A weekly trip to the Hyperdome helped one older Logan resident reconnect with people and rediscover the confidence to leave her house.
Carinity Home Care lifestyle carer Sue Weeks regularly took her client, Sharon, to the shopping centre, where they would visit a plant store and speak with its owner.
“Seeing Sharon light up being around people – seeing she was part of a larger community – was really special,” Ms Weeks said in a Carinity profile.
Ms Weeks has worked with Carinity’s Logan team for two years, providing domestic assistance, personal care and support to help older residents get out into the community.
She previously worked as a primary school teacher and ran a family daycare before entering aged care after helping her father and observing the carers who supported him.
Ms Weeks said consistent visits allowed carers and clients to build the trust needed to make progress.
“It’s wonderful to see some of my clients regain their confidence to leave their home,” she said.
“That wouldn’t have happened without the trust we’ve built over time, simply by being there each week and supporting them.”
Fellow Logan lifestyle carer Liza Jane was also drawn to the sector through her experience caring for relatives.
“After caring for my mother and brother before they passed away, I decided I wanted to care for older people, helping them live comfortably and do what they like to do,” Ms Jane said.
“I love the stories they tell. They are like an open book, always willing to share their stories and knowledge.
“Every day is different and every day I learn something from them.”
Carinity says in-home carers may become a particularly important source of companionship for older residents who live alone and see few people outside their families.
Ms Weeks said the support needed could change from one visit to the next.
“As seniors age, their ability to do everyday tasks changes,” she said.
“I am there to meet them where they’re at, on that particular day. They are just so grateful for the big and small differences I make.”
Their work is being highlighted ahead of Aged Care Employee Day on Friday 7 August.
Figures published by Ageing Australia show about 456,000 people work across Australia’s aged-care sector, supporting approximately 1.3 million older Australians.
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