Introducing one of our team here (although not really because he has been here for awhile); Ben- our Administration and Services team member.
Tell us a bit about your background and current experiences:
I started working here just two days a week in activities, then progressed to coordinator which I have spent most of my time here as Lifestyle Coordinator. Within that I have worn many temporary hats and had a wonderfully varied role at times, which put me in good stead for my recent role change.
Towards the end of last year, I took on the role of- General Services & Administration.
My role now is conducting tours for people and families looking for care and being that first person you meet when you come through the door which I love- I love learning people’s stories and helping them as they navigate into aged care- some for the very first time ever- and showcasing Holmwood and its history and quality care. Along with this, my tasks include general administration duties, staff onboarding and some rostering, as well as supervising services within the home.
Why Did you choose aged care?
I really didn’t. I was looking for some work and found the activities job two days per week and fell in love with the residents, the home, the philosophy of the company and I haven’t yet left. Aged Care was not a career I had considered, and yet here I am and loving it.
What does nursing/aged care mean to you?
The people who work in Aged Care are some of the best people I know. They choose to spend their time supporting & providing for people who can no longer do so for themselves. It is an honour and a big responsibility to have the care of our residents on our shoulders and I admire the team here, and everywhere, who have chosen to work in this field.
What do you enjoy most about working at Holmwood Aged Care?
So many things- firstly the residents- they are the reason I have been here so long. They make me laugh. They inspire me. They give me a hard time. I have known so many and I appreciate the time I have had with them.
I love the camaraderie of the team. I work with great people who are great at their jobs and keep the residents well cared for and loved.
Even though I am not on the floor as much in this role I still get to see the residents each day, and I come in early Tuesdays to spend the morning serving breakfast at the weekly buffet breakfast and it’s nice that I still have the relationships with the residents I built with them.
What is the most special nursing/aged care memory?
When you work somewhere as long as me you get a long history of memories and moments.
A few highlights would be our ANZAC Day services which the residents cherish.
Another would be a from a few years back, I started a book club with a small group of residents late in the afternoons- and I read the entire Harry Potter series to them over 12 months. They loved it. They laughed and asked questions, and it was special to bring something from my interests and from modern culture and have them so involved. Sometimes I would think they were sleeping instead of listening, but then they’d burst into laughter or smirk or sit up and ask me something. That was special.
I should probably also say that my “most special” memory was that I met the woman who is now my wife while working here.
Any chance you can we edit this and put that first? That should probably be my first answer, yes? 
Thanks for sharing some of your story Ben. We are sure there are many other memories and stories from your time here.
