AGED care workers across the country were celebrated on Friday 7 August, as Aged Care Employee Day sought to recognise the dedication, compassion and commitment of the people who support older Australians every day.
At Yeoval UPA, the occasion was an opportunity to celebrate the staff who go above and beyond to provide not only clinical care, but companionship, the chance to be heard and understood, and a sense of belonging for residents.
For registered nurse April Guilando, aged care is about taking the time to listen, understand and ensure residents feel valued.
Ms Guilando has worked at UPA for about three years, but her journey into aged care has taken some unexpected turns.
She first entered the sector more than a decade ago, but at the time she found herself unprepared for the emotional side of the work.
“I started aged care 13 years ago, but it just was not for me,” Ms Guilando said.
“It was just a cultural shock, and I had my parents ageing back home, so I felt guilty looking after them. I wasn’t ready for that emotional baggage.”
After moving into a different role caring for prisoners, Ms Guilando eventually felt drawn back to working with seniors.
“I decided to come back to aged care,” she said. “I wanted to see if I could give back to those who are vulnerable in the community.”
Now working as a registered nurse at Yeoval UPA, Ms Guilando said she enjoys the opportunity to combine clinical care with genuine connection.
A typical day involves managing residents’ clinical needs, medications and supporting her team, but she said some of the most important moments happen during simple conversations.
“I love that I get the time to really sit down with them and understand their concerns, have a bit of a chat, even if it’s just a social visit with the medical stuff behind it as well,” she said.
For Ms Guilando, the most rewarding part of aged care is being able to listen and support residents in a way that respects their choices.
“The ability to listen, understand, and be able to bring solutions to problems,” she said.
“Knowing that eventually they are going to go, but you have been able to be there for them.”
Ms Guilando said she believes one of the greatest gifts a carer can offer is making someone feel heard.
“There are always two types of listening, listening to react and listening to understand,” she said. “As human beings, we feel it when we are being heard.”
While aged care can be challenging, Ms Guilando said the rewards make it worthwhile.
“You have to come here with an open mind and a lot of patience,” she said.
“You also have to make sure you look after yourself because if you’re stressed and you continue to come in, it’s not really helping the resident, yourself or your colleagues.”
Ms Guilando said the qualities she believes make a great aged care worker are straightforward.
“Patience, kindness and respect,” she said.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s a resident, their family, a colleague, your manager or visitors, you just have to be respectful, kind and treat others how you would want to be treated.”
Her message to anyone considering a career in aged care is to give it a chance, but not to feel pressured to stay in an environment that isn’t for you.
“Come aboard, see for yourself if it’s for you,” Ms Guilando said.
“If it is, continue and go with it. If it’s not for you, take your lessons with you and move on.”