Last January, Lydia Cheung celebrated an incredible milestone, 25 years with The Benevolent Society. For her, caring for older people is not just a job. It’s what gives her purpose. 

As a Home Support Team Member, Lydia helps older Australians to remain living at home, maintain their independence and enjoy the best possible quality of life through tailored Support at Home Program packages. 

She explains simply why this work matters so much to her. “I feel my life is meaningful because I help others,” she says. “I’m happy that I can make life better for elderly people who need help.” 

She also knows her support reaches families too. ‘With my work, I can give some relief to family caregivers, especially when their loved ones need 24-hour care.” 

Over the past year, Lydia has noticed changing needs among clients. “Some clients need more help because of the deterioration of their health,” she shares. Because of this, parts of the service have evolved, particularly around medication management and domestic cleaning. She says clear guidance from managers has helped the team deliver safe and consistent care. 

After more than 25 years in the sector, what matters most to Lydia is trust. “I enjoy it most when my clients show their trust in me and appreciate my help,” she says. The moments she cherishes most are seeing her clients live better lives and knowing their families feel supported and reassured. 

Beyond practical care, Lydia treasures the connections she builds. Her clients come from many cultures and backgrounds, and she has learned so much from listening to their stories.  

“I’ve learned more history from their past and more about different cultures just by chatting with them,” she says. 

She also finds inspiration in their resilience. Seeing some clients remain capable later in life reminds her of ‘the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.’ 

Quietly and consistently, Lydia shows up for others, helping older people feel safe at home while giving families peace of mind. It is work she does with heart, helping her clients live their best lives.  

For more information on our range of Home Support services and programs, click here or call 1800 236 762.     

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