When Specialist Dementia Carer Roshni couldn't visit her family in Nepal due to lockdown restrictions, she sought solace in the care she provides for residents.

Roshni joined HammondCare nearly three years ago, coming from Nepal with a Bachelor of Social Work and a history in aged care and children's rights. Like many, she’s faced the difficulty of being away from family and friends during COVID-19, while also navigating the intense pressure of a frontline aged care role during the pandemic.

Roshni: Everyone was working longer hours during lockdown to cover staff shortages, but it meant we could keep residents as safe as possible.

I was also worried about their safety at the height of the pandemic, so I stopped taking public transport to work – instead using rideshare options, to reduce the risk of infection.

It was difficult to be away from my family and conditions have been tough. Caring for residents was good to focus on. I want them to feel at home here, and well looked after. HammondCare feels more like a family than a workplace. I don’t feel like I am doing a job; residents are like family to me.

Kellie, daughter of resident Ted: It’s lovely to see the close relationship the care team build with residents. They do a great job, focusing on that personal touch. And Dad really enjoys their company. The team support him to remain active and engaged, doing meaningful tasks around the home. He feels valued.