Being chosen as Pacific Homecare’s Employee of the Month for June 2015 is a humbling experience for Faagai Faagai.
“I enjoy my job because I get to help people who need it,” he says.
“To be chosen for this is a bonus, but still very special because there are so many good people working at Pacific Homecare.”
Faagai grew up in Samoa, spending much of his life in Alafua. His parents were both pastors and he worked as a transport officer for the government. When his parents passed away in 2012 he decided to come to New Zealand where his wife had recently moved to along with her parents.
Faagai initially stayed at home to look after their children. But when he saw a position advertised at Pacific Homecare, he was keen to apply.
“With my upbringing by my parents I always felt a duty and a need to care,” he says.
Making it particularly attractive was the fact the people who needed support were elderly Samoans.
“My culture is always to serve with love and care. I’m very happy looking after the old men because it reminds me of when I looked after my parents. My clients are now my family.”
Faagai ensures his patients eat well and keep as active as they can. He takes them for walks whenever possible, which includes a walk to and around the local South Mall in Manurewa, which takes about an hour.
“The people I look after are mainly male, so it’s important I’m fit and strong enough to help them when they need it. It would be good to see more men do what I do.”
He makes breakfast and dinner every day for one of his clients who is 88-years-old. In total he has five clients, all elderly Samoans, who enjoy lengthy conversations in their own language.
It not only lifts the spirits of those Faagai cares for, it lifts his own.
“I enjoy my job and enjoy the training we receive at Pacific Homecare because I learn a lot and can use it to look after my clients even better.”
