"Aged care is not the best paying job in the world, but it can be the most rewarding job that you will ever have."
On Aged Care Employee Day on August 7, Carinity celebrates our dedicated staff members such as Breda Brennan.
Breda is one of more than 1,100 Carinity employees involved in providing care for Queensland seniors living in our 12 residential aged care communities or supported through in-home care services.
The Lifestyle Coordinator of Carinity Home Care Rockhampton, Breda was inspired to support seniors after helping and learning new skills from her three grandparents.
"I found that I had a passion for working with our seniors as they have so much history to pass down to the younger generation," Breda said.
"It takes a very special person to work in aged care to gain the trust of some of our most vulnerable and walk the journey with them. Some of us have been lucky enough to care for our clients during their final days and that gives you great pride in the roles that we do.
"I love being able to have a chat with clients and try and brighten their day a little. For some of our clients I may be the only person they speak to in that week. It makes my day when I am getting off the phone and the client says that they are feeling so much better."
Aleena Baby's mother, a Registered Nurse, is her role model and the person who inspired Aleena to work in aged care.
"I wanted to be a Registered Nurse because it is one of the most rewarding careers a person can hold," said Aleena, who works at the Carinity Karinya Place residential aged care community in Laidley.
"Working in an aged care sector is quite challenging but very rewarding. I very much enjoy talking with the residents and when I see smile on their faces."
Shandell Bozanic began her journey caring for seniors when she started volunteering at an aged care community while still in high school.
"I remember visiting my grandfather in hospice care. That was the moment I decided I wanted to be the one to look after people like him," Shandell said.
Now a Clinical Nurse Consultant working at Carinity Kepnock Grove in Bundaberg, Shandell says aged care is "such a fulfilling and rewarding profession".
"No two days are the same, but every day is wonderful. Our team of caring staff and the beautiful residents is what makes this such a rewarding place at which to work," Shandell said.
"I enjoy promoting good quality resident-focused care to our residents. I love listening to all their stories, meeting their families and just being there for them during this stage in their lives.
"I have a passion for this industry, one that is so deeply engrained in me. To know that I can advocate and care for our residents and their families is something I will always strive to do."
Executive Manager of Carinity Aged Care, Heidi Dowse, paid tribute to the Carinity employees who selflessly care for Queensland seniors, particularly during the trying times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Our professional, compassionate and diligent staff have continued their fantastic care for our residents during a very difficult time, going above and beyond to deliver the best of care for these seniors," Heidi said.
"I thank them for their exemplary commitment to support some of their community's most vulnerable people, while helping them to live with purpose every day."
