I recently visited Taupaki Gables for my first-ever unofficial Health Care Assistant role. I sat with Lia Castillo, Marketing Coordinator, to share my reflections and lessons from that shift.

 

L: First, can you tell me about your first experience as a Health Care Assistant?

A: It was a very humbling experience, mainly because I wasn’t very good at it to begin with! Everything had to be learned on the job. I gained valuable insights and knowledge by fully committing to my role as an HCA, reporting to the Registered Nurse as is the usual practice. I assumed everything would be quiet later in the shift, but residents were still up chatting away. An example, at 10:30 pm, I was still shuttling hot milo drinks to residents.

 

L: What surprised you the most about your HCA shift? 

A: The complexity of each resident’s needs. Even something as simple as getting everyone into pyjamas, into bed, and comfortable takes far more energy and coordination than you’d ever imagine. Until you’re in the role, you really can’t grasp how demanding it is. [AC1] Seeing that first hand gave me a whole new level of respect for the responsibility our staff carry. It reinforced how important it is to ensure every care home has the right support.

 

L: Was there a moment that really stood out to you during the shift?

A: I was struck by just how intricate care work is. Every resident requires this careful balance of efficiency and kindness. I remember being in the continence room with Aruna and thinking you need an alert mind and excellent system to keep track of the continence needs of so many residents. and that’s just one small part of the job!

 

L: What was your favourite moment?

A: The camaraderie among staff. Despite the intensity of the work, they joke and laugh together, creating such a light, positive environment. Towards the end of the shift, I also realised I’d built strong bonds with many of our residents in such a short time. That connection is a really powerful emotion.

 

L: Did the experience change how you see the work our HCAs do?

A: Absolutely. I felt incredibly proud of the team. Their ability to retain so much information while carrying such big responsibilities is remarkable. They work with real commitment and never lose their compassion. The balance they strike is inspiring. Watching how they interact with residents, you can see they genuinely bond with them as if they were family.

 

L: Are you taking any of these insights to the Radius Care Board?

A: Yes, I already have. One thing that stood out was how much time our people spend on data collection and shift handovers. We’re now looking at automation projects to make this a slicker process and so freeing up time for our people to spend more time with our Radius Care residents.

 

L: Would you do this again?

A: Definitely. I’m already planning an HCA shift at Radius Care Waipuna shortly, and another at Radius St Allisa. I’d also like to try different roles at some stage.

 

L: Is there a message you want to give to health workers, not only at Radius Care but across New Zealand?

A: Care homes are very special places, but the work is incredibly challenging, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Staff have so much commitment to look after people at a stage of life we haven’t personally experienced yet. I deeply admire that. It inspires me to be a leader who truly listens and responds to the needs of our people.

 

 

Andrew Peskett

Chief Executive Officer