Work in Home Care with Anglicare

Anglicare’s Aged Care Services is expanding its teams in the Launceston area and on the North West Coast in response to growing demand for community-based care.

General Manager Aged Care Services Ellen Nicholson says it’s an exciting time for her team.

“Our aim is to offer as many older Tasmanians as possible the opportunity to live safely and independently in their own homes,” she said. “We’ve identified Launceston and the North West as areas where there’s a particular need for more community-based aged care, and we are looking for team members to help us deliver this service.”

Ellen said Anglicare is keen to talk with care workers who might be seeking a new challenge, or opportunities to make stronger connections with the people that they support.

Meet Home Care Support Worker Nerissa

Nerissa Mitchell, pictured above out grocery shopping with client Nancy Gibson, made the switch from residential aged care to community support when she joined Anglicare. She loves giving her clients the time they need and supporting them to achieve their goals.

What brought you to Anglicare?

I have been with Anglicare for four years. Before that I was working in residential aged care and thought I would try something different. I decided to give community support a go. I’m so glad I did as I love it. Being able to have quality one-to-one time with my clients is very special and makes such a big difference.

What is it like to be a member of the Aged Care Services team?

Anglicare cares about every individual person – clients and employees. I have always felt supported in my role and assistance is only a phone call away. Regular meetings and training give me the opportunity to stay up to date with my skills and raise any issues. I find all of the training interesting and useful, especially how to support people living with dementia.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Assisting people to remain independently in their homes is so rewarding, and receiving thanks every day brings me happiness. We work together so people can live life the way they choose. The days are varied and never the same.

Anglicare has a set of organisational values – Hope, Justice, Respect and Compassion. Which most resonates with you?

Compassion. It’s a value that I was brought up with. In my role it’s important to show compassion and understand different situations and life circumstances.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

There is one that I’ll never forget. A client and I were going for a walk and we came across a pedal buggy hire. She looked at me and said ‘I’ve always wanted to have a go on these’, so I said, ‘Why don’t we?’  We hired a buggy and pedalled ourselves along the waterfront in Ulverstone and the smile on her face said it all. She waved and said hello to everyone we passed and laughed along the way. This experience brought my client so much joy. She talked about it for months to come, which made me happy, too.

What do you like about living and working on the North West Coast?

I have always lived on the North West Coast; for most of my life in the Port Sorell area. I love the North West Coast for its beaches and beautiful towns. Working in the community along the coast gives me and my clients plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy shopping and outings at parks and beaches on sunny days.

Do you have any top tips for a good work/life balance?

Being organised is the key. I set reminders for everything and always get organised the night before. I find it extremely important to have ‘me’ time. For me this is the gym, as it keeps my mind and body healthy. I enjoy going to the gym on my way home from work and on the weekend. In my spare time I enjoy beach walks with my dog and camping, swimming and stand-up paddle boarding over summer.

What would you say to someone thinking about making a career change from residential aged care into community aged care?

If you’re thinking about community aged care give it a go!  I did, and now I cannot imagine doing anything else.

The one-to-one support has real meaning. Being able to give a client the time they require and deserve is what made me fall in love with aged community support.

Working within the community can also bring personal benefits. It’s helped me build my confidence and communication skills and establish relationships with people.

Have we sparked your interest?

Head to this page for all the information you need about becoming an Anglicare Home Care Support Worker. Please note that applications for the North West Coast positions close on 18 August.  The Launceston area positions close on 26 August.

From this page you can:

• apply online
• watch a short video as Home Care Support Worker Cheryl talks about a typical work day
• download the full job description and a fact sheet
• call the Home Care Support Worker Hotline on 0418 546 347 for more information and/or for help with your application.