Catholic Healthcare mother and daughter duo, Jo and Kaysie, have featured on Prime7 News Wagga calling for more people to pursue a career in aged care.
Jo and Kaysie appear with Home Care client Judith who lives independently at The Haven Retirement Living Village in Wagga Wagga.
Jo works for Home & Community Services as a Care Advisor in the Riverina region. Jo's 19 year old daughter Kaysie recently joined Catholic Healthcare part-time as a Community Worker while she completes her Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) course with TAFE NSW.
Kaysie, who originally completed a Diploma of Beauty Therapy through TAFE NSW, said the unlikely seed for a career change was planted while performing a pedicure on a client.
“She was telling me about how many aged care jobs were out there and the more she talked about it, the more I could see myself doing it,” she said.
"Mum had been a disability and aged care worker for about 10 years so I’d grown up around it. I fell in love with the job straight away. I’m a very caring person by nature and to help someone when they need you most is such a privilege. For some people, you’re the only one who comes to see them and their whole face lights up.”
Kaysie said she had no issue working with her mum as the pair “get along really well and have always been close”.
TAFE NSW aged care teacher Debbie Healey said the industry offered the rare combination of job security and satisfaction, with graduates leaving with the practical skills and work experience to hit the ground running.