Q+A

Shisir Chhetri, carer at Caroline Chisholm Aged Care Home, Lane Cove NSW

With

Shisir Chhetri - or Zenith as he’s known - is a popular member of the team at Caroline Chisholm Aged Care Home in Lane Cove, NSW. Originally from Kathmandu in Nepal, he arrived in Australia to complete his MBA degree in 2019 before joining the Hall & Prior family in 2022. As a recreational officer, he loves to get to know all the residents and create activities which they will enjoy.

L&L: What made you want to become a carer?

SC: The idea of making a difference to someone’s quality of life, supporting them with their leisure and lifestyle needs and making them feel empowered inspired me to begin working as a care worker.

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

SC: I joined Hall & Prior on February 28 last year as an administration officer but now I am working as a recreational officer. Before that, I had not worked in an aged care role before.

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

SC: For me, an average day is getting up early in the morning and coming to work. I like to greet consumers with a smile, reminding and encouraging residents to take part in lifestyle programs. Then I do other things like prepare for other activities and filling out documents and other admin tasks.

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

SC: I really like putting smiles on the faces of the residents.

Mr Popularity

Zenith Chhetri is a well-loved member of the Caroline Chisholm Aged Care Home in NSW.

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

SC: The best advice was from my lovely co-worker who I call “Mother Lynne”. She gave me some advice at the beginning of me working as a lifestyle officer and it was this:“to treat each consumer as your loved ones (parents) and to show respect to each consumer for their identity.”

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

SC: The best thing about working in our aged care home is to see the diverse characters of the consumers, and getting to know the friendly staff and amazing co-workers.

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

SC: I learned that I have compassion for people (more than I thought I would, actually) and I also learned to put other’s needs before my own.

L&L: How would others describe you?

SC: My co-workers and consumers describe me as “very dedicated, fun-loving, cheerful and bright”. I accept the compliments and I try to be better every day.

L&L: What qualities are required to make a great worker in your opinion?

SC: I would say it’s necessary to have patience, to spend time understanding each individual, to show empathy and respect. All of this will make you a great worker.

L&L: Tell us how you got the nickname Zenith?

SC: My grandmother named me Zenith so that my uncle and I could have the same name.