Simin, is a Personal Care Assistant at VMCH Residential Aged Care, Wantirna. She has also been recognised by the team at Wantirna 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 Simin about what it’s like to work for VMCH.

What do you enjoy about working at Wantirna?
I think what brings me the most joy is being able interact with many older people who have had fascinating stories about their past and being able to help them live a happy life. I lost my parents when I was in my early twenties and that was very difficult for me, so I think for me being able to help these residents feels like I am helping my parents, which makes me very happy.

What do you love about your job as a PCA?
I love being able to help the dementia residents and knowing I am making some positive difference in their lives, even if it is small. It makes me happy to know that we have created a safe environment for these lovely residents that makes them feel at home and looked after.

Have any resident stories particularly touched you?
Yes, one resident in particular has a special place in my heart. One of my dementia residents struggles to remember much, she has tried to tell me about her past but struggles to sometimes. However, every time she sees me, she remembers me. She remembers my name and tells me she feels safe when she is with me. This really affects me emotionally and sometimes makes me a bit teary.

What do you think is important about the work you do at Wantirna?
The most important thing to me is to be able to provide high quality care to our residents. To treat every single resident with love, care and patience and create a unique relationship with them. Also, it is very important that before caring for a resident, their care plan is checked to ensure the right care is provided to suit their needs.

What is it about VMCH’s care practice and values that resonates with you?
Personally, respect, compassion, inclusion and integrity are my main morals and are very important in my culture. I definitely agree with VMCH’s missions and values that we must respect each unique individual and to be honest and take responsibility of all actions. Furthermore, it is very important to me that I am inclusive of others and greet them with welcoming hospitality. Finally, what is most important is to be fully committed to those who are in a disadvantaged position.

What do you enjoy doing out of work?
Out of work I like to spend time with my daughters and find out about their days. I love watching movies with my husband and I really enjoy cooking.

What does being nominated for this mean to you?
Being nominated really caught me by surprise. It means a lot to me to know that I am doing my job well and I am noticed. I feel really grateful and appreciative to have been nominated, it gives me a very humbling feeling.