A love of walking, talking and even the odd kickboxing class is what bonds Mercy Health’s Gill Chambers and Elise Hayward, who have spent the past 20 years working alongside each other.
But the mother and daughter duo who work for Mercyville residential home in Craigie are unanimous in their everyday passion – sharing stories with seniors and being there to support the 17 residents they regard as family.
“I started working at Mercyville over 22 years ago and, at that time, Elise, my daughter, was quite unwell, so I suggested she join me at work to volunteer, mainly spending time with residents and listening to their life stories,” says Ms Chambers, who qualified as an Enrolled Nurse, but now works as a carer.
“Elise loved being around the residents right from day one and, more than 20 years later, that passion is still very strong, she adores them all and they love her; to us, going to work is very much a home away from home.”
As a result of her voluntary work, Ms Hayward has now gained employment in Mercyville’s kitchen where she works five days a week, and where she still gains the opportunity to chat to residents as she sets tables and serves lunch.
“My mum’s suggestion to begin volunteering at Mercyville has just been the best thing,” says Ms Hayward. “My work is really rewarding and I still volunteer throughout the week so I get to spend additional time with residents.
“Working with my mum is really special too, we like the same things and most of all we love taking a trip down memory lane with residents and hearing their stories.”
Mercy Health is a Catholic community not for profit provider of care, founded by the Sisters of Mercy and grounded in a 2000 year history of caring for those in need.
The organisation is a national service provider of health and aged care throughout Victoria, Southern New South Wales, Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory.
In Western Australia, the organisation cares for over 300 people across six residential homes, with 78 independent living units.