On a farm just outside of Warracknabeal, a wheatbelt town in Victoria’s north west, a black pony called Fairy once ferried Mona seven small charges to and from school each day.
Now aged 98, Mona was the youngest of her siblings. By the time Mona reached school age, her siblings had already left, so her parents unhitched the buggy and Mona rode her beloved old pony to school.
“One day, I was riding down the lane and Fairy just folded her knees and refused to go any further,” Mona recalls.
“Mum came running, and eventually Fairy stood and walked back to the farm, but that was it – she wasn’t going to school anymore.”
Mona tells this story sitting at her kitchen table over a cup of tea with her Mercy Health Home Care Worker Lois Dodd-Cragill, who wipes away tears.
“Animal stories always make me cry,” Lois says, with a laugh.
Lois is familiar with Mona’s many wonderful stories about her childhood, her husband Stafford, her work and family. Mona was one of Lois’ first clients, when Lois – herself 80 years old – retrained as a home care worker 14 years ago.
The octogenarian is nudging the same age as many of her clients, but she has no intention of slowing down.
“I am elderly myself but I enjoy spending time with our elderly clients,” Lois says.
“I spent two decades working with primary school children and now I am at the opposite end of the spectrum. I really enjoy working with older people – I learn something every day.
“I might be 80 but I’m not going to learn anything sitting around at home.”
Home Care Worker Lois (right) aged 80 with client Mona, 98.
Lois is passionate about learning new skills, which recently included getting savvy with Google Maps on her smartphone. She also treasures the many conversations and experiences she shares with clients in the course of a day.
“I feel privileged to have worked with so many wonderful people,” Lois says. “I met one client who was 102 – she was amazing – and Mona is nearly 99 and still does her own gardening. I think that is incredible!
“In the past couple of months, three clients have received letters from the Queen for turning 100.”
Lois is happy that her work helps keep so many people safe, independent and living well at home.
“Some people are very lonely and look forward to the company, and appreciate the help,” she says. “It is incredibly rewarding – I enjoy every minute of it.”
Lois at work
Team Leader Carla Duarte says Lois is the oldest home care worker in the team by about seven years, but her age doesn’t hold her back. “She works five days a week – not just a day here and there,” Carla says. “She is reliable and never lets you down. Sometimes she even picks up extra shifts when we need the help.”
“She is also very funny; every time we meet with her she has us laughing. I hope I’m like that in my 80s.”
Last reviewed July 19, 2022.