As a lifestyle therapist at Colac’s Mercy Place, Patricia Woodhead aims to put a smile on residents’ faces.
Ms Woodhead said she was honoured to be the Westvic Staffing Solutions Employee of the Month.
“I simply treat residents the same way I’d like to be treated when I’m older,” Ms Woodhead said.
Ms Woodhead organises lifestyle plans and leads activities for residents including morning exercise groups, trivia, bingo, carpet bowls, garden walks and bus trips to places in Colac and district.
She said the social activities were important to residents’ health and wellbeing.
“It’s vital to provide them with opportunities to get involved and we aim to avoid anybody feeling socially isolated,” Ms Woodhead said.
“Obviously we respect their choices if they don’t want to take part in group activities, but even sitting and talking with them one on one can help a lot,” she said.
Ms Woodhead is a trained personal carer and has worked in childcare and disability care.
“I’ve been here four years and this surpasses all of my previous jobs, I love it and it’s very rewarding work,” she said.
Ms Woodhead creates personal lifestyle plans for new residents which takes their individual circumstances into account.
“Each resident is different and some have dementia or disabilities so it’s important to take note of that,” Ms Woodhead said.
“And you also have to remember that some people might not like coming here to live at the start, so we try to make it as comfortable and enjoyable as possible,” she said.
Ms Woodhead is in the running for the Westvic Staffing Solutions Employee of the Year award.

REWARDING: Patricia Woodhead and Mercy Place resident Thelma Gill make marmalade.