(This story is from our archives of NextStep Magazine. The Magazine has since been renamed to AIC With You)

Name: Julie See
Age: 51
Job: Care Professional / Healthcare Associate
Working in: St Luke’s ElderCare (Nee Soon Central Branch)

How did you become the caregiver for your father?

I had been a housewife for 15 years, looking after my two kids. More than 10 years ago, my father had a stroke, and heart problems. I’m the youngest of six siblings and the only one who’s not working, so I became his caregiver.

What made you decide to join the Community Care sector?

After caring for my father, I realised there are many seniors who are unable to help themselves. Over the past seven years. I learnt everything from scratch, struggling at first because I’m not highly educated. I started off at a dementia day care centre, and four years ago, I joined St Luke’s Eldercare as a Healthcare Associate. Last year, we set up the St Luke’s ElderCare Nee Soon Central Centre, where I now work. My husband and children were initially against my working in the Community Care sector. They felt that it was hard work, but I work because I care!

Do you think that your experience with your dad has helped you with dealing with your clients?

Definitely. I’ve learnt the skills to look after my father’s basic needs, developed patience when taking care of him and learnt different ways of persuading him to do certain activities, which are all needed with my clients now. I can anticipate and manage some of the clients’ behaviour.

How does your job change over the years?

When I first joined, I looked after clients who come to the centre for the day care programme. Earlier this year, I was placed in charge of the Dementia team looking after seniors with Dementia. I plan activities for them based on their cognitive levels. Recently, I was roped in to the Eldersit programme, an initiative that engages seniors with dementia at their homes.

What sort of training courses did you take after you’ve joined?

I took St Luke’s Core Programme Training, where I acquired the skills needed to give the elderly more personalised care. The other one was the Eldersit Programme Training, where I was trained to communicate and engage with elderly who have dementia .

What was the most challenging experience you’ve encountered?

Sometimes, the seniors will play hide and seek and refuse to listen. The challenge is to develop different ways to engage them. I’ve learnt from experience that having a good relationship with the seniors will increase their trust in you, leading them to listen to your instruction and advice.

What motivates you to come to work?

I am attached to the clients at the day care centre! I look forward to coming to work every day because the seniors treat me as their family, like buying herbal tea for me when the weather is hot.

Community Care Traineeship programme

Do you have a heart for seniors and enjoy interacting with them? If so, you can join the Community Care sector where you get to interact and care for seniors. For those with no prior experience in healthcare, fret not.

The 12-week Community Care Traineeship Programme, consisting of classroom and on-the-job training as well as practicums, is designed just for you. The course will equip you with the relevant skills to provide basic nursing or therapy services in order to work as a support care staff. Join us today for a meaningful and fulfilling career!