On this special occasion of Aged Care Employee Day, we celebrate Australia’s residential, home and community aged care workers. This year’s theme #ThanksForCaring recognises everyone involved in caring for older Australians. This year, we asked our wonderful Head Chef, Sandra Roberts, to share her aged care journey and what working at Narangba Aged Care means to her.
Why did you want to pursue a career in aged care?
Working in aged care was referred to me by a friend. She was an Enrolled Nurse who was working at an aged care facility. She encouraged me to join her facility as she said I was a good cook and the residents deserved good food.
What do you like most about your role and working at Narangba?
I love cooking for residents and giving them good quality food that they like. This generation of people were used to good home cooked meals. Providing them with freshly cooked food that is not only healthy but looks good makes me feel good as well.
I have enjoyed building the team at Narangba. There are staff that I have supported to improve their cooking skills as well as new staff who we have brought into the team. The team at Narangba Aged Care are a great group of people to work with.
I like working with residents and staff from different cultures and using this knowledge to incorporate variation in the menu.
What is most challenging about working in aged care?
Working through COVID was challenging, from a catering side with variations on how to provide meal services. The longer that COVID went on the more that we had to change and review the menu. There were also issues with supply during COVID that somehow have continued to this day. Supply restrictions make it difficult for consistency, but this is overcome by varying the food while maintaining nutrition.
What is a special memory you have from working at Narangba?
In 2019, we had a Christmas function where all the residents joined in with the fun. It was so enjoyable to see the smiles on the residents’ faces while still being able to provide the wonderful food that they all enjoy. We had so many compliments from the residents, families and friends and the staff about the effort that was made by all the catering staff on the day, it made us all feel proud.