40 years of ‘the best job in the world’ as a Care Worker
Patricia Cribb reflects on four decades of care, connection and purpose at Kapara Residential Care Home.
For 40 years, Patricia has been part of the community at Kapara Residential Care Home. Known as “Trish” around the home, she has spent four decades caring for residents, supporting families and building lasting connections with colleagues – an extraordinary milestone.
But when Trish reflects on her career, she does not begin with herself.
She begins with the residents.
“I love what I do,” she says. “I love the people. I love the work. You learn so much from these people. It’s the best job in the world.”
Becoming part of Kapara
Trish’s connection to Kapara began when she and her family moved to the area. Over time, Kapara became part of her life, and she became part of Kapara’s story.
She has seen significant changes in aged care, from evolving standards and expectations to a deeper understanding of person-centered support.
What has remained constant is the importance of providing a calm, homelike environment and simply being present.
“It’s invaluable,” she says. “That may sound simple, but in aged care, simple things are often the most important. It can remind a resident that they are known.”
And being known has always mattered to Trish.
“A good care worker has a personality that cares,” she says.
For Trish, that means recognising that every resident brings a lifetime of experiences, challenges, achievements and resilience.
“These are the people who built today’s country, they’ve sacrificed so much,” she says.
Born in the Northern Territory, Trish remembers a very different Australia, when supplies arrived by train and people waited for what they needed. Moving away at 22, she carried with her a strong sense of resilience and practicality that still shapes her approach to life and work.
“I learn so much from the residents when they share their gardening knowledge, how they cooked their food,” she says. “So many of them didn’t see TV until they were teenagers or young adults. Radio was more common those days. I think people keep forgetting that.”
Why the work still matters
Trish is often asked why she has stayed in the same work for 40 years. Her answer is simple.
“That’s the way I was brought up,” she says. “You just show up, because you care.”
Trish speaks with great love about her mother, who lived at Kapara for five years while living with Parkinson’s.
Her mother was her best friend, and having her receive care at Kapara gave Trish a different perspective on a place she already knew so well. It deepened her understanding of what good care means – not only for the person receiving it, but for the family who are trusting others with someone they love.
Thank you for your contribution, Trish
Trish’s 40-year milestone was celebrated with a cake, flowers and a special 40 years of service pin. Colleagues gathered to thank her and reflect on the impact she has had on residents, families and the broader Kapara community.
Home Manager Michael described Trish as ‘one of the legends’ of Kapara, thanking her for her dedication, knowledge and commitment to residents and families.
Derrick spoke of his deep respect for Trish, while Gagan thanked her for the conversations, long-standing connection and the many things he had learned from her over the years.
What is a good life?
When Trish thinks about a good life, she keeps it simple.
“Good life for me is being close to my family, being together, sharing things, having a purpose,” she says. “Good life is keeping well and healthy and happy.”
“And music, of course,” Trish adds.
She has been to three Rolling Stones concerts, plans to see Robbie Williams, and says her favourite concert was Bruce Springsteen.
And if you ask Trish whether retirement is on the horizon, her answer is wonderfully straightforward.
“I plan to keep working – I’m still happy to put my hand up for the weekend shifts,” she says.
For residents, families and colleagues at Kapara, that is very good news.
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