Building a meaningful connection

Anglicare Tasmania supports close to 1,500 older Tasmanians so that they can remain living safely and independently at home. Regular workforce planning has identified that men are underrepresented in our Aged Care team. We want to change that.

Anglicare’s General Manager Aged Care Services Ellen Nicholson said in-home aged care was a rewarding and flexible career choice for anyone of any gender, stage of life or cultural background.

“Someone’s personality and personal values are much more important than their gender,” she said. “Some clients have indicated their preference to have a male support worker. It’s important to us that they have as much control over their service as possible. Having more men on board our team will give clients with that preference more choice – just like they have when they choose a GP.”

Ellen says the aged care team comprises older people returning to the workforce after an extended period managing family responsibilities; young parents needing to fit work around their children’s schooling; and others who are studying, or working casually to supplement other income sources.

“We are also a proudly multicultural service, and many of our team members have English as their second language,” she added. “They enjoy sharing aspects of their cultural background with the people they work with, and our clients enjoy the experience, too.”

Devid Mandahar (pictured above) is a Home Care Worker who supports older Tasmanians in and around Hobart. We asked him to explain why he finds his role so rewarding.

Tell us what brought you to Anglicare.  I’ve been with Anglicare for about six months now. It may not sound like a very long time, but I already feel quite connected to the work, the clients and the team. Before Anglicare, I worked at Bupa Aged Care for two years. It taught me patience, respect, and that sometimes just being there and listening can mean a lot to someone.

What tasks do you help people with?  I support them with their everyday needs, including personal care, showering, dressing, shopping, transport, domestic assistance, medication reminders, appointments, walks and social activities. But for me, it is more than just completing tasks. I want our clients to feel safe, respected and cared for. Sometimes a simple conversation, a walk together or just spending some time with them can make a big difference to their day.

What part of the job do you enjoy the most? The part I enjoy most is building trust and relationships. I have learned that every person has their own story and their own way of looking at life. Listening to their experiences has taught me to be more patient and understanding. I’ve also learned that you shouldn’t judge someone from your first meeting. Sometimes people just need time to feel safe and trust you. When you take the time to listen and understand them, you can build a really meaningful connection. This makes me feel that the work I do really matters.

What is it like being part of Anglicare’s Aged Care team? Anglicare is a very supportive place to work. I really appreciate the team environment and the leadership because I feel comfortable asking for help whenever I need advice or guidance. In aged care, every client and every situation can be different, so having a team that listens and supports you is very important.

I feel valued because I know I can rely on my colleagues, and I feel that my work is appreciated. I also feel there are good training and development opportunities. The training helps me improve my skills, build my confidence and understand how I can provide better and safer care.

For me, having that support makes a big difference. When I feel supported by my team, I can focus more on giving the people I support the best care and making them feel comfortable, respected and safe.

Which of the Anglicare values — respect, compassion, justice and hope — is most important to you and why?  For me, respect and compassion are the most important. I believe every person deserves to be treated with dignity, kindness and understanding, no matter their age or situation. I always try to listen to the people I support; to understand what they want and support them in a way that makes them feel comfortable and valued. Sometimes showing patience and simply being there for someone can mean a lot.

What would you say to a male who is considering aged care support work?  I would say, give it a chance! Aged care is much more than just a job. You get the opportunity to support people, build relationships and make a real difference in someone’s day. As a male support worker, you can also be a great source of companionship and support for people who may feel more comfortable with a male worker.

It is very rewarding when a client trusts you, looks forward to seeing you and knows that you genuinely care about them.

More information

Learn more about Anglicare’s Aged Care Services.

Visit this webpage to find out what qualifications you will need, and your next best steps. We look forward to receiving your application soon!