Julie and Joyce – aged care

Julie:

Hi, I'm Julie and I'm a care worker.

I've known Joyce for about five years, we get along, communicate really well, we have a lot of yarn ups, interesting conversations, I've learned a lot about her family, it has been very interesting to work with Joyce.

Joyce:

Julie's very good at her job,  she looks after us, she's always on time,  we know where we're going,  she's a great driver, you can put Julie behind the wheel and she'll go anywhere, and,   this is what she does.

To be a carer I guess you need to be thoughtful, and just being there and being yourself.

Julie:

We need more Aboriginal carers for the clients so they communicate and relate to you a lot better. They feel more comfortable  with you coming into their home.

Joyce:

It's always nice to have  an Aboriginal supporter because it's always nice to know where people come from and if we're related.

Julie:

What I like most about working in care work is meeting the new clients, listening to their stories, they're friendly, a lot of characters.

Joyce:

If I didn't have Julie's support I would be at home,  I wouldn't be able to go out.

Being retired now you need to be doing something, you need to be getting out, you need to be doing different things.

Julie:

I chose this career because it was flexible. It gave me time with my family.

It's made me more outgoing. You learn new skills. It's very rewarding.

Joyce:

Look I think it could be very rewarding to be doing this type of work, you get to meet people, you get to, to know their,  their families and you get to, to do good things for them.