Eurobodalla Shire aged care facilities are urging residents to consider a career switch as COVID-19 puts pressure on the sector.
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IRT Group has launched a recruitment drive for aged care employees across its three sites to help manage safe visits and visitor health checks in place due to the pandemic.
IRT Group CEO Patrick Reid said the COVID-19 pandemic has brought increased demands and more employees were urgently needed in Batemans Bay, Moruya and Narooma.
"We're seeking to hire more aged care employees in the coming months to help us continue providing the quality care our residents need," Mr Reid said.
"Our ongoing response to COVID-19 has seen our aged care staff assume many extra responsibilities, notably managing scheduled visits, visitor wellness screening, dedicating more one-on-one time between care staff and residents and helping facilitate phone and video calls.
"We're looking for people who can help us with our mission to improve the lives of older Australians.
"Working in aged care is so much more than just a job, it's an opportunity to make a genuine difference in someone's life. If you're someone who's ever considered working in aged care, now is the time to make a move."
IRT provided the following case studies of workers who had made the switch to aged care from other sectors:
Bruce Sketchley, 55, of Kianga commenced his role as an aged care employee at IRT Dalmeny in June. After spending most of his working life in land care and landscaping Bruce says he was ready for a change.
"I have a caring nature and was interested to try something different. I'm really enjoying it. I like the interaction with the residents and knowing at the end of the day I've done something for someone they couldn't do themselves. I get a lot of self-satisfaction out of it. The people I work with are also really nice. I've never really had that before."
Jeanette London, 58, of Narooma also works at IRT Dalmeny and has done so for the past 15 years. Formerly a chef, Jeanette decided to switch careers, as caring for older people had always been something she'd wanted to do.
"I've always liked elderly people and have always wanted to work in aged care. I work in the dementia wing and treat them with the respect and dignity that I would want for my own family. I'd say to anyone considering a job in aged care the most important thing is to have respect for people. It can be hard at first, but if you're respectful and caring it can be the most rewarding job you'll ever have."
IRT is hiring to fill multiple part-time and full-time aged care employee positions at Batemans Bay, Moruya and Dalmeny.