Transitioning from driving trucks to caring for older Australians in their homes was a big career change for AnglicareSA Care Worker Jeff Green, but he would not have it any other way.

“I genuinely wanted to help older people, and that was a big motivator for me to get out of bed in the morning,” Jeff said.

“It is just a rewarding job. Before, I was driving a truck delivering bulk gas.

“I just wanted to get back to something where I felt like my skills and abilities would be really valuable.”

AnglicareSA is sharing Jeff’s story as part of Aged Care Employee Day.

Celebrated annually on 7 August, the day recognises the more than 450,000 aged care workers in Australia who care for 1.3 million people receiving aged care services.

Jeff said that while many people saw aged care as a job of practical support, he believed working in the sector required heart and compassion.

“You have to care to have this job,” he said.

“It is about treating people well and with respect, but also advocating for them and making sure they get the best care possible.”

Jeff, who is currently on secondment as a Home and Community Client Services Lead for our Home Care Services, said that while he was embracing the opportunity for career progression, he missed his former clients.

“Some of the clients are missing me and wanting me back as their care worker,” he said.

“That makes me feel good, developing those relationships and knowing that they were happy to see me on a daily basis.”