Personal care is foremost for Kelly

Kelly Fitzgerald is passionate about her work as a Personal Care Assistant at Liscombe House.

Having worked at the OCAV aged care home for twenty years, she is among the longest serving staff.

“I love every minute of my working shift, from looking after the residents in Liscombe Wing through to assisting with the medication rounds and everything else in between,” Kelly said.

Before she came to Liscombe House, Kelly worked for three different agencies doing much the same work as she does now.

There is a significant difference though, which has come about because of working for OCAV.

“I enjoy the stability and security that working at OCAV brings,” Kelly said.

“I like the fact that OCAV is a happy place to work and that it is all about providing personal care to residents.”

The past 18 months have not been easy for Kelly, as with most Liscombe House staff. COVID has meant wearing masks every day and most recently face shields. But these are minor annoyances.

“The hardest for everyone is not seeing family and friends when you are in lock down but we are doing the best we can,” Kelly said.

That best includes bringing a smile to residents’ faces every day, helping them with things they cannot easily manage and being there for a quiet chat, or an exchange of a joke.

“Every day brings new challenges and solutions, there is always plenty to learn.”

Kelly is one of 51 personal care assistants employed at Liscombe House. According to Kerry Feistl, Director of Nursing, Kelly and the other PCAs are the backbone of Liscombe House.

“They are our eyes and ears, they are our frontline to understanding what residents want and are vital to ensuring we provide the best care we can,” Kerry said.