Originally from Nepal, Laxmi Bhandari moved to Sydney as a Registered Nurse almost 10 years ago. Obtaining a Masters in Nursing and an Infection Prevention and Control certification, she worked in both hospitals and residential aged care communities, before choosing to focus on aged care. She has previous experience as a Care Manager and Facility Manager, and she leads Charingfield with compassion and kindness.
What do you love about working in aged care?
I love aged care because I’m able to build strong connections with residents. I feel I can have a wider positive impact in aged care than in a hospital setting where there’s little time to get to know people. Here, I’m able to enhance residents’ wellbeing in so many ways.
How do you feel about Charingfield?
This community is unique. There’s nowhere else that has this combination of the small-house design that enables a stronger bond to form between the residents and staff, and the beautiful gardens. I also love the sense of community connection here. So many residents are from the local area and they deeply appreciate being able to stay living in this special part of Sydney. But most of all, I love how Charingfield feels like my extended family!
How do you think you’re making a difference to residents and staff?
I try to help residents feel at home in every way possible. Helping them continue to feel welcome, safe and respected is at the heart of everything we do. Residents know that I’m always available for a conversation and I love that they’ll often just sit with me and tell me about their day.
I’m lucky to lead a fantastic team at Charingfield that’s united in placing residents’ needs first. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is mentoring staff through training and education. They have such a drive to learn and it’s wonderful to see them implement their knowledge and skills in their care and clinical tasks.
Fun Facts
Favourite pastime: Shopping!
Favourite food: Momo (traditional Nepalese dumplings). I make these every weekend using my family’s recipe.
Something that no one at work knows about you: I used to play Chess competitively.
Where would you next like to travel: I am excited to return to Nepal later this year for my wedding. I haven’t seen my extended family for six years.
Favourite childhood memory: Any memory I have of spending time with my Grandma. I was so fond of her and we had an amazing bond.