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2021 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF HEALTH AND CARE WORKERS
with Kerri Pearson, Assistant in Nursing at Aubrey Downer Aged Care Home, NSW.
Like so many who work as carers, Kerri Pearson’s love of the profession began as a child, when she used to visit aged care homes to deliver Christmas gifts to residents.
L&L: What made you want to become a care worker? KP: When I was young, I grew up going into the nursing home that my mother worked at to visit the residents. My sister and I used to make little gifts to take into the residents at Christmas time. I always wanted to be a nurse, so I could help them. Visiting the home left a lasting impression on me as a young girl. L&L: What does the World Health Organisation's International Year of Health and Care Workers mean to you? KP: It recognises the sacrifices and dedication of healthcare workers who never stopped caring through the COVID-19 pandemic. L&L: How long have you worked at Hall & Prior? KP: I have been with Hall & Prior for six months now.
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L&L: How long have you worked in aged care? KP: I have been working in aged care for around six years now. L&L: What does an average day look like for you? KP: If I am not working then I will drop my two granddaughters off to school. Over the weekend I love to spend a lot of time with them either going for a push bike ride or a walk. I like to do a lot of arts and craft, so the girls like to do that with me! I like to spend time working on my hobbies of making hanging crystals, diamond art and baking. I love to give away all my craft pieces to family and friends. At work – the average day is all systems go! I work across both lodges - Jeffress Lodge, which is the secure dementia unit, and Alcheringa Lodge here at Aubrey Downer. There are large amounts of gorgeous garden in-between – so it’s not a quick trip between work spaces.
