Caring is all part of life’s important moments 

Please note this story talks about loss and depression  

 A life-changing moment turned into a life-changing career for Community Support Worker Donna. 

The change came in the form of re-training in aged care when she was in her late 40s, following the loss of her 25-year-old son and a period of depression, with a renewed focus to look after others. 

“I made the decision to live my life with purpose and to get up and get going every day, embracing new changes along the way.” 

“I am a “people person” and love being with people, talking to them, listening, helping and encouraging them is all part of what makes my heart sing,” she said. 

“Being a carer lets me do that and being paid to help people is just wonderful because I just love it and when I see the customers smile and laugh along with me, I know they love it too. 

“As people we are wired for human connection and this is a role where I do that every day and so every day I get up and say “yeah, I have a fantastic job and a real purpose!” 

Donna has worked in the aged care industry for almost 15 years and joined Southcare in early 2024. 

They say a change is as good as a holiday and this was true for me when I decided to join Southcare. “The regularity and diversity of work, plus the flexibility at Southcare is wonderful. No two days are the same, just like no two customers are the same! We go to places together, discover new things and enjoy the moments shared. 

“Building rapport with people comes easy to me, and perhaps because I am slightly older it is easy for the customers too as we have shared life experiences,” she said.  

This Aged Care Employee Day we are thanking all carers, who, just like Donna, provide essential care and help for around 1.5 million older Australians. 

As Southcare Chief Executive Officer Enda Fahy says: our carers are superheroes. 

“Every day, aged care employees perform their roles with immense dedication and compassion, often going above and beyond to ensure the well-being of our older community members.  

“Please take a moment to acknowledge them and give them the recognition they deserve,” Enda said.   

 Donna echoes this sentiment and as she blows a kiss to the heavens, also thanks her son Robbie, who continues to provide the inspiration for her to “get up and get going every day”. 

Discover more on our aged care superheroes Jose, Laure and Niruja and Sagar and if you would like to be an aged care superhero, reach out here.