The new face leading Edenhope healthcare

When Sade Obagbemi walked the halls of Lakeside Living care community for the first time, she was overcome by emotion. 

She was taken back to her first experiences of the healthcare industry, caring for people living with dementia and supporting families through palliative care. 

“There is no money that can give you the fulfillment that you get from caring for elderly people,” she said. 

“I was so grateful, to find that passion in me; I found a sparkle in me at that time.” 

It was only 13 years ago that Sade took on her first role in aged care. 

Today, she is Edenhope’s acting campus manager (while Tricia McInnes takes long service leave) and acting community health manager (during Jo Grant’s absence). 

Her appointment to these senior positions reflects Sade’s drive to embrace a new identity in a new country. 

Sade grew up in Lagos, West Africa, where she studied accounting and started her family. 

When her husband proposed a move across the world, to Australia, Sade was pregnant with their second child and had a successful career working for major corporations. 

“I really didn’t want to come, I had a lot of support and I was very happy,” she said. “My husband came and I was visiting him every few months but I didn’t want to commit. 

“I had my second baby in Geelong but ran home again after a month.” 

When Sade eventually committed to the family’s new life, she set about forging a new identity. 

Initially, aged care was just a flexible job to balance with family duties. 

It quickly became Sade’s life purpose. 

“Providing care, giving people dignity and sitting with someone when they’re dying – it is such a beautiful privilege,” she said. 

“I was reluctant to come to Australia and start all over again, but it’s been such a blessing; this work means everything to me.” 

That passion fuelled Sade through seven years of night shifts, while raising three children and studying to become a registered nurse. 

About five years ago, Sade transitioned into management positions in Stawell; 12 months ago she also took on Edenhope's acting community health manager role. 

Although she enjoys the responsibility of juggling the moving parts of healthcare, resident and patient wellbeing is central to Sade’s approach. 

“I have seen the Edenhope team’s passion for their services and connecting with the community; it’s what I love about this unique campus,” she said. 

“I want this community to see that Grampians Health is leading the way in high-quality, person-centred care and to get them involved in what we’re providing.” 

Sade’s dual roles cover every department, program and team at the Edenhope campus. 

Although she and her family live in Hamilton, Sade will stay in Edenhope a few nights every week. 

“There will still be a lot of travel for me, but my husband has taken on more of a caring role for the family,” she said. 

“It breaks my heart to miss some of those moments, but I am proud to be a role model for my children. 

"This is my purpose."