Residential Aged Care Blogs

A childhood nursing dream realised

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 02:57:59 +0000

Registered Nurse Charlyn Ocdinaria believes nursing is more than just a job, it’s a calling. Here, she talks us through her nursing journey.

“When I was young I used to take care of my grandmother and she would always say, ‘I think you’d make a great nurse one day’. So after I finished secondary school in the Philippines I studied nursing.

“I came to Australia in 2016 and then in 2018 I was living across the road from Austin Street, VMCH’s home for younger people with acquired brain injuries. Initially I had wanted to work in a hospital but I got the job at Austin Street and I’m so glad I did, because I really get to connect with the residents, they are more like family than clients to me.

“My role is quite challenging. Our residents have complex physical, cognitive and sensory needs. As well as taking care of their day-today medical needs, I collaborate with healthcare providers to help support and achieve our residents’ goals. I love working as part of a team. I also enjoy getting to know residents’ families. Often they will say ‘I’m so glad you’re working today’ and that it gives them peace to know I’m caring for their loved one.

“Nursing is what I’m passionate about. I really like taking care of people and I couldn’t imagine working myself working in any other field. It’s not just about giving medications, we really put our hearts into caring for people and supporting them to make a positive impact on their life.”

Working in a Memory Support Unit

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 02:54:33 +0000

We caught up with Mel, one of our PCAs working within our Memory Support Unit at Providence Aged Care Residence, Bacchus Marsh. Mel helps residents to retain their independence, and have fun.

Find out why she loves her role in the Memory Support Unit.

What is your role in the Memory Support Unit?

I make sure the residents have the best quality of life possible.

I provide understanding and compassion to the residents, and their families, assist with their everyday living, personal care, nutrition, activities, and fun and laughter. I am here to help keep them independent.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like for you?

We start off by doing a check of all the residents, even if they’re still sleeping. We never wake them unless there is a real need. We then prepare the dining room, and assist the residents to get ready. In most cases the residents can shower and dress themselves with direction and reassurance, as keeping their independence is very important.

Residents can help themselves to breakfast as everything is labelled and easy accessible, and we are there to give help if needed.

We then have activities, which are very person-centred, so we have something for everyone. We do gardening, painting, jigsaws, reading, sensory games, walking groups and more! Music and dancing is very popular, so we often dance and sing along. We also have some residents that love to help with the house-keeping, including doing the dishes, laundry folding etc.

After lunch we have what we call ‘quiet time’, which helps with the amount of stimulation that the residents have each day, and after this some of the residents help us bake for afternoon tea. Then we get ready for the late afternoon and evening, and get ready to do it all again tomorrow!

What is so special about the Providence MSU?

The unit itself is so beautiful, with lots of light and a lovely garden area. Everything is accessible to all of the residents, which helps make it feel like it’s their home.

The staff don’t wear a uniform either, which adds to that feeling of being at home. We often sit down and have a cuppa or a meal with the residents which is also really nice; they (and we) love it. The amount of care, understanding and compassion in this MSU is beautiful.

Why do you love working in the MSU?

I love being able to have that one-on-one time and building a relationship while getting to know the residents. I love knowing their backgrounds. We have a couple of real characters in here so having a giggle with them is just beautiful.

I love helping them have the quality of life they deserve. Seeing the smiles on their faces when they have achieved something they haven’t done in a while is fantastic. It’s satisfying to help them overcome a bad day and smile on the other side.

What positive changes have you seen in the residents?

The behaviours, if any, are very minimal. There is more calmness, and happiness, and residents are wanting to do things for themselves with a sense of pride and achievement. The independence they gain is amazing.

Proud to be a nurse

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 03:23:23 +0000

One of our nurses, Sr. Anita has written a lovely piece about why she is proud to be an Enrolled Nurse, please take the time to read about her wonderful journey.

“I was born and raised in a devout Catholic family in the state of Karnataka in India. Nursing is a profession that always mesmerised me from my early childhood. I was deeply influenced by my siblings, who set an excellent example by their committed lives and their selfless services as nurses.

As I go back down the memories of my nursing experience, I recall the words of William Arthur Ward ‘’ If you can imagine it, you can create it. If you can dream it, you can become it.’’

It was a dream that came true when I began my nursing journey on 17 August 2006. As a student nurse the journey was wrapped up in anxiety, apprehension and a greater percentage of anonymity to be part of this humane and life-enthralled profession. It was a time for me to understand my profession with a deeper insight.

Nursing is not merely a profession; it is a response to a call. In 2013 I received an invitation to be a missionary in this land of Australia and I responded the invitation in the best possible way to work in the aged care industry.

I love being a nurse. The COVID-19 pandemic has made me more aware of the essential role as a nurse that I could play by keeping our elderly safe and healthy.

As I dedicate my service in the aged care industry, I feel extremely privileged and blessed that this place has taught me many things. I feel deep within me the sense of joy and contentment as I enjoy my ministry in serving the elderly and sick. I love to be with them, I enjoy their company, and their sacrifices and good examples have shaped my life.

I often admire them, in spite of all their illness and weakness they always remain cheerful, hopeful and prepare themselves for heaven. As I continue my journey as a nurse and work in this industry, I keep in mind the alphabet, as the 26 letters symbolize the same number of qualities of a nurse.

A=Adaptability, B=Boldness, C= Consoling, D= Dutiful, E=Earnestness, F=Forgiveness, G=Gentleness, H=Hopeful, I=Impartiality, J=Joyfulness K=Knowledgeable, L=Loving, M=Motherly, N=Natural, O=Obedience, P=Patience, Q=Quickness, R=Religious, S=Sympathy, T=Tactful, U=Understanding, V=Virtuous, W=Willingness, X=Xst dependent, Y=Yearning, Z=Zealous.

As this journey proceeds, I believe in God’s blessings and go ahead with courage and strength to be as God wants me to be.