Warm welcome

By Rebecca Downey, lifestyle assistant

Hello everyone, my name is Rebecca Downey and I have recently joined the lifestyle team, at Arcare Slacks Creek.

First I would like to say thank you to all the wonderful residents, staff, family members and volunteers who have warmly welcomed me into my new position, and I thank everyone for your patience as I get to know my new environment.

I came to work in the aged care industry over 10 years ago, after volunteering at a residential facility.

As a small girl I would often join my grandma at her local senior citizens, were I guess I found my passion for spending time with older Australians.

I knew I wanted a career in assisting others to enjoy the best quality of life.

I began volunteering and absolutely loved being part of the environment at the aged care residence.

Like my mother, I love to talk, which was a great was of engaging residents where I volunteered.

They would listen to my stories and I would listen to theirs.

The relationships I built were such a joy to me and I knew this was the industry for me.

From there I studied to become an assistant in nursing and got a job at a day respite centre, running the daily activates and assisting clients on bus trips.

After that I was transferred into a role where I would work in the community as a personal carer.

A year later I actually came back to the aged care residence where I first volunteered as an assistant nursing.

I continue to have the same passion, dedication and drive for my job as I always had.

Being able to enrich people’s daily lives was infectious and I couldn’t think of doing anything else as a career.

All my dedication must have been noticed as I was asked to fill in for one our diversional therapists, running the lifestyle program at my former workplace.

I was a bit nervous, however rose to the challenge and never looked back.

I went on to do my studies in leisure and health and then was employed as a full-time diversional therapist.

I worked both in memory support and high care and loved coming to work every day.

Throughout my career I have implemented some great programs and worked alongside some brilliant mentors who have also shared my passion of working with older Australians.

I believe the key to providing great leisure programs is building a relationship with each individual person.

Getting to know someone and their interests can provide a great tool to providing person centred care.

When I am not at work, I love spending time with my brilliant husband, my 12-year-old daughter and my 7-year-old son.

My family and I enjoy going camping, going to sporting matches and spending time cooking and eating with friends and family.

Once again thank you all for your warm welcome, I am excited about my new journey with Arcare.

I am happy to have the opportunity to share my skills, passion and knowledge with my new team.