Gillian Celebrates 30 Years Working at Resthaven

Gillian Schulze’s 30-year career at Resthaven has been a journey of discovery. Gaining knowledge, forming strong relationships and taking on new roles, Gillian has worked across several sites and in multiple positions – all culminating in her current role as Project Officer for Resthaven’s Staying at Home in Regional South Australia program.

The program offers short-stay respite care, where a person living with dementia, along with their carer, stay together on retreat with others for up to three days and two nights away, with 24/7 support from Resthaven staff.

‘When I look back, it really does feel like everything has come together to make use of all my skills and knowledge for this role,’ Gillian says.

Completing her associate degree in Dementia Care in 2017, Gillian shares dementia awareness education and best practice methodologies with staff at Resthaven, encouraging others to take on further studies in this evolving field.

‘Resthaven has always supported and encouraged me to expand my knowledge and take on further education,’ Gillian says. ‘I do the same with colleagues – involving them in the retreats where appropriate and sharing what I have learnt.’ 

Where it all started

At the age of 14, Gillian worked her first tea shift in the dining room at Resthaven Leabrook.

‘My brother worked there in the maintenance area, so that’s how I was introduced to aged care,’ Gillian says.

She then went on to become a Personal Care Worker, taking on the role at Resthaven Westbourne Park.  Gillian had two babies while working there and when her third son was five-weeks old, she returned – bringing him with her.

‘I was doing a three-hour evening shift, and I would often bring him in,’ Gillian says. ‘The residents loved to see him. He became part of the role.’

With her fourth child, Gillian took some time off again, but it wasn’t long before she had a phone call from the manager at Resthaven Bellevue Heights asking her to come and work for them.

‘One role I was doing at that time was classed as a “passive” overnight shift,’ Gillian says. ‘So, I could sleep while I was there, but any bells that went off were routed through to me, so it wasn’t always a peaceful night.’ 

‘I would sometimes also do a split shift. Often that meant I only had an hour off for lunch and then I’d be back to do another shift. I did a lot of hours at that stage!’

In addition to this work, Gillian also earned her Certificate 3 in Care and Support and Diploma in Leisure and Health, moving from being a personal carer to the Activity Assistant at Resthaven Bellevue Heights. An Activity Coordinator position came up at Resthaven Mitcham, so Gillian applied and was successful there. She also worked in this same role at Resthaven Leabrook, Bellevue Heights and Malvern.

 

Gillian has since worked as a Coordinator and Assistant Manager at Resthaven Community Respite Services, completed her Certificate 4 in Training and Assessment, lectured at TAFE SA in Leisure and Health, and become a dementia awareness educator. Alongside changes in her own career, she has witnessed many changes at Resthaven.

‘When I started, we had a matron at each site,’ Gillian says. ‘Now each site has a manager. I’ve also seen the diversity of our clients and residents increase, as well as of our staff. There have been big impacts, but also slower change which has made a measurable, positive difference to the lives of residents and clients.’

‘One of my most meaningful moments in age care was when I had the honour of being at the side of a gentleman who was dying in hospital, who had no family. I worked alongside the public trustee to plan his funeral. We sang at the funeral and read the eulogy, then had lemonade and cake at the grave side. It was a defining time for me and I still think of the impact Fred has had on the way that I work.’

Gillian cannot say that any particular role has been her favourite, as each role has suited exactly what she needed in the moment.

‘Across all my roles, my job has always been about the connections and meaningful engagement,’ Gillian says. ‘Both with the residents and clients, as well as with colleagues. It has been wonderful to learn from so many people over the years.’

Resthaven welcomes Gillian’s skills and experience in the Staying at Home in Regional South Australia program, which is now inviting new participants for their retreats in the Adelaide Hills and the Fleurieu in October and November. For more information visit the Resthaven website ‘Staying at Home’ Program in Regional South Australia - Resthaven.

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