CARING
IN MY OWN WORDS Three aged care workers share their passion for helping older people.
Derek Or—Registered Nurse, Carinity Wishart Gardens, Brisbane
After Nana passed, I decided I should convert my grief into something more powerful that would allow me to move forward in life. So I promised that I would take care of elderly seniors, just like my grandparents were taken care of, so lovingly.
Our family values are to provide support, care, and love for our elderly parents. My grandparents had been living with us since I was young, and my dad was their caregiver.
In 2012, I took my dad’s advice, came to Australia, and started my Registered Nurse studies.
I was born in Singapore and my career inspiration came from my dad and grandmother.
When my Nana suffered a stroke, my dad took care of most of Nana’s needs while the rest of us contributed to the best of our abilities.
Aged care is my passion. After almost five years as an RN, I am currently pursuing a degree in psychology to further enhance my contributions to our seniors.
I love to sing with the residents. I usually start with You Are My Sunshine to uplift their mood, and sometimes followed by You Are Beautiful. Occasionally, some may tell me that they are no longer beautiful, but after sharing my Nana’s message that ‘true beauty is not skin deep as it goes far deeper to our very heart and soul’, they agree and sing along. Palliative care is important to me and I believe the last page of a person’s life story should be written in the sweetest of memories. They should not be alone or in fear. They should receive care with love and genuine support.
2020 AMH Aged Care Companion OUT NOW! The AMH Aged Care Companion is a trusted, practical reference for nurses and health professionals who work with older people. It contains the latest evidence-based information on the management of more than 70 conditions common in older people. The new release includes a number of changes. Those that may be of interest: updated topics including behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), epilepsy, heart failure, immunisation, type 2 diabetes and urinary tract infections. The 2020 Book and Online release is available now. Go to www.amh.net.au for more information. 40
