CARLA ROWE
Lifestyle Co-ordinator, Baptistcare, Morrison Gardens, Perth WA
I didn’t choose this career, it chose me!
I have been very fortunate in my profession in aged care, this is not a job or work for me, but simply a way of life. Every day when I see a smile on the faces of those that I care for, I go home smiling myself. How often can people say, they leave work smiling and are eager to go back the next day?
I began volunteering on the weekends at Touhy Aged Care, when I was 14 years of age. I knew I had found my path in life. Years later, I am more dedicated than ever. It is where I belong.
Every person is precious, sacred and valuable. It is unfathomable, what I have gained from working in aged care. I have learnt that life stories are not just ordinary. Everyone is special and unique. This experience has given me life qualifications, that could never be gained from a university degree.
I have learned the basic principles of affection, and understanding, patience, sympathy, empathy and listening. My motto is, laugh with them, cry with them, but most importantly listen to them.
Listening, really listening is vital. It is the key to understanding people’s needs and what is important to each person. It assists you, in your efforts to love, support and help older people, to be as independent as possible in their daily lives.
The remainder of their lives are precious.
Here at Morrison Gardens, my job is to create a home (in the true sense of the word). A place that is responsive to their needs. A truly wholesome environment, that is sensitive and compassionate.
A home that not only provides a welcoming environment, but that caters for individual spiritual and cultural needs. A place where they experience understanding, affection and security, and where their lives are significant and matter. A place that is not institutional in character.
It is my challenge to make a positive difference. To have the elderly engaging, laughing and enjoying life, and to see them smile in recognition when they see me, when they thank me for the wonderful time they have had at one of our events, and ask what’s next? That is so rewarding, and it gives me an instant natural high and makes me more determined to meet the next challenge.
I feel privileged to be travelling this journey with-all 73 of them. To be acquainted with people who have lived and experienced, love, loss and uncertainty- real people. Today and every day I’ll dedicate my time to keeping their dreams and memories alive.
To any young people starting out wanting to experience life, consider aged care. This is real life and much more challenging and rewarding than any reality TV show.
It is probably, ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’. It has the lot - love, romance, war, loss, sadness and achievements, and so many story lines. It is the never-ending story.
I love my career in aged care. I cannot image myself in any other field.
