Join us as we meet some of our amazing aged care team members.
A visit to see his Grandparents led Ashley Nicholls into a job he now loves - planning activities for residents at BaptistCare Maranoa Centre Aged Care Home.
Right place, right time, right job
Sometimes, a great job finds you when you least expect it, and you get to skip the stress of the job hunt.
Ashley Nicholls was in the middle of a visit to see his Grandparents, who were residents at BaptistCare Maranoa Centre Aged Care Home in NSW, when he heard about an interesting job opportunity.
“I was between jobs at that point,” Ashley said.
“And I heard about the activities officer job, and I thought I’d give it a try. That was two and a half years ago.”
He soon worked out that there was a lot that goes into planning the different activities for the residents.
“It’s a lot of fun and seeing the residents full of joy is great, but they’ll also let you know when they don’t love the newer activities you try,” Ashley laughed.
Wellbeing behind the fun
Each day, Ashley plans at least two, sometimes more, activities for the residents in the home to take part in and each one has many layers of benefits for each person.
“The activities we plan have to be good for the resident’s body and mind,” Ashley said.
“It needs to activate their brains and move their body in a way that engages muscles but doesn’t overdo it.”
“But they’ll tell you if they think the activity is silly, and then you rethink it and go again. It’s great because the residents really drive the activities we do,” he said.
With all the activities Ashley runs, he says there is a clear favourite.
“Bingo!,” he said.
“It gets really competitive. The top players take it all very seriously, but then you get others who are there to have a lot of fun. It’s a good mix.”
Balancing work and study
At 28, Ashley has a rich life, both through his job with BaptistCare and all he does away from it.
With a love of music and playing instruments (a talent he sometimes shares with residents) he is also in his first year of a law degree.
“It’s been a really big step for me to start studying law this year. To find the confidence to start and follow what I want,” Ashley said.
The juggle has been made all the easier by the companionship of his best friend, Poppy - a 14 year old Mini Foxie and ‘bundle of joy.’
“But something else great about this job is I can work and study at the same time. I get up early to study and then go to work,” he said.
Encouraging others into aged care
Finding joy in this job has shown Ashley the benefits for people his age who are looking for a rewarding career in the caring sector.
He says that spending time with residents, hearing their stories and wisdoms, has changed his perspective on aging and living well in your latter years.
“There’s a real warmness and cheekiness the residents share with you each day,” Ashley explained.
“You get to hear their stories and see how diverse their thoughts and opinions are and that’s great to take with you out into the world too.”
When asked what he’d say to other people under 30 who might be considering aged care as a career, his advice was clear.
“Give it a go!”
“It’s really supportive and an area that brings people together from the heart,” he said.
“You get to meet so many different kinds of people and give a lot of joy. Just give it a go.”
