I have a lovely client I've been looking after for three years. Today we had five hours respite together. I can see that her dementia is slowly increasing. So I just go with the flow. I know what her likes and dislikes are, I've got to know her really well.
And I know she loves Italian music. So I got my son put some Italian songs on my car. And as soon as she gets in, and I put it on, and she hears “O solo mio”, it's like a light switch flicks and she goes back in time. She just loves it. I've learned the region in Italy that she comes from. So I took her some photos of that region and she loved that. And we go online and look at photos there too, and it brings her alive.
When I go there they treat me like family. Even the dog knows me, she’s there scratching at the screen door! What I'm saying is, it's not a job. I'm getting paid to make somebody's life a little bit better.
I worked in a bank for 18 years, working part time when I had a family. But I have taken care of my parents all my life. When it got to the stage that mum needed to be cared for full-time, I left work and it was the best thing I did. When in time they went to heaven, I couldn't go back to working in an office. I had enjoyed my caring role and I really missed that. So I started working in aged care. I did a couple of courses, I didn't really think I'd last - but it's been 11 years now and I really love my job!
As a Care Worker I do a lot of personal care. I help with showering, medication prompting, domestic assistance, respite, transport for appointments, preparing meals. I assist as well with some of the night services with clients, if perhaps they've had a fall or need extra attention or help during the evening. And I make myself more available during school holidays just to help out. I’ve found that some of the little things I try to do, are actually big things for the clients.
I love to care for people as if they're family. I treat people the way I would like to be treated, and I treat them as if they were my mum and dad. I try to do my best. I’m patient, I love caring. And they appreciate it, and the family appreciate it. And I like that. Good feedback comes through from my clients, and their families, and I really appreciate it. Anglicare is a good team to work for, and they go out of their way to meet our clients’ requirements.
I went through a difficult time with a family member who was sick for three and a half years. Through that, Anglicare were always there for me. They've always been supportive of me, if there have been any needs. It’s a good team to work for.
They've always had a good training ethic. And I know if I ever had any issues, they will always listen and help. Everyone, all my managers and the team, everyone is always supportive. I really appreciate it. I couldn't find a better company, both for me, and for the clients. And I’m so happy.
Thanks Annie for sharing your story with us. Some names and details have been changed to protect privacy.
If Annie’s role sounds appealing, why not visit Anglicare’s Careers page for more information on working for Anglicare.
