What does it mean to love your work in aged care?
Nicky, Diversional Therapist and Recreational Team Leader at Longview Home in Tawa, Wellington, says it’s connection: "If I can make one person smile by the end of the day, I've done my job."
To thrive in aged care, Nicky says you need compassion, empathy, kindness, and a genuine ability to show someone you care. There's a skill set to build, too, but the heart must come first. If you're considering a career in aged care, rest assured the work is meaningful, the growth is real, and the smiles are worth it all!
Nicky's path to this work wasn't a straight line. A former teacher from South Africa, she began as a Health Care Assistant, and it was her colleagues who spotted something special and encouraged her to keep studying. After completing Level 2 and 3, diversional therapy emerged as a natural fit: a wonderful blend of her teaching background and deep compassion for the people in her care.
"We're not just playing games. It's about connection, finding out what someone is all about, what keeps them going."
At Longview Home, that means bringing residents together for cognitive and physical activities - knitting groups, crafts, word and board games - to establish positive social connections.
The latest acquisition for the team is a multi-sensory projector with 500 games that residents keep coming back to. A heartfelt thank you for the donations received for this resource, which was made possible through the incredible generosity of our residents' whānau and our grant funders: The Wellington City Council – Tawa Community Fund, Lotto NZ – Lottery Community Fund and Tawa Rotary Club
From whānau to yours, our sincerest thanks.
