By Interchange Australia Marketing Coordinator Kelly Taylor.

I started at Interchange Australia as a support worker, so I believe that it has helped me to approach my role as an Aged Care Consultant from a very different perspective. I find myself looking at assessments from both the support workers view as well as the clients, and really try to make sure I get it right from the start for everyone involved.

The client’s needs are at the forefront of everything we do at Interchange Australia, it is incredibly important for our clients to feel comfortable and in control when accessing our services.

I think a large part of feeling comfortable can be attributed to understanding how everything works:

The initial assessment starts with a phone call, during the call we ask a series of questions and look to book in a time where we can do a home visit, which includes a WHS check for our support staff and we go through all the documents discuss and to sign off before services commence. The home visit usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes.

I allow my clients to speak and let me know how they would like things done, I don’t like to rush them and it is important to be empathetic to their individual situation and make sure we get their services right from the start. I treat our clients the way I hope to be treated when I am older and needing care.

Most people receiving services for the first time are quite anxious and this is completely understandable, but I generally find once everything is explained to them they begin to relax and feel as though a weight has been lifted from them and are always so grateful.

Working in this industry is the most rewarding of career choices I have made, and definitely my best one!