Meet Jan Grainger, one of our remarkable ACFI Specialists from Brisbane. Jan shares what she loves about working in the aged care industry and making a difference in people’s lives.
Watch the video and read more about Jan below.
How long have you been in your current job?
Almost 2 and a half years.
How did you find yourself working in aged care?
Just over twenty years ago I wanted to return to working after a brief time away to have a baby. I was lucky enough to be offered a position in an RACF and found that I enjoyed working in aged care.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The chance to help change the aged care industry for the better. Being able to assist residents to receive the best possible care.
What’s the most rewarding part of what you do?
Seeing the change that occurs when residents receive the pain management treatment and interventions that they need. Seeing the resident have less pain.
What about the most challenging?
I like the challenges. They make you try harder. When you are able to see that light bulb go off when staff get Assessed needs.
Can you tell us about a time when you have been extra proud of your or Provider Assist’s work?
When I had organised a comprehensive pain management program for a very restless and agitated gentleman who showed challenging behaviours. After commencing on the program he had a decrease in his behaviours and was starting to smile at his wife.
What’s your advice to someone who’s considering a career in aged care?
Do it. Aged Care is an industry where as trained staff we can make a difference to people as they age. We can offer comfort, support, good care and a quality of life for those in the latter stages of their life.
Provider Assist is on a quest to revolutionise aged care. What do you think the industry will look like 10-20 years from now?
The aged care industry is in for changes within the next 10-20 years. The increase in demand for accommodation and the restraints on the Federal Budget will dictate these changes. I think that we will see more community-based care. The residents who will come into an RACF will be needing more high care and more diverse cares. The residents will demand a more flexible care structure that will better reflect their needs and their lifestyle choices. The attrition rate in facilities will be higher with residents coming in later and requiring more care with them remaining in care for shorter periods. With the workforce who presently work within the aged care industry aging, the emphasis will be on better recruitment of younger staff. Hopefully the powers that be will see the need for a better and mandatory staff to patient ratio to be able to deliver the type and range of care that will be needed into the future. The future can be scary but also exciting. I look forward to these changes with hope and anticipation.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I feel lucky that I came into the aged care industry and that I went for that interview with Jacqui and Alison.
