Tasmanian and Victorian support workers: Meet our dedicated team
We know our support workers are incredible people quietly changing the world with their daily service to our clients.
Here, we get to know some of our Southern team servicing Tasmania and southern Victoria, and celebrate their down-to-earth wisdom. Be inspired by their commitment to helping other people, and find out what they learn from it.
“Be proud of what you can achieve no matter if it's big or small. It all counts.” Kali
“My favourite thing I have learnt from our clients is not to rush through life, be kind to yourself and to appreciate everything you have and are able to do now.” Sophie
Deb
Tasmania
How long have you been a support worker, and what have you learnt in that time?
I have been a support worker for 22 years. I have learnt in that time to be a good support worker you have to have better listening skills, to have empathy towards people's feelings, and to be considerate of their home when working.
What do you love about being a support worker?
I love being a support worker because helping people that need my support at home makes me happy. And getting to know amazing people that accept you into their home is very rewarding.
What's the best part of supporting your clients, and what do they teach you?
The best part of supporting clients is you get to hear about the amazing life they have had, and learn different ways of doing things. Whether it’s cleaning, cooking, anything really, we learn something new every day. What I have learnt from clients is to look after my health and wellbeing more, and prioritise my work and home life.
Kali
Tasmania
How long have you been a support worker, and what have you learnt in that time?
I’ve been with integratedliving since 2019. Before that I had six years’ experience in a residential facility. When I made the change to community care it was only a few weeks into my position that I noticed just how much of a positive impact it has made on my life. I love that I provide a service that helps enable our clients to stay home in the comfort of the familiar surroundings; stay connected with loved ones; be a support person for clients, especially those who are alone; and to increase their quality of life.
What do you love about being a support worker?
Being a support worker is so rewarding. It is such a nice feeling knowing you can help someone maintain their independence. Whether it’s a cuppa and chat, or a cleaning service, I know our clients look forward to that visit every week or fortnight. Knowing how appreciative the clients are gives me a sense of fulfilment.
What's the best part of supporting your clients, and what do they teach you?
Throughout my time as a community support worker with integratedliving, I have learnt to be proud of what you can achieve no matter if it's big or small. It all counts.
Amy-Lee
Victoria
How long have you been a support worker, and what have you learnt in that time?
I have been a support worker for 15 months. I've learnt many different things, including how to be more patient, more understanding of others’ needs, and every person I visit all have different needs. Not one person is the same and I love that. I learn every day on the job.
What do you enjoy about being a support worker?
I really enjoy being a support worker because I can make a difference. Even if it's something small, it can make a huge difference to someone's day or outlook.
What's the best part of supporting your clients, and what do they teach you?
The best part of supporting my clients is learning. I've heard different life adventures and what they have been through and are going through. Being that person they can rely on and them knowing I would never judge them. I’m always being supportive of their views. I've learnt how to improve my vegetable patch and my grass, and how to cook with different food I would never had tried before.
Sophie
Tasmania
How long have you been a support worker, and what have you learnt in that time?
I have been a support worker for eight months. In that short time, I have learnt how to adapt to each client and how to attend to each client to suit their individual needs.
What do you love about being a support worker?
I absolutely love being a support worker, it is such a rewarding and special job with so much meaning. You have a sense of accomplishment and pride helping others, and making my clients day better or easier. I love getting to know my clients and all the wonderful stories I get to hear.
What’s the best part of supporting your clients, and what do they teach you?
The best part of supporting my clients is knowing they are looking forward to you coming. I really enjoy making my clients day, having a chat with them, and building relationships. Sometimes you are the only person they see that day, so you are giving them a sense of companionship. I learn something from my clients most days, whether it be about medical conditions, gardening, cooking, cleaning tips, where to get a good pot of tea, lots of history, what it was like for them when they were younger and growing up. My favourite thing I have learnt from them is not to rush through life, be kind to yourself and to appreciate everything you have and are able to do now.
Terry
Tasmania
How long have you been a support worker, and what have you learnt in that time?
A support worker for 22 short years. I have learnt to be less judgmental.
What do you love about being a support worker?
No two days are the same.
What’s the best part of supporting your clients, and what do they teach you?
Being able to lighten their load a bit. They teach me perseverance and resilience.
Lauren
Tasmania
How long have you been a support worker, and what have you learnt in that time?
I have been a support worker for about a year and a half. In that time, I have learnt so much! And not just how to use a Dyson vacuum cleaner haha. I have learnt all the different types of care senior people can receive, and all the ways integratedliving really supports and benefits seniors to stay in their homes safely and for longer. I have learnt so much about what it means to be a support worker and how much people need our services.
What do you love about being a support worker?
I am incredibly passionate about helping people and making them happy, so that's why I absolutely love my work. I love being able to visit these incredible individuals in their homes and support them in any way possible, making their lives just a little bit easier and putting a smile on their faces. I love building wonderful and respectful connections with our clients and getting to know their remarkable stories!
What's the best part of supporting your clients, and what do they teach you?
The best part is making them laugh, or they often make me laugh and just connecting with our clients, listening to their stories, and admiring each of their views on life. They have honestly taught me a lot, especially to fold the sheets in half when you hang them on the clothesline haha! Most importantly they have taught me to always look on the positive side, cherish every moment you have in life, take a lot of photos, stay healthy and simply be happy.