This Aged Care Employee Day, AnglicareSA says ‘Thanks for Caring’ to our dedicated workforce of more than 1,000 care workers, hospitality teams, nurses, allied health professionals, lifestyle teams, coordinators, administration staff, and many others who work across our Aged Care Services.
They make a difference every day by providing essential care, comfort, and companionship to older Australians. They help our loved ones live longer in their own homes or feel at home in residential aged care.
Their commitment and dedication to providing extraordinary care in what can be at times a challenging occupation is worthy of recognition.
From Holden to aged care
For Adris Salih, home care wasn’t part of his original career plan.
“I worked at Holden for 28 years and thought I’d be there until I retired,” Adris said.
However, the closure of Holden’s manufacturing plant threw a spanner in the works for Adris, who had to find new employment, choosing to retrain as an aged care worker.
“I like to talk to people and have good people skills, so I decided to give it a go and try something different.”
Adris Salih
“It was a big change, but I have really enjoyed it.”
Adris, who has been a part of AnglicareSA’s community aged care team for nearly 10 years, was recently promoted to Home and Community Client Services Lead and now manages 43 care workers across metro Adelaide.
He said he loved being able to mentor the next generation of aged care workers.
“I try to catch up with each of them as much as I can on their shifts and see if they need any support.
“I love being able to help them to care for our customers.”
Adris said Aged Care Employee Day provided an opportunity to recognise aged care employees’ hard work and commitment to the health and wellbeing of older people.
“Aged care workers put 110 per cent into their work,” he said.
“The job we do is huge and makes a big difference to the lives of older people.”
Bringing the fun
Darcy Kemp likes to say that her role as a Customer Wellness Assistant at our Grange residential aged care home is all about bringing the fun.
From celebrating events to facilitating gardening groups, armchair travel sessions, and the all-important Bingo Wednesdays, Darcy brings bucketloads of enthusiasm to every lifestyle activity she’s a part of.
Darcy is part of the lifestyle team responsible for designing and creating engaging and fun leisure activities that meet residents’ needs.
It’s a role she thinks is very important for residents’ health and wellbeing.
“Moving into a residential aged care home can be hard initially for residents, who are now living with other people they don’t know. I like to make them feel at home and find ways to get them involved in activities that make them happy and where they can connect with other residents.”
Darcy Kemp
“When you age, your abilities might change, but your interests don’t.”
It’s clear that the residents are fond of Darcy – smiles and laughter are common takeaways in their interactions with her.
And talking to Darcy, the feeling is mutual.
“I love talking to the residents and their families and hearing their stories.
“I form such strong bonds with the residents, it’s like I have 100 grandparents,” she joked.
Darcy said Aged Care Employee Day was also a chance to acknowledge the contributions of older Australians.
“I think it’s so important that we give back to older people and look after them,” she said.
“Everything that we have now is thanks to them.”
With the number of Australians over 85 expected to double over the next decade, it’s no secret that more aged care workers are needed to keep up with the demand.
Want to make a difference in the lives of older Australians? Join the AnglicareSA team and apply for a role in aged care here.