At Catholic Healthcare we are shining a ‘light’ on our people and the exceptional work they are all doing across our services. We share how team members are innovating, engaging and helping to make Catholic Healthcare a great place to work.
This week, meet Brendan Dowton, Community Worker for Home & Community Services, Orana region.
Community Worker, Brendan Dowton works with clients from the local Orana region in central western New South Wales — a place where ‘everybody knows your name’! Brendan was formerly a concreter for 20 years before he joined Catholic Healthcare eighteen months ago. He is also a qualified chef.
Brendan provides direct services through the government’s Home Care Package (HCP) and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), seeing 10-20 regular clients each week.
“Each client is different and has their own identity. I enjoy chatting with them. Sometimes it really doesn’t feel like work, as here in the Orana region almost everybody knows each other,” says Brendan.
Brendan enjoys being able to spend time with each client and making sure that they are well-looked after. His visits can last anywhere from one to three hours depending on the need.
“Sometimes they think I’m just there to do a domestic clean, but I am also gathering information about them – observing their mental states and their physical living environments. I’m constantly making assessments and judgements about how they’re doing, on all levels. It’s kind of like being a detective!” says Brendan.
“I identify fall or trip hazards, check if any equipment needs replacing, and monitor if food has gone off in the fridge, for example. These can all be clues to broader problems. I then relay these updates back to the Care Advisors so they can document any updates in the clients’ Care Plans.”
Brendan also works in conjunction with the Day Centre in Dubbo, on an ad hoc basis. The clients are offered a range of activities that include exercise and movement therapy, games like putt-putt golf, cards, dominoes, arts and crafts and other mobility-maintenance activities.
“The majority of the clients that attend the Day Centre are suffering from dementia so the activities we do are very strategic and are designed to benefit their condition.”
Brendan also keeps busy through assisting and providing essential services through Catholic Healthcare’s Hoarding and Squalor program.
“One of my clients through the Hoarding and Squalor program was a gentlemen called Ray, aged 92. As an Aboriginal fella, he grew up during the pivotal 1960’s Aboriginal Rights’ Movement and had accumulated a lot of interesting items.
“We eventually ended up taking the items to the archivist at Charles Sturt University in Wagga as many of these items were considered historically very valuable”
Brendan’s wide-ranging skills, including his culinary background as a qualified chef, has also been an asset in his line of work.
“I’ve been able to help out with quality meal preparation in my services with my clients. They’ve enjoyed the variety of recipes in my repertoire!” says Brendan
Brendan has received a lot of positive feedback from both his male and female clients, in a short time.
“Feedback about Brendan has been so positive. He is the epitome of someone who can deliver authentic person-centred care, focussing on the needs of each individual,” says Julie, Aged Care Program Manager, Home & Community Services.
“That’s what we’re all about at Catholic Healthcare.”
For more information please call 1800 225 474 or visit
https://www.catholichealthcare.com.au/home-care-services-overview/