OSCAR Care Group has announced that the latest recipient of the OSCARS Recognition of Excellence program is Sofia Simopoulos, from Fronditha Care Thornbury in Victoria.
Sofia, above left, has been described as a committed, hard-working and very friendly laundry assistant of 20 years’ service, who has great attention to detail and provides excellent service and kindness to all of the residents in her care.
Sofia says she loves working at Fronditha Care.
“We are a tight knit team in the laundry and respect plays its role in creating a good working relationship,” she says.
“I have made some very good friends here over the years, and learned that work friendships can last a very long time!”
Sofia credits the people she has worked alongside as a great support and a pleasure to work with, and has the utmost respect and love for the friends she has made.
“I’m so grateful for my good friend Irene, who I’ve worked with for 15 years!” she says with a smile.
Sofia was born in Greece and moved to Australia when she was 14 years old.
She and husband of 46 years, Bill, have three children (Helen, Jim and Victoria) and now have five grandchildren.
As with many working mothers, Sofia dedicated quite a few years to raising her children, and eventually made the decision to return to the workforce and seek employment.
“The love I have of being able to care for, and contribute to the wellbeing of, our elderly was my main motivation to seek employment in aged care,” she says.
Sofia’s initial hospitality training began at Fronditha Care in 2001 when Fronditha Care Thornbury was, at that stage, a 30-bed home. The Thornbury facility later increased to 120 beds in 2013.
During her years at Fronditha, Sophia has worked at various times in both the laundry and kitchen departments.
Work colleagues say she has a wonderful and trusting relationship with residents, always stays calm and listens to them in order to deal with and overcome difficult situations.
Since 2013, Sofia has worked diligently as a laundry assistant and says she’s proud to have achieved her Certificate III modules in Hospitality.
“My definition of hard work is working to the best of my ability, not being unnecessary distracted and focusing on servicing our residents on time,” she says.
The love I have of being able to care for, and contribute to the wellbeing of, our elderly was my main motivation to seek employment in aged care.
Sofia Simopoulos
It is a demanding role to ensure that each of the 120 residents’ items are carefully sorted, cleaned, and returned in good condition to the residents.
Sofia listens to each of her residents and respects and understands that they want their items placed in their drawers and cupboards.
Sofia says it’s wonderful being recognised by management for her organised ways in streamlining her work.
“An example is my idea in helping implement a scheduled laundry duty and task daily timetable,” she says.
Sofia is thrilled to be a recipient of The OSCARS Recognition of Excellence.
“I’m extremely proud that my work commitment and has not gone unnoticed.
“There can be no greater recognition from your peers and from the management team in acknowledging your work ethic and service to the organisation.”
