Christine has a passion for caring

When it comes to working at Liscombe House, there is not much that Christine Day would change.

For the past seven years, she has worked as a personal care assistant initially in low care and now assisting across the home including palliative care which she describes as one of the most affirming parts of her work.

Christine chose to become a personal care assistant after looking after her father when he was dying.

“I treasured that time with him, and I knew how terrified he was of aged care and hospitals so now that I am working in aged care, I know how important it is to take that fear/anxiety away from any resident,” Christine said.

“If I can make them smile and feel at peace, then I have succeeded in my job.”

Christine, aged 46, has not looked back since her first day at Liscombe House, saying she loves the environment and the obvious connection between the staff and residents.

“I have been given so many opportunities to expand my knowledge for the better, whether it has been as a manual handling mentor or doing a palliative care course which has helped me gain so much more knowledge, understanding and compassion for people at the end of their life and their families.”

Her typical day when she is not at work is sleeping past 4.30am, helping her mother with whatever she needs, and doing housework like most other people. In the spare time she has, she also enjoys card making, embroidery, cross stitch, candle wicking, and reading.

“By the end of the week I am tired but with my hobbies, friends and family life, I keep myself busy and make sure I always have down time either doing one of my many hobbies or just relaxing at home in the country surrounded by kangaroos.”

She acknowledges that this year has been stressful because of coronavirus pandemic but says that the strength of the team spirit of everyone at Liscombe House keeps everyone going.

“There has been a great deal of planning and training for everyone, not just the clinical staff but also volunteers, maintenance, and others who help us,” she said.

Training is a subject close to Christine’s heart. Over the past seven years, she has attended many different training courses including online wound courses, understanding and preventing dementia courses and wellbeing. For her, these types of courses mean that personal care assistants really build up their knowledge which, in turn, supports others in the team and residents.

“I would tell anyone who is thinking of becoming a personal care assistant, and has passion for caring for the aged in any capacity to definitely try it as it has enriched my life in more ways than I can say,” Christine said.