Northern NSW and Queensland Region Support Workers: Meet Our Dedicated Team
Our support workers are incredible. Their commitment to helping others and providing clients with the support they need to stay living independently in their homes, is very inspiring.
So too, the joy they gain from their daily service. Here, we get to know some of our Northern team servicing a vast region from Queensland’s far north to Coffs Harbour in New South Wales.
“It is often the small things we do that have the biggest impact.” Sandra
“I feel in a small way that I’m making a difference and there is no better feeling than that.” Andrew
Cherie
New South Wales
How long have you been a support worker, and what have you learnt in that time?
I have worked in aged care for 23 years but have worked in the role of a Support Worker in community care for the past 18 months. 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.
What do you love about being a support worker?
I love building relationships with my clients and learning about their history and the lives they have lived. I love the autonomy of my role and having the time to get to know the clients really well.
What's the best part of supporting your clients, and what do they teach you?
Knowing that I am helping my clients to stay in their own home for as long as possible and providing them with the support they need to maintain their independence, is the best part of my job.
My clients have taught me the need for patience and understanding when caring for someone in their own home. They have taught me to focus on the little things that matter to them and which make their life more comfortable.
Sandra
Queensland
How long have you been a support worker, and what have you learnt in that time?
I have worked in the aged-care industry for six years, initially in residential aged care before making the change to being a support worker with integratedliving. During this time, I have had the opportunity to develop my skills in the home-care sector, working independently with a wide variety of clients.
What do you love about being a support worker?
I believe being supportive, understanding and compassionate is key to being a successful support worker. It is heartwarming to know that the services I provide make a positive impact on their quality of life, enabling them to live independently in their own homes and progressing towards their own goals.
What's the best part of supporting your clients, and what do they teach you?
My clients have taught me that it is often the small things we do that have the biggest impact.
Tayla
Queensland
How long have you been a support worker, and what have you learnt in that time?
I have only been a support worker since January 2023. But even in that short amount of time I have learnt to be patient, that communication is important but different for everyone, and genuinely caring about people helps build great relationships.
What do you love about being a support worker?
I love being a support worker because it is a very rewarding job. I am a naturally caring person, and it’s good to share that around with everyone and know it’s appreciated.
What's the best part of supporting your clients, and what do they teach you?
The best part about supporting my clients is knowing I have helped them. The smallest things can make the biggest difference and my clients are always thankful. My clients have taught me that it’s never too late to start something new, taking time to have fun and socialise is important, and I still have a lot to look forward to in life!
Andrew
New South Wales
How long have you been a support worker, and what have you learnt in that time?
I have been with integratedliving for about 18 months. I have learnt a new-found appreciation and respect for the senior community and how much my clients value their independence.
What do you love about being a support worker?
I am privileged and honoured to be a support worker as it gives me the opportunity to give back to our community and with my help, amongst all our other great colleagues, we give them the opportunity to stay in the comfort of their own homes. I feel in a small way that I’m making a difference and there is no better feeling than that.
What's the best part of supporting your clients, and what do they teach you?
The best part of supporting my clients is the conversations that we have. Listening to them talk about their lives and getting to know them on a personal level, and reassuring them that they’re not alone and there will always be help close by. What I have learned from my clients is to value life and make the most of every day, and to value my family and friends as you only live once. My clients have on many occasions given me great advice on different aspects of life and hurdles that come your way from time to time. You can learn so much from our clients as they are a wealth of knowledge.
Lesley
Queensland
How long have you been a support worker, and what have you learnt in that time?
I started in 2016 so I have been with integratedliving for 7 years. In that time, I have learnt to be patient and how to effectively interact with all the different personalities you come across when entering people’s homes. Being aware of the different needs that people have.
What do you love about being a support worker?
I like the variety of work, meeting new people, supporting them to be able to stay in their homes and making them feel comfortable. I get excited about the travelling and getting to go to different locations. I like not being stuck in the same place all day.
What's the best part of supporting your clients, and what do they teach you?
I enjoy talking to clients as they have had a variety of life and work experiences. I like the personal aspect of having a chat and getting to know them, and understanding what it was like for them growing up in their era. Learning how they have adjusted to life as they grow older.