Cyclone Debbie can't wash out dedication

As the people of Queensland took shelter from the seemingly endless torrential rain the most vulnerable in our community still urgently required the care and support that they’ve come to depend on.

The dedicated professionals of the aged care industry knew their important work must continue, unaffected by the wrath of Cyclone Debbie. Those they cared for simply couldn’t be left to struggle alone.

Arriving at work with bags full of clothes, Seasons Aged Care workers took it upon themselves to prepare to spend the long, rain-soaked night tending to residents.

“They all came to work knowing they may not get home that night,” said Tracey Silvester, Envigor Home Care’s executive manager.

“Their first priority was making sure that the residents had enough staff on the ground to assist them.”

Staff ignored warnings that they may be flooded in, and be left unable to return home for the foreseeable future, instead choosing to put their clients first.

“These selfless people are the real reason there were no disaster stories to print,” said Nick Loudon, CEO of Seasons Aged Care and Envigor Home Care.

“The families don’t even know the true calibre of the people they’ve entrusted their elderly loved one to.”

Delivering meals in the midst of Debbie’s fury was just another way that aged care workers went above and beyond for the clients who depend on them.

“One staff member told the manager that she was still going to come to work, even though it meant she may have to walk through water to get there,” said Ms Silvester.

“As it happened she didn’t, but she was prepared to do it.

“Staff I contacted on days off to cover those who were flooded in, happily came to work.”

The efforts of these ordinary employees putting their elderly clients first is one that should be remembered as a shining example of the dedicated and exemplary people who make up the industry.

“This is the truest reflection of the people who work in Aged Care in Australia,” said Mr Loudon, remembering his employee’s efforts to continue unaffected by the storm that shut down the South East, “it’s just what they do, who they are.”

To learn more about Envigor Ipswich, phone Linda Marsden on 0433 431 794 or email lmarsden@envigor.com.au or Angel Potts on 0410 760 661 or email apotts@envigor.com.au.

Or you can visit the Envigor website here: http://www.envigor.com.au.