Caring still a joy after 43 years for care worker Sharon

After three decades caring for residents at Bolton Clarke’s Cazna Gardens home and 43 years in aged care, Personal Care Worker (PCW) Sharon says she still loves coming to work every day.

The home recently marked Sharon’s 30^th anniversary as a valued member of the Cazna Gardens team.

After moving down to Brisbane in the late 90s, Sharon says she was eager to find another role within the aged care space.

“I was working at an aged care home in Townsville at the time, specifically with people living with dementia so wanted to keep doing the same thing,” Sharon said.  

“I was fortunate enough to get a job here doing the same.”

She said working with older people and their families was a privilege and a joy.

“I like working with older people, they are interesting and it’s like having your own grandparents all the time.

“As a PCW, you get the opportunity to learn so much about these people and I think that’s a privilege – not just a job.

“You’re also working with residents’ families which is also a privilege to be able to assist them.”

For Sharon, caring came naturally and she says she has always gravitated towards helping others.

“I looked after my nan and granddad and I also worked in a hospital and during that time I found that it was always the older people I was more inclined to go and check in on if I had a spare five minutes for a chat.

“That was when I realised I enjoyed working with older people and now I still come to work because I want to be here.”