Bethanie is marking their 70th anniversary and we meet some of the dedicated staff who ensure the organisation runs at its best…
When you have been working in aged care as long as Helen Carey has, you are bound to see many changes.
But Bethanie’s longest-serving employee has taken it all in her stride – “though I’m not the most fantastic person with computers,” she says with a laugh. She knows what matters most: being there for the residents.
Helen has been at Bethanie Joondanna for almost 49 years. “It’s like having another family because you are with them so often,” she says.
Her colleagues are another reason she has never left. “You form friendships with them, the same as with the residents, and you support each other.”
Rhonda Hammer benefited from that support when she transferred to Bethanie Joondanna in 2006 from Mt Lawley, where she had been working as a cleaner, and was encouraged to move into a carer’s role.
“Helen is amazing, I fully respect her,” she says. “I think we all just care about one another and understand what one another is going through. And you’ve got to support each other to support the residents, it’s so important.”
Rhonda, who has been with Bethanie for almost 35 years, says while aged care is not easy it’s the people who make it so special. “I’ve learned from so many good people, and I feel I’m just accepted here.”
While the industry has evolved over the years, Rhonda and Helen’s unwavering focus on residents and the relationships she has built with both colleagues and those in her care have remained constant.
Their stories reveal the strong connections in this field, turning workplaces into second homes. In a demanding industry, it’s evident that the essence of aged care is in the dedicated people who support each other and fully commit to those in need.
Bethanie offer Retirement Living, Home Care, Aged Care and Community Housing. Find out more at www.bethanie.com.au or call 131 151.
