We spoke to Sue Lambert, one of our ACFI specialists in NSW, who told us her experience of working with Provider Assist, and what she hopes for the future of aged care.
How long have you been in your current job?
6 months
How did you find yourself working in aged care?
I have been working in aged care for 18 years, I am just as passionate, if not more from my first day in working in aged care. Started off as a carer, then EEN, Manager, then RN, Clinical nurse now ACFI Specialist. There was never such an exciting time in aged care than right now.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
That I make a difference, I impact the resident and get facilities to expect more.
What’s the most rewarding part of what you do?
Knowing that I have helped made a difference to that resident’s life. Love meeting new people all the time and sharing the PA story.
What about the most challenging?
Staff that don’t quite understand yet the assessed needs. Behavior charts and picking out the residents.
Can you tell us about a time when you have been extra proud of your or Provider Assist’s work?
In my short time here, there has been a few, but ones that stand out are:
When a resident was clearly depressed and nothing had been done about it (staff thinking she was just declining) spoke to her GP and she now is getting treated.
Another time when a 98 year old lady was clearly struggling with ADL and mobility, but staff didn’t realize as she was always left to her own devices and staff rarely went near her. This lady thanked me because now she is getting help and that it’s making an impact on her.
What’s your advice to someone who’s considering a career in aged care?
Some people think that aged care nursing is a job for the semi-retired older nurse, this couldn’t be further than the truth. It is such a diverse area, one that will keep you on your toes, you have to know about not only acute but chronic illnesses, it’s all about holistic care, not just treating one element. It’s about expecting more for these residents and making an impact on their lives. Aged Care nursing can take you along many wonderful fulfilling journeys throughout your career.
Provider Assist is on a quest to revolutionise aged care. What do you think the industry will look like 10-20 years from now?
In 20 years’ time, aged care will be state of the art facilities. It will be vibrant and fun, it will truly have an understanding of the assessed need and resident’s will be rightfully expecting more. No more bingo and sitting in the lounge watching TV. There will be internet café’s, they will be more like small villages where you can shop etc. They will be more partner rooms, where residents can share private quality time. You will be seeing more same gender partners as well and facilities cater and welcome this. Highly skilled educated workers on each shift. All residents will be getting the care based on their assessed needs, after all this is what everyone should expect.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Since being with PA it has reinforced my passion and commitment to aged care. It has me expecting more for the facilities and the residents and to get them thinking that also. I am so proud to be working for a super supportive company, in PA, that make a difference and impact the resident’s life everyday, in so many ways. Life is wonderful.
