Thirty years of passion drives dedicated aged care nurse

Aged care is full of loving workers who have dedicated their lives to helping and supporting older people, and Carinity Aged Care’s Jenny Boettcher has left a lasting impression during her 30-year career. 

Ms Boettcher, an Assistant in Nursing, started working in aged care in 1993 at Carinity Brookfield Green seniors community in Brisbane’s outskirts – although back then it was known as Resthaven.

Now located within the heart of Brisbane at Carinity’s Wishart Gardens home, she’s an integral part of their memory support unit, helping residents with dementia live their life to the fullest. 

“My favourite part of my job is receiving a smile or a ‘thank you’ for doing something which the resident has really appreciated. I enjoy making them happy by doing the little things they are unable to do themselves. I particularly enjoy looking after seniors who have dementia. They are special people. That is my passion,” said Ms Boettcher. 

“Also having residents’ family members express their gratitude and thanks to me for all the care I give to their loved one, saying it takes a very special person to do what I do.”

With experience as a diversional therapist and diversional therapy coordinator, Ms Boettcher has also spent much of her time working closely with aged care residents to craft engaging and exciting leisure activities that provide ongoing enrichment. She said highlights of her career have included pet therapy sessions – something most residents would likely agree with!

“This love of old people I think stems from me having old grandparents when I was growing up,” she explained. 

“Some of my favourite memories of working for Carinity are providing pet therapy to residents and seeing how a dog walking into a room can brighten up their day.”

Ms Boettcher is currently one of thousands of aged care workers being celebrated – more than usual – ahead of Aged Care Employee Day on August 7. Established by Whiddon Aged Care in 2018, the occasion recognises all aged care workers, including nurses, hospitality workers, office staff and drivers, who have given their time to look after aged care residents and home care recipients. 

With close to 400,000 aged care workers across Australia, it’s the perfect time to thank those such as Ms Boettcher who continue to give their all for the benefit of others. And that desire to give is what drives Ms Boettcher to this day. After 30 years in the industry, there’s no looking back when there’s a bright future ahead.

“My career goals for the future are to keep enriching the lives of the seniors I care for and being thankful that I have a job that makes a difference to people’s lives,” Ms Boettcher said.

If you have a message of support for aged care workers ahead of Aged Care Employee Day, please share it in the comments below!