industry & reform
Shifting attitudes
Two aged care workers ’ seek to challenge stigma in the care industry .
By Elise Hartevelt
Two sisters are sharing their stories in the hope of breaking society ’ s negative perspective of aged care work .
Amy Holton and Tanesha Brown have found their dream jobs at Central Coast ’ s residential care home Alino Living .
But working in aged care sadly also means being confronted with stigmatisation and prejudice from the community .
“ There was a lot of stigma around working in aged care . It ’ s almost frowned upon ,” Amy says .
“ Throughout my degree , I was hiding that I wanted to work in aged care . “ It shouldn ’ t be like that .” The 2021 Royal Commission ’ s report into aged care revealed negative stories , including abuse and neglect cases .
It highlighted a lot of troubles people genuinely experienced in the aged care industry , Amy says .
Yet , she adds those stories also unfairly brand providers and staff who do everything possible to provide the best care to their residents .
Picture : Supplied .
“ People were genuinely worried that residents were getting abused , but it ’ s not like that everywhere ,” Amy shares .
“ We need to emphasise the good stories within aged care , as well as acknowledging those bad stories .”
During her nursing degree , Amy experienced that stigma first-hand for wanting to pursue a career in aged care .
“ They said it wasn ’ t real nursing . You ’ re just coming here to whitewash walls and make beds ,” she says .
“ Which is just not true . There ’ s so much more you can do in aged care that the hospitals don ’ t get to see .
“ We don ’ t just treat people – we get to know and learn the whole person .”
Amy started working in aged care when she was 16 and joined Alino Living in 2017 as ACFI Coordinator .
She quickly moved up the ladder and received her most recent promotion in December , where she now works as the facility manager at Lake Haven Court .
The care home , located on Tuggerah Lake , opened 16 years ago and houses over 40 residents .
Amy says people are often unaware of the numerous career possibilities available in the sector .
“ There ’ s so much opportunity for growth in your career here .”
“ But it has this reputation amongst nurses , particularly old school nurses , and community members .
“ People shouldn ’ t feel ashamed working in aged care .”
Despite the stigma , Amy ’ s younger sister Tanesha never doubted her passion for wanting to work in the sector .
“ I always wanted to work in aged care ,” Tanesha says .
From an early age , Tanesha often talked about becoming a nurse and dressed up as Florence Nightingale for a ‘ When I grow up ’ themed mufti day at primary school .
She recalls asking Amy after the ‘ old people ’, and she would come to work with her sister during school holidays .
“ It ’ s such a rewarding career , and it ’ s something new every day ,” she says .
Their mother worked in the dementia unit , where Tanesha would frequently sit and chat with the residents .
“ I watched on as my older sister [ Amy ] built a successful career in aged care and always admired the difference she was making in people ’ s lives , so I ’ m excited to now be doing the same ,” Tanesha says .
The independent aged care organisation Alino Living recently created their own training and workforce program that offers students practical lessons and 120 hours of placement . Tanesha joined the program in February 2021 and now works alongside her sister as a care staff employee at the same facility . “ I look forward to coming in and spending time with the residents , putting
“ We need to
change how people look at aged care . a smile on their faces , knowing that they are receiving the best care they can ,” she says . “ It feels very much like a home and like one big family .” The pair emphasises the need to change the community ’ s views about aged care .
“ We need to change how people look at aged care , so it ’ s not perceived as a negative sector to work in ,” Tanesha says .
“ There ’ s so much more to working in aged care – you provide personal care , ensuring they are happy daily .
“ I loved aged care from the moment I walked in .” ■
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