Home Support work brings Michael ‘out of his shell’
Working as an aged care Home Support Worker has brought Michael Waller ‘out of his shell’ – and it’s all thanks to a regional traineeship through Resthaven and Career Partners Plus.
The Skilling South Australia project is an initiative of the South Australian Government.
Michael says, ‘Before I worked in aged care, I just had all manual labour jobs; I was a furniture removalist, and spent ten years in maintenance and gardening.’
‘I had to resign to become a full-time father, so I was a stay at home dad for about two years.’
‘After that, I wanted something completely different that would challenge me.’
‘My mum and sisters were also a huge influence; my mother has worked in disability and aged care for most her life, and two of my three sisters work in disability.’
‘I received a lot of encouragement from them to join the aged care sector, and this family support was definitely a driving factor.’
‘I applied for the pre-skilling program with Career Partners Plus in April 2021; these aged care traineeships are “jump starter” courses to get you into the industry.’
‘A few weeks went by, and then I had an interview up at [Resthaven] Murray Bridge Community Services for the Home Support Worker position – and the rest is history.’
Michael is loving his new job, saying, ‘It’s challenged me immensely, in a good way.’
‘Before this job, I don’t think I was good at being a social person – it’s brought me out of my shell.’
‘Meeting new clients, building that rapport, it’s been important.’
‘I’ve become comfortable in my abilities to provide that care, and now it’s become second nature.’
‘In my day to day, I do a lot of personal care, and domestic work – like shopping and house cleaning.’
‘I do a lot of social drives, where I take the client out and have lunch and a chat.’
‘Doing this job, I get a real sense of supporting the community.’
‘Older people have a great sense of humour. They’re so diverse.’
‘Each day’s going to be different, each client is different.’
‘And working for Resthaven is great – the staff are so supportive and helpful.’
‘It’s a pretty good job – all I do is be helpful and involved in the community and I get paid to do it!’
Due to increased demand, career opportunities are currently available for Home Support Workers across the Murraylands and Limestone Coast. To apply, visit www.resthaven.asn.au/careers.
Established in 1935, Resthaven is a South Australian not-for-profit aged care community service associated with the Uniting Church in Australia.
Every day, Resthaven shares the lives and wisdom of older people and their carers, opening doors to the full range of aged care service options available.
Services are provided throughout metropolitan Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills, Murraylands, Riverland, Fleurieu Peninsula, lower Barossa region and the Limestone Coast of South Australia.