David is a Personal Care Assistant at VMCH Corpus Christi Residential Aged Care, Clayton. He has also been recognised by the team at Corpus Christi as an outstanding employee, as part of Aged Care Employee Day.

Aged Care Employee Day is a national day to say thank you to the more than 365,000 dedicated people who care for and support around 1.3 million older Australians who receive care and services each year.

On 7 August, VMCH is celebrating our amazing aged care staff and saying thank you for the work they do every day.

Here we talk to David about what it’s like to work for VMCH.

What do you enjoy about working at Corpus Christi?
We have good management, a great working environment, and friendly colleagues. But most importantly the elderly residents are the ultimate reason Corpus Christi is my ideal workplace.

When I get into work, it always makes me feel like I am coming home to my second (but much larger) family. Every time I walk into a resident’s room, I am always greeted with warmest welcome and smiles. Some residents will hold my hand and give me the biggest hugs like I am their son or grandson.

What do you love about your job?
I’ve always had a special connection with elderly people, and I enjoy having conversations with them. Being able to provide quality care and help make a difference in their aging life is extremely rewarding. I have developed good relationships and close bonds with most residents, and I see them like my own parents/grandparents. It really makes coming to work every day worthwhile knowing that I can add some joy and happiness in their life.

What do you think is important about the work PCA’s do?
PCA’s provide quality of care to the elderly residents and we ensure that their needs are met, we ensure their dignity, and we notice significant changes in conditions and behaviours, which can help the nurses to implement a better care plan.

How do you try to get the best outcomes for the residents?
I am a good listener and I try to understand their needs, frustrations and concerns to ensure they are well looked after.

Being observant and patient during my interaction with the residents allows me to pick up symptoms or signs that can help me find the right approach for each resident’s care.
I always approach each resident with a genuine heart and intention.

What is the highlight of your day?
Walking in to work and witnessing the smiles and joy on the residents faces when they see me.

What are you most proud of?
Being acknowledged for doing a good job by the residents, their families and my work colleagues.

What is it about VMCH’s care practice and values that resonates with you?
Being a Christian myself, I feel that we should help one another and being able to serve and support those in need is an honour and privilege.

What do you enjoy doing out of work?
I like catching up with friends, doing a bit of gardening and some DIY projects around the house.

What does being nominated mean to you?
I am quite surprised to be nominated for Aged Care Employee Day.
This just validates that I am doing the right thing by providing the right quality of care that meets the needs of the residents and their families.