Growing up in Brisbane, parts of Brandon Walker's teenage years were those of a regular teenager: attending high school, studying a full range of senior subjects, and working a part-time job.
And then there were the parts that weren't as normal, that set the foundation for a fulfilling, purpose-led carer in aged care.
At 15, Brandon's grandfather moved in with his family, and they cared for him during the last two years of his life.
"My grandfather had dementia, and I would spend a lot of time talking and being with him, making him tea and coffee, helping move him about the house, and taking over making meals when needed," Brandon said.
"Looking back, I was pretty frustrated with the situation, but that's not surprising for a 15-year-old boy!"
A short time later Brandon was again immersed in supporting a special person through to the end of their life when his partner at the time's two-year-old sister required around-the-clock care.
The drive and passion to support those in palliative care steered Brandon to work as a personal care assistant at Toowoomba Hospice.
"I was immediately drawn to the hospice to make a difference by providing comfort and reducing stress at this incredible challenging time of someone's life," Brandon shares.
"Working in aged care was the natural next step in my journey, so I completed my Certificate III in Aged Care.
"I took some time between completing my study and starting work. I needed a break from working to focus on my own health challenges, with temporary loss of vision in both eyes. Plus, the reset after the intense work at the hospice was really needed."
Brandon joined the Carinity Home Care Brisbane North team in 2024 as a Lifestyle Carer, providing support to seniors living at home.
"I love being a carer. I love being able to make a difference and help our clients retain some of their independence, while living at home," Brandon said.
"After my experience of losing my independence for a period of time, I want to help others keep theirs as much as possible.
"I've shared some wonderful moments with clients, but one of my favorites was when I took my 93-year-old client and his wife out to their favourite place for lunch: Hungry Jack's! As we talked over burgers it was wonderful to see their joy at being out, watching the world come and go around them.
"There aren't many male carers, which is a shame, because I find my male clients do really enjoy a chat between two blokes."
It's not just the lives of the seniors he cares for that has improved since Brandon started at Carinity - his own life has also benefited through his caring for others.
"Since joining Carinity and reconnecting with my purpose I have so much more confidence in myself. I'm surrounded by a supportive team, a manager who has our interests at heart, and every day I find myself feeling stronger and better in myself."
