More than 1,300 dedicated Carinity aged care and home care workers support Queensland seniors to live safe and fulfilling lives.
On Aged Care Employee Day on 7 August, we will celebrate the contribution of these dedicated and selfless employees - and others who support older Australians.
We asked some of our cherished team members what motivates them to support older Queenslanders.
Previously a hospital worker, Gawain Kearse has worked in aged care for 14 years and currently serves as a personal carer at Carinity Hilltop aged care.
"What I love about aged care is giving back to those whom paved the way for us from generations back," Gawain said.
"Also, I love developing meaningful relationships. Some elders may have no family, so for me helping ease the loneliness or helplessness that may arise is impactful.
"I love my job and continue to give back unconditionally."
Personal experience shaped Kitty Lee's desire to care for others, a role she fulfills working as a Lifestyle Carer with Carinity Home Care Hervey Bay.
"I never got to know my grandparents on either side of my family, so I treat my clients like they are family as I missed out on that relationship with older people growing up," Kitty explained.
"I also became a mum at 17 so a caring role is all that I know.
"I hope that one day I have someone loving and caring to look after me, so I became that person for others."
Tenzin Dema works in support services at the Carinity Wishart Gardens aged care home in Brisbane. She says she was "drawn to care practice as I have always been someone who wants to help others".
"This job allows me to help the elderly and give me a sense of satisfaction and purpose. Also, it shows that there is still love and care left in the world," she said.
As the chaplain at Carinity Fairfield Grange, Rene Kruger supports residents with compassionate spiritual care and encouragement.
She loves seeing the wide-ranging positive influence that the "incredible nature of God's love and the universal call of the Gospel" have in the Townsville aged care home.
"You want to care and show the elderly that their life is so precious to God - and when you care it's God in you showing them his love," Rene said.
When Sudha Vinodh decided to enter the workforce after years as a stay-at-home mother, she wanted to support older people in her community.
Now she is a personal carer at Carinity Wishart Gardens and is five years into her career in the aged care industry.
"I love helping people and get a sense of satisfaction from seeing how my care makes a difference to people's lives."
