Rochester Elmore District Health Service care co-ordinator Suby Varghese, residential care manager Mandy Mackenzie and clinical services director Meaghan Douglas on Aged Care Employee Day. Photos: Emily Donohoe.
In keeping with the theme ‘thanks for caring’, Rochester Elmore District Health Service celebrated Aged Care Employee Day with an afternoon tea for its hardworking crew.
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The Yalukang Aged Care team was recognised on Thursday, August 7, with staff taking time to reflect on their important contributions to the health service.
Richard Morrison, Raquel Blabey, Ruby Wileman and Lynn Wolfe.
Residential care manager Mandy McKenzie, who has dedicated her working life to the sector, particularly enjoys working with residents.
“I’ve always worked in aged care,” she said.
“They are very witty, the things they say, you think, ‘what? You’re meant to be prim and proper!’
“I have a lot of compassion and empathy, and being an advocate for them.”
Suby Varghese, Alana Lazzarini, Love Breet and Meaghan Douglas.
Clinical services director Meghan Douglas acknowledged the key role Yalukang plays in the wider community.
She said this has been obvious since REDHS residential care reopened in February.
“We want people to be able to see their loved one and be with them, and not have to travel,” Ms Douglas said.
“From the floods, that’s one thing that families tell us every day.
“They used to have to get in their car and drive to Bupa (Echuca)... they can be here every day if they want to now.”
Ruby Wileman, resident Ina Haywood, Samadhi Pamrakar Shrestha, resident Mary Cavallaro and Krishna Parajuli.
Care co-ordinator Suby Varghese is driven by the connection that is shared between the staff and the residents.
“It’s difficult, but I love it,” she said.
“You get to talk to them, you get to know them.
“We are family.”
Residents Shirley and Rod McAsey, and lifestyle team leader Raquel Blabey.
That feeling of family is what drove lifestyle team leader Raquel Blabey to work in aged care.
After losing her grandparents about 15 years ago, she was drawn to the industry and has not looked back.
“I quit my job one day and went off to training,” she said.
“I get as much from it as the residents do.
“I think most people that work in this field, they do take a lot back themselves... you get back as much as you give.”
Mary McCormick and resident Gwen Macague.
Sharolyn Taylor and Tania Else.
Annette Hollingworth and resident Pearl Hutchins.
Dr Ka Chun Tse, Donald Hughan and Mebin Baby.
Gwen Macague with the REDHS-ident kitten, Mrs Bea.
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