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2021 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF HEALTH AND CARE WORKERS
with Mona Sherpa, carer at Bexley Aged Care Home, NSW.
Mona Sherpa knows Bexley well, having worked there for over 10 years. It’s a role she loves and takes seriously - as caregiving is one of the most important you can have in society.
L&L: What made you become a care worker? MS: I like to work with the elderly. Aged people have so much life experience which I love to hear about. I truly enjoy looking after them and making sure they are happy and feeling well. L&L: What does the World Health Organisation's International Year of Health and Care Workers mean to you? MS: This is an organisation that I do not know much about, but I can guess that being global it is very important. I especially like that it is drawing attention to care workers as I feel we do such an important job in society. Caring for people is one of the greatest responsibility roles you can have. L&L: How long have you worked at Hall & Prior? MS: I have been employed with Hall & Prior for a year now - I transferred across from the previous owner when Hall & Prior took over the home in 2020. I have been working at the Bexley home since 2010, so I feel like I am
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well and truly ‘part’ of the home. I know the residents really well and understand my role in their care and wellbeing. L&L: What drew you to working in aged care? MS: Aged care is my career, I have worked 11 years in this industry. The reason I do this is very simple, I just enjoy it! Being able to give help is a privilege. I particularly thrive on helping those residents with dementia as they are fragile, requiring a kind and gentle type of care approach. This is the type of care I love to give. Just to see the smile and acknowledgement on their faces is enough for me to know that I am doing a good job. L&L: What does an average day look like for you? MS: No two days are the same! When you work with people, things have to be fluid. While I do have set tasks that I need to complete for each resident, I always focus on the small things that make the care personal to the resident I am dealing with at that time.
