A shared zest for life and adventure

March 29, 2025

Rain, hail or shine, 82 year old Rudy will never say no to an adventure with his CatholicCare Support Worker, Anthony. With a twinkle in his eye and a radiant smile, Rudy is always ready to go when Anthony arrives at his door. From coastal strolls to waterfront coffees, their bond has grown over many rainy walks and shared adventures.

Rudy is proud of the life that he has lived. His satisfaction with life is evident in his calm and peaceful nature, despite the challenges of ageing and Alzheimer’s. 

Before migrating to Australia, Rudy worked for the American Government in his home country of the Philippines. “I worked in payroll, collecting wages for soldiers during the Vietnam War,” Rudy says. “When I was offered a job in Australia, I moved here with my family. Australia is my home now.” 

Over the years, Rudy grew accustomed to a busy, active life. Today, as he grapples with memory loss and health challenges, Rudy has not lost the desire to fill his days with activity. “Without Anthony, I would be sitting around at home,” Rudy says.

Rudy’s son, Peter, notices a considerable difference in his father after his mornings out. “On days when dad isn’t active, the side effects of his Alzheimer’s are greater. He is more confused and the evenings are a struggle.” 

Rudy knows that he has hit the jackpot with Anthony as his Support Worker. Their bond transcends the conventional worker-client relationship and has developed into a genuine friendship. 

“I come from a manufacturing warehousing background, and this is by far the best job I’ve ever had,” Anthony says. “Instead of spending my days making a company happy, I get to make people happy. To see Rudy’s smile when I arrive at his door is so rewarding.”

For Rudy’s family, it has been a joy to see him engage with the world around him again. “When dad is at home, he struggles to choose what to do, so he will often not do anything,” says Peter. “Thanks to Anthony, dad can get out and be active.” 

Every interaction shared by Rudy and Anthony is marked by mutual respect and warmth. With a shared zest for life, they are a force to be reckoned with.