Jenny an Aged Care Hero for 30 Years

Caring for seniors is Jenny Boettcher’s passion. The experienced nurse recently celebrated 30 years supporting older Queenslanders, in her role working for Carinity Aged Care. Jenny commenced her career working in aged care in July 1993 at the Carinity Brookfield Green seniors community, then known as Resthaven.

“In 2016, I transferred to Carinity Wishart Gardens where I now work as an Assistant in Nursing in the memory support unit, assisting seniors with dementia to live a fulfilling life,” Jenny said.

Jenny, who has also worked as a diversional therapist and diversional therapy coordinator doing leisure activities with aged care residents, enjoys “enriching the lives” of the elderly people she cares for.

“My favourite part of my job is receiving a smile or a ‘thank you’ for doing something which the resident has really appreciated. I enjoy making them happy by doing the little things they are unable to do themselves,” Jenny said.

“I particularly enjoy looking after seniors who have dementia. They are special people. That is my passion.

“This love of old people I think stems from me having old grandparents when I was growing up. There is something special about old people; they have interesting stories to tell, they are kind and appreciative and they enjoy listening to our stories too.

“Some of my favourite memories of working for Carinity are providing pet therapy to residents and seeing how a dog walking into a room can brighten up their day.”

Jenny enjoys inviting and encouraging new residents to join in activities – “then having them say that moving into aged care was the best thing they could have done."

“Also having residents’ family members express their gratitude and thanks to me for all the care I give to their loved one, saying it takes a very special person to do what I do,” Jenny said. “My career goals for the future are to keep enriching the lives of the seniors I care for and being thankful that I have a job that makes a difference to people’s lives.

“I would recommend a career in aged care, no matter what the role, as it is very rewarding. It is great to be able to give back to seniors who have given so much to others in years gone by.”

Other Carinity aged care employees who have celebrated major work milestones so far this year include Janice Spreadborough, Anne Leong (Carinity Karinya Place), Donna Hinchliffe (Carinity Shalom), Anoma Obeyesekere (Carinity Wishart Gardens), Julie Clark and Irina Onufrieff (Carinity Brookfield Green).

Between them they have worked in Carinity aged care communities for a total of 165 years, in roles including diversional therapist, assistant in nursing, and support services.

Carinity will celebrate the contribution of these dedicated employees and others on Aged Care Employee Day on August 7.

The day recognises the contribution of the 370,000 aged care workers nationwide – including nurses, personal care workers, allied health professionals, lifestyle coordinators, hospitality teams, cooks, cleaners and administration staff – who support for more than 1.5 million older Australians.

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