Meet the Staff

with Grace Martino, Q+A 2021 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF HEALTH AND CARE WORKERS PCAP at Leighton Aged Care Home, WA.

Caring for her grandmother at home was the spark which started Grace Martino’s career in aged care 16 years ago.

L&L: What made you want to become a care worker?

GM: I was a carer for my grandmother at home for four years prior to her coming into care at which point I decided to pursue my career in aged care.

L&L: What does the World Health Organisation's International Year of Health and Care Workers mean to you?

GM: It’s great that we are recognised for our dedication in providing care. As care workers, we should always support, protect and work in harmony with each other.

L&L: How long have you worked in aged care and when did you join Hall & Prior?

GM: I started my career in aged care in 2005 and I joined Hall & Prior in 2009.

L&L: What does an average day look like for you?

GM: In my experience, there is no average day. We obviously do have tasks that must be completed each day but every day is very different. I love coming to work each day to a happy greeting from our residents.

L&L: Tell us one part of your job that makes you feel really rewarded and connected to those you care for?

GM: Seeing the residents happy and contented. This makes my job worthwhile, alongside a sense of achievement within myself. It gives me great happiness and makes me proud of my job.

L&L: What is the best piece of advice you ever got about caring from others and from who?

GM: You’ve got to have a heart, the patience of a saint, the ability to give a big smile and listen to residents. Also take the time to chat to them; it’s amazing what you can achieve with something as simple as a chat.

L&L: What is the best thing about working at your aged care home?

GM: I enjoy working at Leighton and St Lukes Aged Care Homes so much. They are like second families to me and I’m very proud of being part of Hall & Prior too.

L&L: What have you learned about yourself and those you care for while you’ve worked for Hall & Prior?

GM: I have experienced personal growth, both mentally and spiritually. I have noticed that I now incorporate Hall & Prior’s mission and values into my everyday life.

L&L: How would others describe you, do you think?

GM: Hardworking, dedicated, thinks outside the box. Puts others first, and puts her heart and soul into every shift.

L&L: What qualities are required to make a great care worker?

GM: I would say listening, being in tune with a resident’s needs and wants. Observant, kind and have patience (lots of patience!). Communication is very important and your approach/demeanour toward the residents and staff members has a big impact. A positive attitude is one of the key attributes you’ll need.

with Yakelline Acero Gonzales, Q+A 2021 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF HEALTH AND CARE WORKERS Assistant in Nursing at Fairfield Aged Care Home, NSW.

Inspired by her mother-in-law’s 30 years of service at Fairfield Aged Care Home, Yakelline Acero Gonzales has followed in her footsteps, and now wouldn’t want to work anywhere else.

L&L: What made you want to become a care worker?

YAG: Before I became a carer, I was working as a cleaner in another aged care facility in West Ryde. My mother-in-law Maria was an AIN (Assistant in Nursing) here at Fairfield Aged Care Home and had been for over 30 years. After talking with Maria, I was certain that I could be of great value to the elderly in a caring capacity, so I completed my certificates and applied to work here at Fairfield as an AIN.

L&L: What does the World Health Organisation's International Year of Health and Care Workers mean to you?

YAG: I feel like the world is now focusing on aged care, which is a great thing. The WHO International Year of Health and Care Workers will help promote the important work we do every day to benefit the lives of the elderly and frail. I like being a part of that and think all my fellow colleagues should be highlighted also for the great work we do at Fairfield Aged Care Home and other Hall & Prior homes.

Care work can be a heavy and hard job, but the rewards are very big also, thanks to the gorgeous people we get to care for. This is a very important job to do – and a necessary one for our society to respect our elders – they raised us!

L&L: How long have you worked at Hall & Prior?

YAG: I have worked for Hall & Prior for nearly four years as an AIN and I love every day. Vickey, our Lifestyle Officer, tells me that I am very popular with our residents – one of their favourites in fact – but I just like to do my job and not let that praise go to my head.

L&L: How long have you worked in aged care and what drew you to it?

YAG: Working at Fairfield is my first role in aged care as a

carer. I don’t want to work anywhere else as this home has such a positive and fun community feel to it. We really all get along well here and respect and admire our residents. I also feel such a part of a team here as a care worker – it is different to cleaning where you work solo. The feeling of comradeship and sharing is something that draws me to this role. I love that we are all in this together for the benefit of the residents.

L&L: What does an average day look like for you?

YAG: Very busy! I could be prepping, showering, making beds or simply stopping by to chat to a resident to ask them how they are feeling and if I can get them anything. We have many tasks that we need to complete in our shifts, but I always make time for the conversations with residents – I feel this is one of the parts that makes this job so fun.

L&L: Tell us one part of your job that makes you feel really rewarded and connected to those you care for?

YAG: For me, no task is too big or too small, as long as the outcome ends up being helping make someone smile or feel better - then it’s a job well done. I am a very social person and I love being around people so it’s no surprise that I love getting to know as many residents and staff here at Fairfield as well as possible. It’s that ability to communicate and have something in common with all these people that I love about this job – this gives me connection.

L&L: What’s the best piece of advice you ever got about caring from others and from who?

YAG: My mother-in-law gives me advice all the time, even now, after retirement, including keeping things nice and clean - everything in its place and if it’s out of place, tidy it up as this is a person’s home.

L&L: What’s the best thing about working at your Aged Care Home?

YAG: Our staff - we really are a big family, and our residents - I think they’re the best people in the world. I also love all the celebrations we have - it usually means there will be cake!

L&L: What have you learned about yourself and those you care for while you’ve worked for Hall & Prior?

YAG: I would much rather be involved in the residents’ lives, hands-on caring for people than cleaning a home.

L&L: How would others describe you, do you think?

YAG: Caring, loving and nothing is ever too hard to do.

L&L: What qualities are required to make a great careworker?

YAG: Kindness, a strong work ethic, the ability to multi-task and a genuine love of people.