Meet Nancy

Before joining the aged care sector as a caseworker, Nancy worked as a Mandarin interpreter, before moving into childcare. For more than two years, she has drawn on these experiences working across diverse communities to shape her role as a care facilitator with BaptistCare. 

“I chose to join BaptistCare because it’s a not-for-profit organisation and because of its values,” she says. “These values align with my values. I’m passionate about community services, I want to help people who are in need. BaptistCare has a really good reputation and genuinely wants to make a meaningful difference. That’s what I like.”

Supporting clients from the beginning Nancy has now been in the position for two years and her work is both practical and personal. She helps clients with assessments, care planning and budget management, while also coordinating a wide range of services, from home care to allied health. 

“Our role is to be very good listeners,” she says. “We have to assess the client’s situation carefully to find out what we can do to help them, with all the resources we have internally and externally.” 

Nancy says what many people don’t realise is just how much support is available. Helping them to navigate it can make a huge difference. 

“We also make sure we regularly check in, offer ongoing support and visit clients at home, especially when they’re returning from hospital. Those visits give us time to talk, understand what’s changed, and show them we really do care.” 

She also works closely with clinical and hospital teams to ensure smooth transitions from hospital back into the client’s home. “It’s a complex role with a lot of responsibility,” she says. “But it’s also very rewarding.” 

Life outside work

Helping people going through challenging or vulnerable times requires resilience. 

“I manage this by learning to disconnect when I’m not working, spending time with my family, and doing things I enjoy,” she says. 

“I'm busy. Weekends are about chauffeuring my kids around all their sports and activities. You have to do all those mum duties, the voluntary jobs for the clubs they belong to. You're on the roster,” she says with a laugh. “You gotta do it.” 

Outside work, Nancy loves travelling. “Who doesn’t?” she says. She also enjoys cooking and exercising, drawing inspiration from the clients she supports. “We see clients in their 90s, still walking around, doing their own thing and we say to each other – we want to be like them. 

Nancy’s healthy living tips

Having seen firsthand what helps people live well as they age, Nancy’s advice is practical and powerful. “Keep busy, keep motivated and always engage with the community. Have a good relationship with family and a good social network.” 

She believes something as simple as getting out and about regularly can have a big impact because it involves incidental exercise. 

“If you want to go anywhere, you have to walk. Or you have to get in and out of the car. You have to manage a couple of steps. You might even need to climb stairs. So, you’re exercising without intentionally trying.” 

Interested in working in a similar role? 

Nancy offers thoughtful and honest advice. 

“You need a kind heart, a can-do attitude, resilience, and an understanding of what the work involves,” she says. 

“Try your best. Sometimes you need strong boundaries, but it’s really meaningful work,” she says.