Chris Jobe’s goal is to bring a smile to the faces of aged-care residents, and her dedication earned her a national award last year.
“I started out as a caregiver and watched them staring at the wall, and thought it has to be better than this.”
She studied online while working, learning through real-life scenarios, and went on to become a diversional therapist. Her passion and commitment saw her recognised as the best in the company, and she is now the first in the Summerset team nationwide to take on a trainee completing placement requirements.
Her role at Summerset Richmond Ranges was one of many celebrated during the company’s Frontliner Day last week. For Chris, it’s about creating personalised activities for the 55 residents in rest home and hospital care to keep them involved and happy.
“What drives me is creating opportunities to have moments of joy. Isolation is such a big thing in aged care, so it’s important to be able to create those opportunities to socialise with others. The more they can come out of their shells, the happier they can be in themselves.”
She says that stimulation helps maintain residents’ cognitive health, with a focus on their physical, intellectual, social and emotional wellbeing.
“It’s so important to look after their wellbeing. They’ve worked hard all their lives and don’t deserve to be sitting in their rooms all day. It’s about making them feel important and valid.
“We also like to bring in the giggle factor - make them laugh!”
Van trips are always popular with residents and Chris often uses them to create meaningful moments - like fishing trips at the trout ponds near the Waimea River.
“It’s nice to be able to include older people in those activities. Just because they get older doesn’t mean they can’t be included.”
