Mercy Health’s Dedicated Staff Bring Christmas Spirit to Life

While many West Australians will be unwrapping gifts and tucking into a family lunch on December 25, staff members at Mercy Place Mont Clare will be bringing the true Christmas spirit to life when they arrive at work.

Registered Nurse Sujaya Adhikari, who hails from Nepal, chef Mahisha Munasinghe from Sri Lanka and care companion Ernest Musukwa are just three of the dedicated care staff whose focus on Christmas day will be to bring joy to the dozens of residents at the Claremont aged care home.

“I’m really looking forward to arriving at work on the day and sharing my happiness with the seniors,” says Ms Adhikari.  “The residents always bring happiness to me and spending time with them is like spending time with family, I’m always happy in their presence.”

“We will be having a traditional Christmas lunch, and I’m looking forward to making it very special,” adds cook Ms Munasinghe, who admits to missing her own family in Sri Lanka at this time of year.

“This will be my third Christmas with the residents at Mont Clare and being with them reminds me of my culture back home where we spend lots of time with our family, particularly our elders, so working again on Christmas Day will be a genuine pleasure,” adds Zambian-born care companion, Mr Musukwa.

Mercy Place Mont Clare Service Manager, Janelle McFarlane, said the Mercy Health staff who sacrifice Christmas Day to look after the needs of others were the unsung heroes of the community.

“When most people are opening presents on Christmas Day, tucking into Christmas lunch, pouring a celebratory drink or enjoying family time, Mercy Health staff will be caring for others in their usual dedicated way,” she said.

“We are extremely fortunate to have many committed and dedicated team members that are only too happy to go the extra mile to care for our residents and also help inject a little Christmas spirit into their day.

“They excel at brightening up the lives of our residents who, for one reason or another, are unable to spend the day with their loved ones, and we are very fortunate to have them as part of our team.”

Click here to find out more about Mercy Health's aged care services.