Mercy Health’s Dedicated Staff Working on Christmas Day

Annette Tunhla and Perli Dizonare just two of the team members who will forfeit Christmas Day with their families to help care for the dozens of residents at local not-for-profit aged care home Mercy Place Lathlain.

The cleaning staff will join dozens of other team members who will work on 25 December, including cooks, kitchen helpers, nurses and carers, all of whom will be focused on ensuring that residents enjoy a traditional Christmas lunch as well as tending to their daily care needs on the day.

 “I love my job and so spending Christmas Day with residents isn’t really like working; it’s an honour to be here to care for those seniors who are unable to be with their families,” says Annette, who explains that the residents are so much part of her life that being with them never feels like working.

“Although some of our residents celebrate Christmas with their own families, there are many who don’t have anyone to go home to and it’s just wonderful to be there for them, particularly as I think of them in many ways as part of my own family,” adds Perli.

“We have many very special moments singing carols with the residents and wearing festive outfits, it makes all the team here very happy to see them enjoying the festive spirit.”

Mercy Place Lathlain, Acting General Manager, Amanda Page, says that in many ways the local care staff are the unsung heroes of the community during the festive season.

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

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

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