Celebrating Excellence in Care – Barbara Rybarczyk, Case Manager at Polcare

Can you tell us a little about your background and what led you to a career in aged and community care?

I come from a nursing and midwifery background in Poland, where I worked closely with patients and their families for many years. I supported women throughout their pregnancies, assisted with deliveries, and provided care and guidance after childbirth. I also visited families at home, teaching new mothers how to bathe and care for their newborn babies. I was responsible for two lives at the same time, which taught me attention to detail, responsibility, compassion, and the ability to work calmly under pressure.

Caring for others has always been very important to me. After moving to Australia, I wanted to continue working in a role where I could support people and make a positive difference in their daily lives. Aged and community care felt like a natural path because it allows me to combine my professional experience with compassion, understanding, and practical support for older people in the community.

What inspired you to become a Case Manager, and how has your journey evolved?

My journey to becoming a Case Manager has been long and rewarding. When I first came to Australia, I started working as a volunteer because I wanted to stay connected to the community and continue helping others. Over time, I completed Certificate III and Certificate IV qualifications and later achieved an Advanced Diploma in Community Care.

I wanted to become a Case Manager because I enjoy helping people navigate challenges and access the right services to improve their quality of life. Over time, I realised that many clients need someone who will truly listen, advocate for them, and coordinate support in a caring and respectful way.

My journey has taught me the importance of communication, patience, and teamwork. Every client has a different story, and I continue to learn from each person I work with.

How has your nursing experience in Poland shaped the way you work today?

My nursing experience gave me strong clinical knowledge, but it also taught me empathy, resilience, and responsibility. Working in healthcare in Poland required dedication and adaptability, and those skills continue to help me every day.

I understand how important dignity and respect are, especially for older people who may feel vulnerable or isolated. My background helps me look at each client holistically and understand both their medical and emotional needs.

As care workers and Case Managers, we enter people’s homes — their private space, their safe place, and often the last part of life they still feel fully in control of. That is why empathy is so important. Clients need to feel respected, heard, and comfortable in their own environment. I always try to make sure people feel supported without losing their independence or sense of self-worth.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Every day is different, which is one of the things I enjoy most about my role. My day usually includes speaking with clients and families, organising services, completing care plans, following up with healthcare professionals, and responding to urgent situations when needed.

I also visit clients at home to check on their wellbeing and ensure they are receiving the support they need. It can be busy, but it is very rewarding.

How do you build trust with clients and their families?

I build trust by listening carefully, being honest, and following through on what I promise. Many clients and families are going through difficult or stressful situations, so it is important that they feel heard and supported.

I try to communicate clearly and treat everyone with kindness, patience, and respect. Building relationships takes time, but consistency and genuine care make a big difference.

What does “good care” mean to you?

To me, good care means treating every person with dignity, compassion, and respect. It is not only about meeting physical needs but also supporting emotional wellbeing, independence, and quality of life.

Good care means understanding the individual, respecting their choices, and helping them feel safe, valued, and connected.

What are some of the challenges clients commonly face, and how do you support them?

Many clients experience loneliness, declining health, reduced mobility, or difficulty navigating services. Some families also feel overwhelmed while caring for loved ones.

I support clients by helping them access the right services, advocating for their needs, and making sure they understand the support available to them. Sometimes, simply listening and being there for someone can make a very big difference.

What do you enjoy most about working at Polcare?

What I enjoy most is the strong sense of community and teamwork. At Polcare, there is genuine care not only for clients but also for staff.

I appreciate being able to work with people who share the same values and commitment to supporting the Polish community and older Australians. It is rewarding to know that our work positively impacts people’s lives.

You have received multiple “You are ACE!” nominations. How did that feel?

It was very touching and unexpected. I feel grateful that my work and efforts have been recognised by colleagues and clients.

The nominations motivated me to continue giving my best every day and reminded me that even small acts of support and kindness are noticed and appreciated.

What does this recognition mean to you personally?

This recognition means a lot to me because it reflects the relationships and trust I have built with clients, families, and colleagues.

It reassures me that the work I do has value and makes a difference in people’s lives. I feel proud to be part of a profession where compassion and dedication truly matter.

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