Committed to Care

As a Help at Home Care Coordinator, James Waide supports his clients to live independently by tailoring care and services to suit their needs.

While aspects of his work have changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, James Waide and the Help at Home team are continuing to work safely with clients and carers in providing daily support, allied health services and more.

How did you start working in aged care?

After spending some of my uni placements working in aged care, I felt it was an area where I could make a difference. I joined Hunters Hill Residential Care five years ago as an exercise physiologist, and moved to Help at Home a year ago.

Why did you decide to move across to Help at Home?

I enjoyed providing Exercise Physiology services to home care clients while at Hunters Hill, and saw how important it was to many people to be able to remain in their homes with the right support.

How does a Care Coordinator work with clients and carers?

Great communication is the key to my work with both clients and carers. In many cases, our first role is to educate clients and families about the packages and government subsidies available through My Aged Care, and assisting them to make informed decisions. We set up Care Plans and thorough, detailed assessments for each client to make sure we have a ‘full picture’ before putting any services in place. We also need to identify adjustments needed over time as a client’s needs change, and make sure care workers are fully briefed on how this may impact their work.

What’s the most rewarding part of your role?

The rapport I build with residents and clients – developing those relationships are my proudest moments.

How would you describe the Montefiore Experience?

We’re very consumer focused. As the health care professionals, we’re there to help guide and assist our clients, but really it’s all about working with them and their families on what they need and want from their experience.

What’s been the greatest challenge during COVID-19?

The lack of face to face contact with clients in their homes and with care workers, while we work remotely to keep everyone safe. So it’s been even more important to keep up communication, and keep in touch over the phone, on email and video too. We have good systems in place.

Have there been any upsides to your work during COVID?

It’s really highlighted what a fantastic team we have – the way all the care workers, coordinators and management have supported each other has been fantastic, and I know it will continue. All my colleagues in Residential Care
and Help at Home are friendly, professional and always go above and beyond to support each other and the clients and residents.

For more information or to speak with a Care Coordinator about your needs, visit: montefiore.org.au/homecare