Brisbane aged care worker bringing the Gift of Joy to seniors every day

There aren’t many jobs in the world where the main goal is simply to bring joy – but for Carole Pallier, that’s exactly how she sees her role.

Based at Carinity Brookfield Green aged care in Brisbane, Carole works as a Diversional Therapist, dedicating her days to putting smiles on the faces of residents and helping them maintain a rich quality of life.

“My job is to make this part of our residents’ lives enjoyable,” Carole says.

As we age, maintaining social connections, hobbies and interests becomes increasingly important to our overall wellbeing. For many seniors, moving into residential aged care can open the door to rediscovering old passions, trying new activities, and forming meaningful friendships.

Regular social interaction is known to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation – both risk factors for depression and anxiety in older adults. Participating in enjoyable activities and spending time with others provides residents with a renewed sense of purpose and belonging.

At Carinity Brookfield Green, there’s no shortage of opportunities to get involved. Alongside Activities Officer Terry Hook, Carole coordinates between five and seven activities every weekday, ensuring residents always have something to look forward to.

From concerts and music sessions to arts, crafts and sports, the activity calendar is designed to bring movement, laughter and even a little friendly competition into daily life.

“We have people who don’t enjoy group activities,” Carole explains. “So we always make time for one-on-one engagement. That might be painting together, a walk in the garden, reading a book, listening to their life story, or playing board games.”

For residents living with dementia, activities are carefully tailored to their individual needs.

“We sing, play music, spend time outside in the garden, and offer hand massages or nail care,” Carole says. “That physical touch and connection is incredibly important.”

With a background in art, Carole has also introduced a painting club, where she runs what she affectionately calls ‘à la carte art’. She hand-paints gift cards while residents sit nearby chatting, and she regularly takes residents on bus trips to a local art café – a much-loved outing.

But it’s the deeply personal moments that mean the most.

“One of our residents hadn’t left her room for a very long time, by her own choice,” Carole recalls. “One day, we managed to encourage her out and took her to a room with a piano.”

What happened next was unforgettable.

“She asked to be wheeled up to the piano and played her concert music – something she hadn’t done for years. There were tears all around. That’s what makes our job worthwhile.”

For Carole, bringing joy isn’t just part of the job – it’s the reason she does it.