KEY POINTS:
Name: Razia Ali
Age: 42
Role: Key support worker for Enliven Positive Ageing Services, Presbyterian Support Northern
Working hours: Average 37 hours - longer if providing breakfast or bedtime support
Hourly rate range: $13.80 - $14.75
Qualifications and institution: Studying towards a National Certificate in Community Support through Careerforce, the community services industry training organisation. Has Certificate in Business Studies and teacher aide certificate.
Describe what you do.
My role is to support my elderly clients to meet their rehabilitation goals after illness or injury so that they can stay in their homes and be as independent as possible. These goals are written in a personal programme tailored to their needs and are usually about regaining skills, mobility and independence. This involves me going into their homes and doing various things such as: household tasks, personal care, helping with exercise and social activities, and offering emotional support and encouragement.
My clients' situations vary from problems such as broken hips to dementia. Hours are allocated depending on assessed needs. Our service is free.
Who do you work for?
Enliven Positive Ageing Services is a Presbyterian Support Northern service that provides home-based support for the elderly in their homes. They believe strongly in the idea of positive ageing.
Why did you choose this line of work?
After working 16 years as a pharmaceutical manufacturing assistant I needed a change, so I trained and worked as a teacher aide for two years. Then I returned to a pharmaceutical job, to see the place shut down. I had enjoyed working with young children and thought about doing early childhood training but couldn't afford to stop working to study full-time. Then I saw this job. I have always felt strongly about the importance of elderly being in their community and home as long as they can, so I was keen to try it. I've been here for about a year now.
What kind of clients do you have?
I have a case load of 15 clients, all of whom are over 65.
Clients are usually referred to Enliven after being assessed as needing home-based support when getting discharged from hospital. Some I see every morning and evening to check they've taken their medication. I may also prepare their breakfast and help them dress or shower. During the day, I may take them shopping, visit their doctor, help them exercise in their chair or go walking.
One client sleeps a lot so I visit to make sure she wakes up and eats regularly.
I have to keep an eye on things like stoves and electric blankets for people with short-term memories. If clients have dementia, I have to check the house is secure before I go so they can't wander during the night.
What sort of training is needed?
The Careerforce training includes dealing with infections, health and safety in a home, individual rights, promoting dignity and independence.
We learn how to deal with mental health issues and respond to different situations. We also learn how to encourage our clients to build up their physical strength using exercises based on daily activities in their homes.
What skills or qualities do you need?
You need to really care about elderly people and be happy to have a chat as well as doing the formal jobs.
Patience is essential because sometimes clients get upset or angry because they're frustrated or confused.
Time management is really important because you have lots of tasks to do in a certain time frame.
We need to be professional and not get involved in our clients' personal lives. Of course we listen if they want to talk but we don't offer advice or direction on issues.
However, if we're concerned our clients are being abused in any way, we pass that information on immediately to our co-ordinators who get it followed up by the appropriate people.
Best part of the job?
Seeing clients happy in their home is rewarding. The elderly are so appreciative when they feel someone is supporting them in their desire to stay at home.
Most challenging part?
Dealing with dementia patients when they're upset, because their behaviour can be challenging. We learn how to calm people down, such as distracting them by introducing another topic.
Advice to someone interested in this work?
Gauge whether you enjoy the company of elderly people. Gauge if you want to make a difference to their lives.
Start with a part-time care-giving role to see if you like the work.
There is a shortage of key support workers and I think that is partly because people think the role is simply one of housework. It is so much more. We get alongside them and help them gain some independence and give them back a sense of control.
Where would you like to be in five years?
Still here, but hopefully in a higher position with more responsibility.
* www.careerforce.org.nz
* www.psn.org.nz
