Meet our dedicated Support Workers across Australia

Our support workers do amazing things every day. They support our clients in small and important ways, devoting themselves to a life of service and the rewards that helping others can bring.

Get to know some of our wonderful Support Workers from across Australia including the Tasmania and Victoria region, the Northern New South Wales and Queensland region and the Central Coast-Hunter region.

Tasmania and Victoria

Meet Deb, Kali, Amy-Lee, Lauren, Sophie and Terry

How long have you been a support worker, and what have you learnt in that time?

Deb, who has been a support worker for 22 years in Tasmania, emphasises the importance of listening skills and empathy, stating, "You have to have better listening skills, to have empathy towards people's feelings, and to be considerate of their home when working." Kali, also in Tasmania and with integratedliving since 2019, agrees. She adds "I love that I provide a service that helps enable our clients to stay home in the comfort of the familiar surroundings."

In Victoria, Amy-Lee reflects on her 15 months of experience, saying, "I've learnt many different things, including how to be more patient and more understanding of others’ needs." Sophie, with 8 months of experience in Tasmania, shares, "I have learnt how to adapt to each client and how to attend to each client to suit their individual needs." Terry, also in Tasmania, captures his learning over 22 years: "I have learnt to be less judgmental." Lauren, who has been a support worker for about one and a half years in Tasmania, says, "I have learnt so much about the different types of care senior people can receive."

What do you love about being a support worker?

Deb loves her role because, as she puts it, "Helping people that need my support at home makes me happy." Kali agrees, stating, "Being a support worker is so rewarding. It is such a nice feeling knowing you can help someone maintain their independence."

Amy-Lee expresses her joy in making a difference, saying, "I really enjoy being a support worker because I can make a difference." Sophie also finds her role to be fulfilling, describing it as "such a rewarding and special job with so much meaning." Terry appreciates the variety, noting, "No two days are the same." Lauren echoes this sentiment, commenting, "I love being able to visit these incredible individuals in their homes and support them in any way possible, making their lives just a little bit easier."

What's the best part of supporting your clients, and what do they teach you?

Deb treasures the stories shared by her clients, she says, "The best part of supporting clients is you get to hear about the amazing life they have had." Kali highlights her pride in her achievements, saying, "I have learnt to be proud of what you can achieve no matter if it's big or small. It all counts."

Amy-Lee finds joy in the learning opportunities, stating, "I've heard different life adventures and what they have been through and are going through." For Sophie, the best part is building relationships, as she learns "not to rush through life, be kind to yourself and to appreciate everything you have." Terry values the lessons, he says "They teach me perseverance and resilience." Lastly, Lauren enjoys the laughter and connection, adding that her clients have taught her to cherish every moment and stay positive.

Northern New South Wales and Queensland

Meet Lesley, Andrew, Cherie, Sandra and Tayla

How long have you been a support worker, and what have you learnt in that time?

Cherie, based in New South Wales, has worked in aged care for 23 years but has spent the last 18 months as a support worker in community care: "I have learnt there is a massive difference between the type of personalised one-on-one care we can deliver to clients in their own homes compared to an aged-care facility." Andrew, also in New South Wales, has been with integratedliving for about 18 months. He shares that he has gained a newfound appreciation and respect for the senior community and how much his clients value their independence.

In Queensland, Sandra has worked in the aged-care industry for 6 years, initially in residential care before transitioning to support work. She explains that this experience has allowed her to develop her “skills in the home-care sector." Lesley, who started with integratedliving in 2016, has been a support worker for 7 years. She highlights the importance of patience and understanding the different personalities that come with entering people's homes. Tayla, the newest support worker since January 2023, has already learned the significance of communication and the importance of genuinely caring for others.

What do you love about being a support worker?

Cherie loves building relationships with her clients and learning about their histories, she says, "I love the autonomy of my role and having the time to get to know the clients really well." Andrew feels privileged to be a support worker, noting that it allows him to give back to his community: "I feel in a small way that I’m making a difference, and there is no better feeling than that." Sandra agrees, emphasising the impact of her support on clients' quality of life, adding, "It is heartwarming to know that the services I provide make a positive impact."

In Queensland, Tayla expresses, "I love being a support worker because it is a very rewarding job."  Lesley appreciates the variety of work and the chance to meet new people, saying, "I like the variety of work, meeting new people, and supporting them to be able to stay in their homes."

What's the best part of supporting your clients, and what do they teach you?

For Cherie, the best part of her job is knowing she helps clients maintain their independence at home: "Knowing that I am helping my clients to stay in their own home for as long as possible is the best part of my job." She notes that her clients have taught her the importance of patience and focusing on the little things that matter.

Andrew enjoys the conversations he has with his clients and the personal connections he builds: "Listening to them talk about their lives and getting to know them on a personal level reassures them that they’re not alone." He highlights that his clients teach him to value life and make the most of every day.

Sandra reflects on the small things that make a big impact: "My clients have taught me that it is often the small things we do that have the biggest impact." Tayla shares that the best part of her job is knowing she has helped her clients, she notes "the smallest things can make the biggest difference." Lesley enjoys learning from her clients’ varied life experiences, adding, "I like the personal aspect of having a chat and getting to know them."

Central Coast-Hunter

Meet Amelia, Melissa, Tereasa and Samantha

How long have you been a support worker, and what have you learnt in that time?

Melissa has worked in aged care for 36 years and has been with integratedliving for 14 years. She shares, "I have learnt that the quality of keeping someone at home has far more benefits for the client." Samantha, who started as a support worker in January 2022, has discovered the importance of believing in herself: "Even though change is a bit scary, it has been the best decision learning new skills and putting my already learnt ones to use."

Amelia has been a support worker for a little over 3 years and stresses the importance of being a supportive carer. Teresa, with 4 years of experience in community care, notes that she has learned a lot from her clients, stating, "Being in the community, I have met a lot of nice people as well."

What do you love about being a support worker?

Melissa loves making a difference in her clients' lives, saying, "That I make a difference with someone’s quality of life and being able to support them in their familiar surroundings for as long as possible." Samantha enjoys the variety in her work: "I love that every day at work is different." She appreciates the adaptability that her role requires and how it allows her to help people in various ways.

Amelia finds joy in helping her clients, stating, "One thing I love about being a support worker is being able to help and make our clients' lives that little bit easier." Teresa echoes this sentiment, saying, "Just being there to help them and to be able to meet their needs in staying home means a lot to me."

What's the best part of supporting your clients, and what do they teach you?

Melissa values the life lessons she learns from her clients, she says, "You learn so much from their life experiences right down to their little expressions." She encourages taking the time to listen to their stories, which can be incredibly enlightening.

Samantha finds that her clients teach her to appreciate life: "One of my favourite lessons from my clients is not to live life too fast." She enjoys helping them take their minds off their daily struggles. Amelia highlights the joy of seeing her clients smile, stating, "The best part about supporting our clients is seeing the smile on their faces when the service is done."

Teresa enjoys learning about clients’ “past and what they have gone through." She also notes how clients teach her the tricks of the trade: “From shopping bags and making beds, they really have fantastic ideas and I take home these ideas for myself."