Thanks for Caring – Our Nurse Next Door Caregivers’ Stories

Shantelle

Caregiver
Nurse Next Door Newcastle

1. Why did you choose Caregiving as a Career?

I chose caregiving because I am a giver, not a taker, and I pride myself in being able to help people, no matter who they are, where they come from or how big or small their needs may be. 

My main goal in every care visit I attend is to make the client smile or laugh because releasing those happy hormones can make such a big impact on someone’s day.

2. What is your most memorable moment with an aged care client within the community?

There are daily memorable moments including; being able to help someone declutter their home so they could continue to live in a safe and clean environment, and enjoy great food, that through my care I can empower a person to feel more independent, and help them realise that they can still enjoy every moment of their life and, finally always being able to keep someone calm when emergency situations arrive. 

It’s the daily memorable moments for me that not only leave an impact on the people I care for but also on myself knowing that I can make a difference to people as they age in their own home and on their own terms.

3. What advice would you give someone who wants to be a Caregiver?

If someone is looking for a Career in Caregiving, it’s important to know that while there are challenges in the role, there is also great reward. 

For me, caregiving is the most rewarding job apart from becoming a parent. You meet the most amazing and inspiring people who have the best life stories and advice you will ever hear. Yes, they may be getting older or have a disability but they are still human and deserve our respect and kindness at all times. 

Your heart will fill and explode with love and happiness when they remember you and they thank and appreciate you and they look forward to your visits. To some clients you become family when they don’t have any but you still have to uphold a professional relationship. You become that friendly face that they know they can rely on. 

Sometimes you are a cleaner, sometimes a cook, sometimes a taxi, sometimes your a friendly face for them to let it all out when they are feeling down or having a rough time, sometimes you are a shoulder they can cry on and sometimes you are just a person to sit down have a cup of tea, and chat with. 

You must be in the moment with them and attentive to their needs, not rush them, and take your time but be proficient. 

To be a Caregiver, you definitely need a big heart but it will grow even bigger.

Elizabeth

Caregiver
Nurse Next Door Brisbane South West

1. Why did you choose Caregiving as a Career?

Whilst caring for my terminally ill father, I noticed the days that were filled with lots of laughter were his better days. Laughter played such a significant role in his quality of life. So, with a very keen sense of humour and a compassionate disposition, I anticipated I could make a difference in people’s lives when at their most vulnerable and in need of some reasons to smile.

2. What is your most memorable moment with an aged care client within the community?

My most memorable moment involved a palliative care client who had limited mobility and was non-verbal. This client remained bed bound for 22 hours a day so communication and entertainment became such an important part of this client’s care. 

Music was an integral part of this client’s pleasure so I would sing to her whilst providing care. One song in particular always roused a smile or laugh due to the element of fun I combined it with. 

I was fortunate enough to attend this client’s funeral and was moved to hear this particular song being played as her final farewell. To realise the impact that one simple gesture had in making her life more jubilant is heartwarming. The sound of her laugh and the smile on her face when

listening to me sing and dance to this song is a memory that will stay with me

forever.

3. What advice would you give someone who wants to be a Caregiver?

Caring requires a holistic approach. Not only catering to a client’s cultural, physical and social needs but endeavouring to make an emotional connection. 

Take time to really listen to your client to enable you to provide the most supportive and comforting care.

Susan

Caregiver
Nurse Next Door Perth North

1. Why did you choose Caregiving as a Career?

I have worked in aged care for many years and have always had a caring nature. It is a very rewarding and wonderful feeling to be able to make someone’s day better; to know that you can make a difference in someone’s life no matter how big or small.

2. What is your most memorable moment with an aged care client within the community?

I took two of my clients to Kings Park in Perth where we enjoyed a picnic together. Throughout their lives they had both been very active, very creative and talented. 

One of them is in a wheelchair now and has dementia but at the picnic, it was wonderful to see him sketching a tree when I put a paper and pencil on a chair. He was so concentrated and sketched every little detail on that tree. My other client enjoyed sketching the wild flowers. It was absolutely wonderful to see them both doing what they once loved again. There were no barriers on this day at all. 

After the picnic, they have both asked to return to do some more sketching. I feel so blessed to have had this experience and proud that I could bring so much happiness to them both.

3. What advice would you give someone who wants to be a Caregiver?

I would say that the best advice I could give is to always have time. 

Time to make someone’s day, time to be gentle and kind, time to offer a gentle touch, time to look into your clients eyes and really listen to their needs, time to get the words out that don’t always come so easily anymore, time to listen to there wonderful stories even if they have already told you many times before, time for them to get to know you, time to sit if they want to make you a cup of tea so they can remain independent as they once were, time for them to still feel needed, time to laugh or time to cry.

Then at the end of the day go home and take the time to afford yourself the same kindness.

Dennis

Caregiver
Nurse Next Door Melbourne

1. Why did you choose Caregiving as a Career?

I chose Caregiving as a Career because it is a very rewarding and fulfilling role. I have a soft heart for those individuals who need care and assistance to be able to feel independent and continue to lead the life they want to in their own home, and on their own terms.

2. What is your most memorable moment with an aged care client within the community?

I have a lot of memorable moments with my client Hal, but the best one was seeing him doing things he hadn’t done in awhile and that was going back to regular walking at the park.

I remember when we visited Ruffey Lake Park for the first time, we got so excited and energised following the trail but when we went to return to where we parked our car, we went to the wrong exit and ended up on a different longer route. While we made a few stops as neither of us had done such a long walk, we got the opportunity to just be present, live in the moment and enjoy nature.

We still talk about this experience every time we now go for a walk.

3. What advice would you give someone who wants to be a Caregiver?

My advice to someone who wants to be a Caregiver is to understand that you need to be compassionate and committed in providing exceptional care from the heart unconditionally. 

It’s also important to build a good working relationship with each client; know them well, their likes, dislikes, weaknesses and strengths – be client centred.

Donna

Caregiver
Nurse Next Door Toowoomba

1. Why did you choose Caregiving as a Career?

Caregiving chose me; I had always been a carer in my personal life and still am. 

I transitioned from childcare training to aged care when I applied for a traineeship. I wasn’t offered the traineeships but was asked to start night duty that same day. 

20 years later, including residential, two certificates in Aged Care and Disability Support, one Diploma in Community  Care, and I never lost my passion. 

I love what I do and do what I love.

I think my greatest career achievement has been finding Nurse Next Door Home Care Services and Making Lives Better.

2. What is your most memorable moment with an aged care client within the community?

Everyday has been a memorable moment with each and every client. I couldn’t pick one over the other. 

The fact that I can be a part of their achievements no matter how great and small fills me with joy. Some memorable moments I have include; starting a small garden plot with a raised bed so they can stand to garden, starting art classes for artists that had stopped painting or drawing when they lost their confidence due to ageing, and being able to go to church again on a regular basis, to name a few.

Knowing that I have contributed to my clients’ passions, promote Happier Ageing, and seeing the light in their lives is memorable too.

3. What advice would you give someone who wants to be a Caregiver?

Be real, be patient, be creative, be passionate, and be proactive!

Don’t sweat the small stuff, there’s always someone to talk to. Listen to the clients and hear what they say. 

Even though it can be challenging at times, caregiving is also extremely rewarding.

Peta

Caregiver
Nurse Next Door Melbourne Outer East

1. Why did you choose Caregiving as a Career?

Offering to be a volunteer worker in a small aged care facility I fell in love with the time I shared with the residents. 

Soon I chose to step into a lifestyle role where I shared many social aspects of daily living. It was not long after I wanted to do more, so I furthered my education to become a Certificate IV Caregiver. This new richness of work life really had begun for me, and allowed me to go to home and community care.

2. What is your most memorable moment with an aged care client within the community?

One memorable moment I had was when I met my client for the first time, and realised she was very resistant to having any form of care. Her family had been her only support up until this time but they felt she was experiencing a loss of enjoyment of daily life and access to the social realm. At the time, I thought it was going to take time to navigate but I knew I could do it by providing a WOW Customer Experience. 

To my surprise, we quickly moved from being at home to having lunch in cafes, weekly shopping trips, picnics in the gardens she visited previously with her much loved late husband, driving through the Dandenong’s all the while bringing to life fond memories. I also had the pleasure of reuniting visits to her sisters for lunch and happy conversations. 

An early question she asked was ‘what will I call you?’ As she did not want to introduce me as her carer. Now I’m very proudly introduced as her carer and friend, this fills me with joy.

3. What advice would you give someone who wants to be a Caregiver?

If you are someone who is Passionate about Making a Difference to people needing care with dignity in so many different ways, it is truly a wonderful time to help empower those in your local community. 

You will laugh and cry but most of all enjoy a rich and rewarding role helping those to stay in the comfort and safety of their own home while creating friendships and lifetime memories.

Tashi

Caregiver
Nurse Next Door Canberra

1. Why did you choose Caregiving as a Career?

I chose Caregiving as a Career because it allows me to make a positive impact on others people’s lives, provide support and assistance to those in need, and find fulfilment in helping others. 

It is a rewarding profession that involves compassion, empathy, and the desire to make a difference in the lives of individuals who require care and support.

2. What is your most memorable moment with an aged care client within the community?

One beautiful sunny day, I arrived at my client’s home for my regular visit. He was always spirited and kind-hearted, and had been living independently despite his mobility challenges. 

On that particular day, I noticed he seemed a bit down, so we sat together in his cosy living room, and I let him share stories of his youth, his adventures and the good memories he cherished. Listening to his tales brought a smile to his face, and it warmed my heart to see his enthusiasm. As our conversation continued, my client mentioned his dream to visit Telstra Tower, a place he hadn’t been for a few years due to his limited mobility. Inspired by his desire, I decided to take the initiative to make his dream come true. 

With his permission, I arranged for a special outing for next week’s visit. On the day of the excursion, I could see the joy on his face when we slowly walked on mountains, surrounded by beautiful trees and green scenery. We spent around an hour exploring the place, stopping to rest when needed, and savouring each moment with a cup of coffee. The whole time, my client’s eyes sparkled with happiness, and I could see how much this experience meant to him. 

When the time came to end my shift, we returned home with hearts full of joy and unforgettable memories. My client expressed his gratitude, and I felt a deep sense of fulfilment, knowing that I had played a part in making his dream a reality.

This memorable moment, for me, reinforced the importance of being a Caregiver, offering not just physical support but also emotional care and companionship. It reminded me of the positive impact we can have on the lives of the elderly and disabled by simply listening, understanding their desires, and working to make those desires come true.

3. What advice would you give someone who wants to be a Caregiver?

If someone wants to be a Caregiver, I would advise them that first of all gain relevant training, and learn to develop empathy. A Caregiver requires a deep level of empathy and compassion. We have to put ourselves in the shoes of the person whom we are caring for, to understand their needs and emotions better. 

Always prioritise safety, both for the clients, and yourself. Familiarise yourself with safety procedures and how to maintain a safe environment. 

As a Caregiver, you have to be patient, some tasks may take longer, and emotions can run high but being patient and understanding can make a massive difference in their lives. 

Finally, treat the clients with respect and dignity, acknowledging their independence and making their day to day living memorable.

Di

Caregiver
Nurse Next Door Melbourne North

1. Why did you choose Caregiving as a Career?

I chose caregiving as my career because l am very passionate about taking care of people, and empowering them to do the best they can. l looked after my mum for 3 years before she passed and knew that caregiving is my calling.

2. What is your most memorable moment with an aged care client within the community?

My most memorable moment, that’s a hard one, l have so many memories with all of my clients.  

One that comes to mind is a client l work with who has MS, and high care, he recently had a monkey bar attached to his bed and this has given him a sense of independence. He is now able to pull himself up, which has contributed to his self esteem. His whole demeanour has changed, he is a lot happier and a lot more talkative.

3. What advice would you give someone who wants to be a Caregiver?

My advice to anyone who is thinking of a career as a Caregiver, and has a passion for empowering people, is just do it. 

It was the best decision I’ve ever made.

Kit

Caregiver
Nurse Next Door Melbourne West

1. Why did you choose Caregiving as a Career?

I chose Caregiving as a Career because I’ve always loved helping and interacting with people from various ages and backgrounds.

2. What is your most memorable moment with an aged care client within the community?

I have many memorable moments with aged care clients living in the community. 

One in particular, is an elderly lady living with dementia who had for some time refused all help from everyone, her family included. Overtime, with consistent visits, lots of laughter and stories shared, trust grew. She became receptive to help with personal hygiene, and her general mood was happier. 

This filled me with joy, I like being a part of something where I know I can make a positive impact like that in someone’s life.

3. What advice would you give someone who wants to be a Caregiver?

My advice for anyone considering Caregiving as a Career is to give it a chance. If you possess the desire to see the betterment in the daily life of our elders, then please go for it. 

As challenging as it can be on some days, the rewards of getting through to them or overcoming barriers to help them lead a life of Positivity, Possibility and Purpose is very humbling.