THE workplace can be where lifelong friendships begin and that’s particularly true of Cabanda Care in Rosewood.

The residential aged care facility attracts compassionate workers like Sharon Drinnen, and the culture of mateship and comradery continues long after employees no longer work for the company.

A group of past workmates met up for a reunion at the Royal George Hotel in Rosewood, recently.

The evening was organised by Sharon because she enjoys reconnecting with the people she once worked alongside.

She is still involved with the organisation but as a volunteer.

“I was a carer or PCA, a personal care assistant as they used to call it,” she said.

“I also organised daily activities for the residents.

“I did nearly eight years just in the dementia specific side before moving onto other areas.”

She said she enjoyed being around clients who had dementia, and she’d learned how to redirect them if they became confused or agitated.

“Music is a wonderful therapy tool for clients with dementia, I was able to get one gentleman up and to the bathroom when needed that way,” she said.

“I’d say we were going to dance, and we’d do that as we walked there together.”

About 14 people attended the reunion, it was a chance to catch up and reminisce.

“Sue Smith is the only one still working at Cabanda, Suzette Smith started as a young volunteer and never left, she was there for 31 years,” she said.

“We last had a reunion two years ago and we enjoy seeing each other because we’ve made such strong friendships.”