We meet Terry, an Envigor lifestyle support assistant (LSA) working at aged care community Seasons Caloundra and find out about how she brings a neighbourly approach to her role as a carer.
After working as a child protection caseworker for 17 years, Terry moved to Caloundra for a sea and career change two years ago.
“This is a semi-retirement for me – I’m 62 – so I’m looking for something where I can give to the community but that’s a little less stressful,” says Terry.
“I live quite close, so I feel like they’re my neighbours and as they are my neighbours, I have a caring relationship with them. I think they would care for me as well as I care for them.”
Terry says she sees her role to care and support her clients not only with those things they’re finding difficult but to keep doing those things they still can.
“I always believe in encouraging people and prompting people so we don’t take over what they can do because people do need a reason to get up of a morning. So, we help where we can but while keep encouraging people to keep doing what they can do.
“My day starts quite early and we help residents get out of bed, having a shower and get dressed. You’re prompting a lot. Prompt them with what clothes might be appropriate for the day, prompt them about what’s happening at Seasons for the day and generally ensure they have help with anything they need.
“We’re here to help the residents with their day to day living activities, but generally I feel that we’re here to help them be a part of the community, enjoy life and find happiness where they are. Every resident is different and every one of them is dear to me and the rest of the staff.”
Terry says developing these close bonds can sometimes make her job difficult.
“It’s hard when we lose residents, but we know that we’ve given them the best care. We just lost some people that are really dear to us and that’s sometimes sad, but we do the best for our residents while they’re in our care.”