Naomi Bartlett, Community Carer, RSL LifeCare at Home

Naomi Bartlett sees her role in community care as a privilege.

She works with RSL LifeCare at Home, based at Anzac Village in Narrabeen.

With a background in youth work and with young people and adults with Outward Bound in England and Scotland, when Naomi and her family moved to Australia she looked for a job where she would be working with people but would have flexibility around her working hours.

The information and stories they share with you is something I really value. They have seen so much and have so much to give.

While her role as a community carer wit RSL LifeCare at Home provided her with both of these, her position has given her so much more.

“I believe it is an important job and a privilege,” Naomi said.

I meet some amazing people, both within the team I’m part of and the clients I work with.

“The information and stories they share with you is something I really value. They have seen so much and have so much to give.”

Naomi’s clients include those living in residential care and others living in their own homes.

“Every client is different, they have each walked such different paths” Naomi said.

“I work three days a week plus some extra shifts when a regular carer can’t visit.”

On a typical Thursday Naomi visits several clients.

We can trigger memories, give them something to be interested in and find things to give them something to look forward to and enjoy.

We help them to know that their opinions matter, that they are valued.

“First up I visit a lady I have been seeing since I started work as a carer two-and-a-half years ago,” Naomi said.

“I see her twice a week and as she recently moved into a hostel. I have been talking to her about how she feels about this move. As a caregiver my job is not only to take her out but also to support her emotionally.

“My second client I visit for two hours. We normally go shopping. She is visually impaired which makes it very hard for her to see what is on the shelves so I am her eyes. I read labels for her, tell her what is on special and any other offers. The aim is to assist her to keep her independence and to feel empowered to make her own decisions. This is vital for her independence.

“My final client of the day has restricted mobility, so finds it hard to get out on her own. Often I will so I push her in a wheelchair to the shops, enabling her to choose her toiletries and other small items and maybe choose a gift for her grandson.”

Naomi says the ongoing contact with her clients means she can notice little changes.

For example, if someone is struggling more than usual with their mobility or their mood is lower than normal. If we have regular contact then we are able to pick up on this.

She finds if she works with someone with dementia in the early stages she then knows their background so later on she can help them more.

“We can trigger memories, give them something to be interested in and find things to give them something to look forward to and enjoy.

“We help them to know that their opinions matter, that they are valued.

“Of course, one of the things I really value in my job is the friendships we make along the way.”

Story by Liz McDougall

If you or someone you know needs help around the home please reach out to our friendly team. Or visit our webpage to see the range of services.