In celebration of Mother's Day recently, we are shining a light on Linda (pictured above left) and Rachel Sutton (pictured above right) - one of HammondCare's amazing mother and daughter teams.
Not only have Linda and Rachel worked alongside each other in residential care, but they’ve also learned together as part of developing their careers, graduating with a Certificate III in 2023.
Rachel shares: ‘Mum has always had a caring outlook. Working together, let alone studying together, is pretty unusual for a mother and daughter. But it has enabled us to support each other and share ideas.’
Rachel and Linda ended up working the same shifts in the same cottage at Wahroonga for a number of years and carpooled together. The residents found their relationship comforting and would often ask Rachel ‘how’s your mum?’ or Linda ‘where’s your daughter?'
‘Residents seemed to enjoy seeing us together,’ says Rachel, ‘and witnessing our mother-daughter familiarity also encouraged them to reminisce about their own past and families,’ adds Linda.
Rachel started working with HammondCare at 18, her first full-time job. Having the opportunity to study for the Certificate III helped open the door to other opportunities, with support along the way from HammondCare’s Learning Team.
Linda was 46 when she joined the HammondCare residential team; she valued the opportunity to study at a later age: ‘It’s great knowing that within our workplace we have the support of others to grow and try new experiences. The additional knowledge we’ve gained from completing the Certificate III has a direct benefit to the residents we serve, too.’
When both Rachel and Linda worked throughout the pandemic period, they developed an even deeper appreciation for the needs of people in their care. It was a difficult task to help residents understand the reasons why their loved ones couldn't visit, but it also presented an opportunity to educate them on alternative ways to stay connected.
Rachel shares ‘I enjoy getting to know the residents and their families, and seeing the difference we can make. I got to know one family member very well when I cared for her mum for more than two years. So we were able to be there for them in the tough times. The family member now volunteers with us, and I always make a point of dropping in on any activities she runs, even when I’ve finished my shift.’
Linda adds ‘There are many highlights for us working in residential care at HammondCare. Learning and growing together, debriefing after a challenging day, celebrating after a good one, and sharing all this with someone who understands fully what kind of experience you’ve had. It’s priceless.’
