Angelina still full of beans as BaptistCare’s longest-serving care partner

Nearly 25 years ago, Bunbury resident Angelina Lurvink was pouring cappuccinos as a café owner. Today she’s enjoying coffee and chats with local seniors as BaptistCare’s longest-serving care partner in Western Australia.

Mrs Lurvink swapped hospitality for aged care after moving to the South West from Esperance.

As a BaptistCare at home partner, Mrs Lurvink helps older Bunbury residents stay living independently in their own homes for as long as possible, helping them with everything from personal care and medication to house keeping.

“I’m a social person and enjoy my job, especially seeing my regular clients,” she said.

“Providing social support is a big part of my role, stopping to share a coffee and a chat can make a big difference to someone’s day.”

BaptistCare at home has cared for more than 15,000 older Australians across Western Australia, New South Wales and the ACT. 

Margaret River resident Kerry Stacey is a recent arrival to the BaptistCare at home team and loves that every day is different.

“Some days I’m going to the hairdresser’s with a client, on another I might be assisting a client with physio exercises, and on another I might be helping make breakfast or accompanying a client to a concert,” she said.

“I love helping people. My clients vary in age, but their life stories are amazing. 

“I really love the fact that I can build a relationship with my clients and get to know their families,” said Mrs Stacey, who has also worked as a children’s nanny and as a kitchenhand in a primary school.

Mrs Stacey and her family moved to the South West in 2005 from the UK where she previously worked in aged care.

“My husband was made redundant in the UK and his cousin in Margaret River suggested we move out here. Three days later he had a job lined up, our visas arrived on Christmas Eve and we were on a plane a few months later,” she said.

Image: Kerry Stacey (left) and Angelina Lurvink (right) enjoying a coffee at The Good Egg Café in Busselton.