Graeme’s pledge to ‘connect’ older Aussies

“My goal is simple, to enable and build friendships and connections in the lives of residents and community clients,” Mr McKay says.

“Having someone who is willing to sit there for half an hour to talk, about spirituality or about gardening or football, goes a huge way toward helping a socially isolated person feel cared about,” he adds.

The dedication to his role as PresCare’s Chaplain to the Redlands was recongised last week by Aged & Community Services Australia (ACSA) in the 2015 ACSA Queensland Aged Care Employee Award category.

Mr McKay received the award based on his nomination for the outstanding contribution he makes to residents, their families and the staff of Lake Sherrin residential aged care facility, the independent living community and the wider Redlands community.

PresCare director of Chaplaincy, Reverend John Gilmour, says when Mr McKay commenced at PresCare his role was to reach out to individuals in residential and community care services to provide comfort and guidance in time of need, with weekend chapel services and one on one visits with clients.

Over the years as PresCare has grown, and as he has embedded himself into the day to day activities of the organisation, Mr McKay's role has grown.

This, along with Graeme’s caring temperament is something Rev Gilmour claims was the reason behind his nomination.

“Mr McKay is more than just a Chaplain, he is family for those who have none, a friend when needed and a voice of guidance and support for those experiencing hardship,” Rev Gilmour says.

Mr McKay has been Chaplain to the Redlands since 2013 and his role sees him providing friendship, strength and support to more than 150 residents and dozens of clients in the community, as well as counseling and guidance to 100 employees.

The ACSA Employee Award recognises the dedication and contribution of an individual aged care professional in the delivery of services to older people and people with a disability.

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