Meet Bianca, Home Care Worker - Domestic Assistant
“I just love my clients, it really is such a rewarding job.”
Bianca brought her administration and organisational skills to home care where she has now worked for two years. In her previous work at a busy Adelaide dance studio, she looked after students, timetables, showcases, and everything that occurred backstage before and after a show. She shares her reasons why she made the move to aged care.
Why did you choose a career in aged care?
“A few things led me here. My interest began when I cared for my mother-in-law who was in poor health and needed constant care. I saw first hand how important carers were to clients and their families, when a loved one is struggling with their health.
As my mother-in-law’s health deteriorated, she needed more and more assistance from her family and the carers from St Louis who were providing a range of home care services to help her. Her only wish at that time was to stay home, so I agreed to look after her until she passed away. The support from St Louis Home Care helped me immensely, and I was able to be a better carer for her.
After she passed away, I had to get back to work. My kids were older and I had more time. I thought about aged care, and one of my mother-in-law’s carers at St Louis suggested it as a career option. I called her to discuss it and went in for an interview the next day, and here I am!
Having been on both sides of caring, as a recipient and provider, makes me appreciate the work and my clients benefit from this.”
What do you love most about your work?
“I love my clients and I find it so rewarding to be able to support them through everyday life. I enjoy many little things about my work, the stories I hear, the laughs I have with my clients, the life tips, lessons, even life hacks! They have shared many old recipes which I love to cook.
One of my clients shares her Italian recipes with me and we make pasta, risotto and Christmas cakes together.
I love the sharing and caring aspect of the role and being able to support my clients to live a better and more independent life at home. I strive for a balance of being helpful, allowing them to do as much as they can for themselves and supporting them where they need it. I want my clients to remain living at home safely and comfortably, which means ensuring they can do many things for themselves.”
How does working in home care support you to maintain work life balance?
“At St Louis, we set our own availability. We are given a roster and can select our available and preferred times for the following weeks. This means I can work around my family’s needs.
The management team at St Louis is very flexible. I can work 8am-5pm Monday to Friday if I want to or less. As the kids get older, I may be able to work on weekends.”
The industry talks about "connection" and "one to one time" with clients - why has this become so important?
“To have enough one on one time means we get to know our clients’ wishes and the little things that help them to live a better quality of life at home. We give them our undivided attention. Because we’re not a family member, they can communicate freely and feel comfortable about having a whinge or to voice concerns that they can’t with their families because they don’t want to worry them.
We really become part of the family. It’s such a personal thing being in someone’s home and when I get to know them, it helps me provide the best care I can. I have the time I need with each client to be able to give attention to the little things that are important for their health and wellbeing.
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