‘More Meaningful’: Allan and Michael Enjoy Their ‘Rewarding’ Careers in Aged Care

In March 2018, Allan White and Michael Asims sat next to each other at their first TAFE lecture for Certificate III Individual Support (Ageing and Disability). Both were considering the aged care sector for their ‘second career’, and the pair gravitated towards each other – quickly forming a shared respect and friendship.

Fast forward to 2025, and Allan and Michael have maintained their bond, now both working as Home Support Workers at Resthaven Western Community Services.

‘When I relocated back from Melbourne after 45 years working in the hospitality gaming industry, I found it almost impossible to get a job,’ Allan says. ‘My sister recommended I speak with DOME (Don’t Overlook Mature Entrants) and they paid for my education to get me started in the aged care sector.’

Michael had left his career at Hyatt Hotels where he had been a senior manager both in Australia and internationally, as well as being a lecturer in hospitality control systems at TAFE.

‘I took it easy for a year or two, but then I thought “I still have a bit to give”,’ Michael says. ‘I did the qualification just to see where it might lead, and I have to say that in all my years in hospitality, this job is more meaningful than anything I have ever done. Each day is different. I’m working one-on-one with older individuals, and I think to myself “I should have done this earlier!”

Although Allan and Michael work out of the same office, the nature of their work is such that they are rarely in the same place at the same time.

‘My car is my office,’ Allan says. ‘I’m meeting all different people and supporting them with their needs. My focus is solely on the individual, and if I need anything, I have the team back here at Woodville to keep things running smoothly.’

Allan and Michael have both had a number of ‘aha’ moments when supporting clients. For Allan, it was when he experienced a medical episode while visiting a regular client who usually suffered terrible anxiety, but was able to calmly and authoritatively arrange for medical assistance. For Michael, it was when one of his clients, who lives with dementia, was able to recall and ask about an incident that had happened the week before.

‘The foundation of the service we offer is to give dignity, autonomy and choice to our clients,’ Michael says. ‘I truly love the work. Every time you meet someone new you learn something.’

Michael has recently completed his Diploma of Dementia Care and it now studying his Diploma of Ageing Studies and Services – not because he is seeking a different role, but because he wants to better support Resthaven clients and their families. As someone of Greek heritage who speaks Greek, Michael also enjoys conversing with older Greek clients in their native tongue.

‘I personally get a lot back from the role and the clients we work for,’ Michael says.

Allan agrees.

‘When I started this, it was a stepping into the unknown,’ Allan says. ‘It was something I was just willing to have a go at – and it has turned out to be so rewarding!’

At the 2024 Resthaven Excellence Awards, Allan was awarded the Value of Trust Award for his commitment to Resthaven's values, particularly relating to his involvement with Resthaven’s Home Support Worker “Buddy Essentials Program” to mentor the newly appointed staff.

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