A BREATH of fresh air is how Alison Elliott describes her change of careers that led her to working in aged care.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Miss Elliott has lived in Leeton for most of her life and for a portion of that worked in administration.
The repetitiveness and isolation of the job got her thinking she wanted to do something more - something that would make a difference and matter.
Miss Elliott started just this week as the activities officer at the Carramar aged care facility.
She was also in the same role at Teloca House in Narrandera, as well as at Assumption Villa.
"Activities is part of what I love doing," Miss Elliott said.
"I'm also an assistant in nursing, so with my role here I'll be able to do the activities, but also spend some time 'on the floor' as well.
"I've been in nursing roles since about 2014.
"I was feeling like I wanted to get out of the admin roles and at that time my mum was in the villa, so that's basically how it came about.
"I just love the 'oldies' and I've always loved being around them.
RELATED
- Nurse profile with Sue Berghofer
- Nurse profile with Sekesai Dachi
- Nurse profile with Amanda Culpan
- Nurse profile with Edna Deo
- Nurse profile with Deirdre McIntosh
- Nurse profile with Maus White
- Nurse profile with Nicki Kovac
- Nurse profile with Donna Chilby
- Nurse profile with Maninder Kaur
- Nurse profile with Judy Flew
- Nurse profile with Liz Warr
- Nurse profile with Kerry Maguire
- Nurse profile with Marian Aliendi
- Nurse profile with Christine Hedditch
- Nurse profile with Bree Watts
- Nurse profile with Melissa Sinclair
- Nurse profile with Tanisha Houghton
- Nurse profile with Coral Kenny
- Nurse profile with Kelly Shung
- Nurse profile with Amber Thornburrow
- Nurse profile with Rebecca Fohmsbee
- Nurse profile with Jess Ferguson
- Nurse profile with Chloe McGrath
- Nurse profile with Natalie Steinke
- Nurse profile with Teagan Townsend
- Nurse profile with Sharon Oram
"They are just like your own grandparents. I just love that sort of thing."
Miss Elliott said the activities role was one that brought her plenty of joy and she hoped it was the same for the residents.
"It's just so nice seeing their smiles," she said.
"Here, it's more high-care, so you need to do more one-on-one activities for them. I try and keep them entertained in all of the ways we can think of.
"This morning (Wednesday) we're doing flower arrangements with beautiful artificial red roses for Valentine's Day." Miss Elliott shares the activities role with Coral Kenny.
It is work she is passionate about and said she hasn't looked back since making the switch and completing a TAFE diploma for the career.
"I don't regret it at all, it's so rewarding every day," Miss Elliott said.
"You go home with a sense of achievement knowing you have hopefully made someone smile or laugh. It's a good feeling."
With an ageing population, Miss Elliott would love to see more young people consider a career in aged care.
****
While you’re with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox every Friday at 6am from The Irrigator. To make sure you’re up to date with all news in Leeton sign up here.