanently.
“I’m living proof that there is life after PTSD.”
So severe were her psychological injuries, Ros thought she’d never be able to work again.
“The police had been my whole life, and I didn’t know who I was without it,” she remembers.
“For a long while, I didn’t work at all. I married my childhood sweetheart, and we started a family.
“I got really into fishing during that time and still use it as a way to unwind, relax, and enjoy the peace of being out in nature.”
Ros’ passion for fishing led her to follow a particular fish – the Mangrove Jack – up to Queensland for her 40th birthday.
After regular weekend fishing trips in Forster, Ros and her family decided to uproot their lives from the city and make a permanent move to the Mid North Coast of New South Wales.
The change brought new hope to Ros, and she decided to dip her toe back into the workforce.
Why aged care?
“I needed something that wasn’t going to suck me dry - but would allow me to influence people in a positive way.”
Noticing that there was an older demographic within her new community, Ros tried her hand in aged care and started working for BaptistCare at home just two years ago.
It was an immediate fit. After just a year in the role of Care Worker, she was promoted to Care Facilitator, managing care plans that support her elderly clients to live independent, fulfilling lives at home.
“There are a surprising number of transferrable skills from my time in the police,” says Ros. “I know how to case manage, for example, and how to manage tough conversations with kindness and care.
“Working in aged care allows me to actually make a difference on the front line again. I like being part of a solution.”
The importance of social connection
Working with older people in the community has allowed Ros to notice a significant difference in those clients who stay socially connected with friends and family.
“They often need less help,” she says. “It’s like they’re not just existing – they’re still enjoying life.”
Ros says there’s also a simple but highly effective physical habit that keeps her clients healthy in older age.
“It might sound trivial, but staying hydrated is a powerful tool for healthy ageing. It keeps your skin healthy, your brain functioning well, and prevents many age-related illnesses.”
