Aged care occupational therapy a ‘dream career’ for Melayni

In a case of coming full circle, graduate, Melayni Bovaird-Cations used a Resthaven scholarship to complete her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at UniSA – and is now working as an Aged care Occupational Therapist at Resthaven Murray Bridge, Hills & Fleurieu Community Services at 37 Swanport Road, Murray Bridge.

After high school, Melayni had worked as a personal carer in aged care for ten years. However, after completing a Certificate IIII in Remedial Massage and Certificate III in Aged Care, she discovered Occupational Therapy, and decided to apply to university.

Melayni says, ‘I am grateful that I was able complete my studies, thanks to the assistance of a Resthaven 80^th Anniversary Undergraduate Occupational Therapy Scholarship.’

During her studies, Melayni had met several Resthaven representatives through community project proposals, careers fairs, and scholarship events, who ‘made a strong impression on me.’

‘I was keen to continue working with older people, as individuals and as a community group to support them living well by doing the everyday things they want and need to do, in both good and ill health,’ she says.

‘A clinical placement with Resthaven Murray Bridge, Hills and Fleurieu Community Services, where I experienced working within a fantastic team who does exactly this, cemented my desire to work at Resthaven.’

‘I have been able to work towards my professional goals as a new graduate by working closely with a wonderful, experienced Aged Care Occupational Therapist, and being well supported by my colleagues and managers.’

‘In the first six months of my employment I have been offered professional development opportunities towards my goals, including training on cultural awareness and Parkinson’s Disease.’

‘Working for a well-respected, dynamic organisation, that embodies its values at every level, is important,’ she says.

In her work, Melayni lives Resthaven’s values of trust, dignity and choice, by ‘being focused on client-centered care, recognising people as individuals that are the experts on their own lives, and providing quality information for them to empower themselves and make informed choices.’

‘In the future, I hope to learn and grow as an Aged Care Occupational Therapist in aged care, so that I can continue to advocate for and contribute to the empowerment and wellbeing of older people and this wonderful organisation.’

‘I thoroughly enjoy working with older people, their families, and a team that is dedicated to achieving the best outcomes they can for the people they support.’

‘I would say a big thank you to Resthaven, for the opportunities and experiences I have enjoyed as I embark on my dream career as an OT in aged care.’

Read more about Melayni , and the impact of Resthaven’s scholarships at UniSA, in this article ‘The gift of education for promising aged-care professionals‘.

Celebrating 85 years in 2020, Resthaven Incorporated is a not for profit, South Australian aged care community service associated with the Uniting Church. Resthaven’s residential and in-home care and support options are offered throughout metropolitan Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills, Murraylands, Riverland, Barossa, Fleurieu Peninsula and the Limestone Coast.