Meet Haydon, the care support worker changing lives – especially client John’s!

With his passion and dedication to helping seniors live their best lives, Haydon Gray is adored by all his clients, with 75-year-old Feros Care client John Hobson saying, “he’s one in a million.”

Haydon is so loved by clients and fellow team members alike that he was nominated for Team Member of the Year at the 2024 Feros Awards. But for Haydon, it isn’t about recognition – he’s simply fulfilling his life’s purpose.

Haydon’s backstory

Growing up, Haydon Gray lived and breathed harness racing. His family trained racehorses and he started driving from a young age.

“I drove in over 4000 races around Australia,” he says. “It was a great experience, but I got sick of it after a while. I wanted a change.”

In the back of his mind, Haydon had always thought about pursuing a career in disability care or aged care, but harness racing had taken up all his time. So, when he talked to his mum – a nurse – about his desire to quit harness racing, she encouraged him to follow his dream of becoming a care support worker.

A life-altering career pivot – for both Haydon and our clients!

“I applied for a job as a community care support worker with Feros Care in the Bendigo area and I got it,” says Haydon.

“That was three years ago and I love it – it’s a great job. I take clients out for social activities and do some gardening and cleaning. Every day is different, which makes it more enjoyable.”

He has formed very special connections with his clients and has proved to be an invaluable asset in their lives. In fact, many of them now consider him ‘a mate’ rather than a care support worker.

“I love helping people and have developed close bonds with all my clients, so I’m blessed that way,” Haydon says.

“One of my clients, John, is more like a mate than a client. I take him swimming every Thursday. We usually stop to get a coffee on the way, and then we go to the pool, followed by the sauna and spa. He also likes to get in the car and go for a drive, so I take him out and about. We went to the tram museum in Ballarat this week and he loved it. He’s a real good bloke, a bit of a lad like me, so that’s why we get on.”

John’s glowing words for Haydon

We’ve lost count of how many clients praise Haydon in every way, just like John Hobson who says, “I honestly cannot say enough positive things about him.”

He continues; “He’s such a special carer and has changed my life. He’s been with me 3 years. It’s been a fantastic 3 years, and I always look forward to his visits.”

“What he does is terrific. He offers support in every way, and I respect him so much.”

“Nothing is a bother for Haydon and everybody I speak to feels the same way – including my wife and son. He always takes the time to build relationships with people. He’s a special person who has done so much for me – and I will tell anyone who listens!”

“I have referred friends from my Men’s Shed Association group to Feros because of people like him. He’s one in a million.”

Our care support workers provide a range of services to help older people with daily living tasks, personal care, and social support, to maintain independence and improve quality of life.

To learn more about what our care support workers could do for you, please reach out by phoning 1300 418 418, or existing clients can contact us via the MyFeros portal.