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Exceptional Care with Heart

Inspired by Di Geddes's personal experience

Quote: They may forget what you aid but they will never forget how you made them feel

I first started working with older people when I was 15. I got a weekend job in what was called an Aged Care Hostel in Moonee Ponds Victoria. I had been really fortunate to have a close, fun filled relationship with my grandparents, especially my maternal grandma and pa who I had the blessing of having with me until I turned 15 and 23, respectively. I had always felt drawn to older people, I had an innate interest in them, their stories, their different beliefs and what mostly appeared to be a relaxed approach to life.  


I didn’t know it when I started this job, but this job changed my life forever.

 

I learnt so many valuable lessons from this experience however, I think the one that has stuck with me throughout the years and shaped the type of daughter, nurse and now director of care company I am is the deep need we all have to be seen, heard, appreciated and to laugh. There is no doubt that aging brings its own little speedbumps in life’s journey; some can be more like massive road works. However, I don’t think these basic needs change. I believe that the secret to exceptional care is really that simple: you just have to meet these needs.

 

Di Geddes and her mum

As a daughter, I worked with my siblings to ensure mum and dad could maintain their independence as long as possible. I acknowledged when extra care was required so that I could continue to be their daughter and have time to talk about small and big things together, nearly wet our pants laughing, talk about great memories, cook together, share meals together etc. I think it is really important that people continue to get to play their roles, once you start doing a lot of caring for your parents, your role and theirs changes and that can be very confronting for all of you.

 

As a nurse, in addition to giving compassionate care, I have always been a very loud advocate for my patient’s rights. Ensuring they got the care they needed when returning home hoping to continue to live independently again. This meant lots of listening and working with them to ensure they had the best chance at success.

 

As the Director of Exceptional Care For You, I am so proud of the support our workers give to our older participants. Each support worker is hand-picked and matched perfectly with each participant.  We have nurses who have both lived and professional experience in aged care, overseeing all the support delivered and this is a free bonus when you choose our care. While focussing on ensuring our participants are seen, heard and appreciated, a great relationship develops between them and our support workers, which leads to many smiles, often laughter and always great feedback. With every new participant, I think of my mum and dad and our care is modelled on exactly what I would have wanted for them. 


Delivering support to Australia’s greatest treasures, the older members of our society is our absolute privilege and pleasure.


To talk to us about your care needs, feel free to contact us.

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