Training and caring coming together at Mercy Place Ballarat

A trainee ‘thank you’ event in March at residential aged care home Mercy Place Ballarat was the scene of a happy reunion between two care companions and their former tutor, with the trio reflecting on what it means to dedicate their careers to caring for others.

Care companions Rebecca Tobin and Lacey Ball, came face-to-face with their former tutor Rhonda Richardson who, through a state-funded organisation, prepares trainees for the aged care industry.

Now with three years aged care experience, both Lacey and Rebecca say their choice to become care  companions not only proved life-changing, but rewarding as well.

As a trainee, Lacey says she received a solid grounding for what was to come. “It’s only when you are thrown in the deep end, you discover how little you know,” she says. “My career motivations came from watching the care my nanna received — she was not at a Mercy Place and some of her care was excellent but there were other occasions when I thought it could be enhanced,” says Lacey.

Our roles are multi-faceted but building trust through kindness and compassion is a key. It’s the Mercy way, as well.

“For me, Mercy Place Ballarat, where residents live together in smaller groups, is like a second family and as care companions we become important members of the group. We are privileged to be so close to a beautiful group of residents, and their families as well,” says Lacey.

Care companions Lacey Ball and Rebecca Tobin (top) with Mercy Place Ballarat resident Helen Anderson and tutor Rhonda Richardson.

Fellow care companion Rebecca is in complete agreement with Lacey, adding that she loves her role. “It is a big responsibility but it’s something that I’m absolutely dedicated, committed and passionate about.”

“Lacey and I were friends and did our training together before we became colleagues. We are able to work as a team. Not every day is easy and there are challenges and we often constructively debrief, always with the best interests of our residents at heart,” Rebecca says.

“Our roles are multi-faceted but building trust through kindness and compassion is a key. It’s the Mercy way, as well,” she said.