Twelve years ago, Tess joined Regis Capel Sound in Victoria as a Personal Care Attendant. Today, she is Assistant Manager at the same Home, having built a career shaped by learning, leadership and meaningful relationships with residents.
After finishing school, Tess completed her aged care certificate and began working with residents. What she expected to be a temporary role soon became the start of a long-term career.
“I found looking after people who had done so much to shape our society into what it is today was so much more than just a job,” she said. “The residents I cared for provided me advice and life experience that I carry with me to this day.”
While continuing to work, Tess completed her studies to become an enrolled nurse. Over the years, she has taken on roles across clinical care, training and leadership, building her skills and experience while remaining part of the same Home.
Today, she oversees daily operations as Assistant Manager, supporting residents, employees and families.
Tess says what has kept her in aged care throughout that journey has been the people.
“The things I enjoy most about working in aged care are the people, the residents,” she said. “Learning about the lives they’ve lived and who they are as people, not just their diagnosis or prognosis.”
For Tess, aged care has given her the opportunity to build relationships that develop over time.
“I have laughed and cried with residents and their families,” she said. “I have seen residents become great grandparents, and I have held the hands of residents at the end of their life.”
Despite moving into leadership, Tess still makes time to stay connected to residents.
“When possible, I eat lunch in the dining room with the residents,” she said. “It is my favourite thing to do. We chat and talk about yesteryear, and I soak up all of the wonderful conversation and advice.”
Over the past 12 years, Tess has progressed from care assistant to Assistant Manager, building her career while staying connected to the residents who inspired her to remain in aged care. Her journey reflects the opportunities available to grow, learn and lead while making a meaningful difference every day.
