Mercy Place Shepparton’s Jo Griffin is being recognised this National Aged Care Employee Day for her compassionate care to all residents.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Stigma, low skill, undesirable tasks and often ‘just a job’ — these are common perceptions of aged care workers and their roles.
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But Jo Griffin would argue the reality is the opposite.
Her team is trained to notice when something is wrong, long before it becomes an emergency.
“It’s higher acuity care and also very meaningful care,” she said.
“You’ve got to have it in your heart because it’s not just a job.”
It’s this understanding, and her outstanding commitment to compassionate care as service manager, that’s seeing her recognised this National Aged Care Employee Day, August 7.
Jo had been a registered nurse since the 1990s, a career that took her “quite literally all over the world” before spending 15 years in healthcare education.
Aged care, though, had always been a thought at the back of her mind.
And last December, sitting in the tropical heat of Rockhampton, Queensland, with her husband, she decided to take a leap on that thought.
Now, six months into her role at Mercy Place Shepparton, she wouldn’t ever think of looking back.
“I have made the right decision,” she said.
As the service manager, Jo leads every team at the facility — clinical care, hospitality, cleaning, maintenance, pastoral care, lifestyle and admin — ensuring smooth running and that high standards are met.
Her day starts with the clinical team, checking on any overnight issues, then the kitchen staff, making sure ingredients are prepared for the day’s meals.
Then comes her favourite part of the day: a walk around the facility.
“I’m quite proud of myself, I now know all 96 residents’ names,” she said.
Mercy Place Shepparton residents Matteo Carrafa, Edna Hill and Chrissy Smith with Jo Griffin.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
With an “open door policy”, it’s the personal connection that matters most to Jo.
Walking into residents’ rooms, she sees photographs spanning lifetimes, and treats each resident with respect and dignity regardless of how age or illness has changed their capabilities now.
“You’re not defined by who you are now,” Jo said.
“It’s about who you are in your whole life.”
In the short time in her role, Jo already has been through moments that will stay with her forever, with the most recent happening just last week.
A long-time resident and fellow Collingwood fan had become a game-day companion.
Jo would come in on the weekend, sit with her and watch the game, both wearing their black-and-white scarves.
Last week, that resident passed away after a short illness, with residents, staff and families farewelling her through a guard of honour.
The Collingwood scarf was draped over her, and those paying tribute broke out in a chorus of Good Old Collingwood Forever as she was wheeled out: a moment the resident’s daughter said she would have loved.
“At Mercy Place, you come through the front door, when they pass away, they leave through the front door as well,” Jo said.
“We recognised the person in life, but also in passing.”
For Jo, the reward is watching families notice her changes and efforts to help the facility move forward.
As for recognition, Jo is characteristically modest.
“I can continue to foster and nurture the next generation of aged care leaders in a positive way,” she said.
Jo Griffin with members of each team that she leads at Mercy Place Shepparton.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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