Carers Mary Rogers and Ivy Lim are just two of the dedicated care staff who have chosen to work on Christmas day this year, when they will help to care for dozens of residents at a local aged care home
Christmas Day 25 December will see both English-born Mary and Ivy, who was born and raised in the Philippines, dedicate their time to seniors at Mercy Place Mont Clare in Claremont, along with their co-workers and fellow carers.
“When you spend five days a week with the residents, you know their needs and you develop a very special bond, which is why I love spending time with my ‘second family’ on Christmas day,” says Ivy, who has worked at the popular western suburbs aged care home for almost five years, and whose family all remain in the Philippines.
“Although some of our residents celebrate Christmas with their own families, there are many who, like me, don’t have any family here in Perth, so it’s just wonderful to be there for them, particularly as I think of them in many ways as part of my own family.”
“My family are spread all around the world, in England, New Zealand and America, so it’s actually really lovely to spend time with the residents at Mont Clare on Christmas day,” adds Mary, who grew up in London.
“I think many of the staff who work at Christmas know what it’s like to have family overseas, and that’s why we choose to spend time with the seniors.
“On top of that. there’s also something special about being with the residents on Christmas day, it’s a way to give back and I feel really fortunate to be able to be there for them when they need help and support to enjoy the day.”
Ivy and Mary will be two of a handful of staff members who will work on Christmas day, including nurses, carers, cooks and kitchen helpers, all of whom will be focused on ensuring that residents enjoy a traditional Christmas lunch as well as tending to their daily care needs on December 25.
Mercy Place Mont Clare General Manager, Dorothy Wijangco, said in many ways the local care staff were the unsung heroes of the community during the festive season.
“When most people are opening presents on Christmas day, tucking into Christmas lunch, pouring a celebratory drink or enjoying family company, Mercy Health staff will be caring for others in their usual dedicated way,” she says.
“We’re extremely fortunate to have many committed and dedicated staff that are only too happy to go the extra mile to care for our residents and also help inject a little Christmas spirit into their day.”
Mercy Health is a Catholic not-for-profit provider of care, founded by the Sisters of Mercy and grounded in a 2,000-year tradition of caring for those in need. The organisation provides health and aged care services throughout Victoria, southern New South Wales, Western Australia, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory.