Page 15 - Just Better Care Possible Magazine - Issue 5

he was offered a position with in-home care provider Just Better Care, and he’s been with the company ever since.
“I love the work I do – sharing people’s lives with them is so rewarding and it gives me the best of both worlds. Your customer gets the support they need, and you get the satisfaction of knowing you’ve made a difference. It’s a win-win,” he said.
“You’re there for pivotal moments in their life, and there’s something so special about that.
“One of my customers can’t speak,
but he can laugh. We sit and watch his favourite comedy shows while he eats lunch and share a chuckle together. Or we sit and do the crossword together. It’s all about finding out what your customer enjoys, and supporting them to make sure they lead the best life possible.”
It’s a career that fits in with Gary’s lifestyle, and one of longevity. Gary has been working in community care for seven years so far, and says he’ll be doing it for at least another seven.
“It’s stable and flexible and arose
during a time in my life where change was imminent. This is a long-term career for me, and more people should consider this line of work.
“It may not be for everyone, but the work is always so varied and it’s a job that really makes you feel good at the end of the day. It was the right choice for me and my family.”
Gary never lost his love of music and performing. He recently formed a band with friends and got back on stage to celebrate his 50th birthday.
Gary says the work-life balance that comes with a career in community care has enabled him to spend more time with his family, including coaching his sons in a local under 7s soccer team.
Meet Ian
Reliable, honest, trustworthy and caring. These are the key attri- butes you need for a long career in community care, says Just Better Care Support Professional Ian.
And with a career spanning seven years, he would know. Working at the Eastern Suburbs and Inner West franchises, Ian says pursuing a career in community care was the best decision he’s made.
“On my first day, it felt like I had finally found what I was meant to do. And I’ve loved every minute since,” he said.
Finding a valuable and worthwhile career, where he could have a positive impact on other people’s lives, was something Ian dreamed of
as a child, but he didn’t find it right away.
Ian owned a cleaning business before joining Just Better Care. He said that while he worked very hard in his previous role, something was lacking. Ian longed for the opportunity to interact and connect with others through his work.
Working as a Support Professional has given Ian this satisfaction and allowed him to fulfil his promise to make a real difference.
“I remember thinking about this type of job when I was younger. I knew I could help people by working in this kind of industry,” he said.
“Working with people is fantastic, because you get to share their journey with them. We support our customers to be as independent as possible, so it’s often about working with them and guiding them so they build up strength and confidence.”
Just Better Care has helped Ian develop professionally and personally. He holds Certificate III in Aged Care. Ian said his customers have taught him to relate to people easier and given him an increased sense
of confidence.
“It’s funny because I’m there to support them and help make a difference in their lives, but they often have no idea what a difference it makes to mine.
“Every day when I finish work, I feel so happy. And it motivates me to do it all again the next day, or at least for as long as possible.”
I want to do this work forever.”
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