Suzanne (Sue) Brown, Assistant in Nursing

For 35 years, Sue has dedicated her career to aged care, working at SummitCare Smithfield as an Assistant in Nursing for 27 years, and Liverpool for eight years before that. “I found I really enjoyed helping people. It's rewarding when you’ve done something for the residents and they are so happy - to me it’s not much but to them it means a lot,” said Sue, smiling. “My role gave me so much satisfaction - I found it extremely rewarding.”

It was a friend who suggested Sue apply for a role at SummitCare. She went for an interview and started the very next day. “In the beginning, it was on-the-job training. It was challenging but good. Back then we had no lifters, no incontinence pads, and the beds didn’t move. Things have changed a lot since then,” explained Sue, happy with how the aged care industry has evolved to become safer and more efficient.

These days, after taking on a maternity leave opportunity, Sue has moved into an administrative role and continues to provide assistance as a Physio Aide. “I was actually the first Physio Aide when Smithfield opened. Physiotherapists only came in once or twice a week, so I would help residents with their physio exercises on the days they couldn’t attend,” said Sue.

With her extensive years of experience, and a passion for supporting residents, Sue has become an all-rounder, stepping in wherever required - helping the leisure and lifestyle teams, with exercise classes, gardening sessions, and even lending a hand in maintenance. “We sometimes hold exercise classes in the garden on lovely days, and residents often stay outside to enjoy the fresh air. If they prefer, we serve them lunch there too.”

Sue’s role also includes onboarding new staff during orientation, as well as training them in manual handling. She ensures they understand key safety processes, where to find equipment, and how to maintain proper documentation - such as maintenance logbooks. “There is a lot to know and having been here for so long, I enjoy sharing my knowledge,” Sue added.

Over the years, Sue has had many special moments with residents but a few stand out as quite unique. On several occasions, Sue has cared for multiple generations of families, with children of past residents decades later becoming residents themselves. “They remember how well I looked after their parents, and they trust me to care for them in the same way. That’s really special.”

Beyond daily routines, Sue believes in making life enjoyable for residents. Knowing some were avid football fans, she once organised Friday night viewings with beer, wine, and snacks. “It’s something special I wanted to do for them because I knew they would enjoy it. Then some of their relatives started coming as well. The residents absolutely loved this,” said Sue, proudly.

For Sue, the heart of aged care lies in compassion, empathy, and respect. “I always tell people, you’re working in their home; they’re not living in your workplace,” said Sue. “They rely on us, and we need to be there for them when they need us.” She advises aspiring carers to see beyond residents’ medical conditions and see the person they once were. 

After 35 years, Sue remains as committed as ever, driven by the gratitude of residents and their families. “When families leave here at peace, knowing their loved ones are looked after, happy, and content, that’s what makes it all worthwhile.”