19 August 2021
Making a difference with Georgia from our Environmental team at Arcare Helensvale St James
[This article was done prior to mask mandates being introduced at the aged care residence]
Seeing the residents every weekday is the highlight of Georgia’s time at Arcare Helensvale St James.
She has been part of our Environmental team since January 2019 and she works alongside her fellow team member Jacob.
“Seeing their familiar faces is what gets me out of bed and coming to work,”
“I have a different connection with each of them, but there have been some who have passed who I consider my friends,”
Every morning, Georgia is greeted by resident Reza saying ‘Kalimera’, which means good morning in Greek – her mother tongue.
Together, they share stories of their friends and adventures in Europe.
“She’s a very good person,” Reza shared.
Georgia also gets along very well with resident Ethel as they both enjoy discussing the latest drama unfolding on the Australian TV show ‘Home & Away’.
“This lovely young lady is very thorough; she is the best cleaner we’ve had here,”
“She cleans the foyer every morning and keeps the hair salon clean too,” Ethel shared.
During her daily walkaround through the communities, you can spot Georgia sharing a joke with resident Glen, checking the water in Pat’s flower vase and getting to know new residents like Beryl.
“I enjoy cleaning after the residents and making sure their rooms and bathrooms are hygienic,”
“And it’s more than that, if I see them feeling down, I’ll ask them ‘what’s wrong’ and try to make them laugh or smile,” Georgia shared.
With her background as an education support worker and a teacher’s aide, Georgia has a passion for helping people, especially children with disabilities who struggle to read and write.
She also shows compassion for both residents and team members in our community.
“I love my job; I help out the carers in Tuscany (community at Arcare Helensvale St James) when I can. The team and the carers here, they are like my sisters.”
