Lisa Lloyd
We first met Lisa last year. What struck us about her was her passion for the work she does, and the care and kindness she shows to the people in her care. Lisa has worked as an Aged Care Worker for LiveBetter for the past four and half years. We wanted to learn more about her – how she came to work in aged care, and why it is she stays.
We caught up for a coffee and a chat.
A bit of background…
Lisa was, in her own words, “Born and bred, raised and fed” in Orange. As a child, she and her two brothers lived with their parents in fairly idyllic surroundings out on the Cargo Road.
“From sun up to sun down, we never saw the parents. We were always out in the forest. We got into a lot of mischief!”
She attended Orange High School and after completing Year 12, began studying nursing at university.
“I did about a year and a half at Uni studying nursing. But I couldn’t afford it any longer. I just couldn’t afford to keep going, and I never went back.”
Lisa spent the next twenty years working in the hospitality sector.
“I originally worked in a coffee shop which was in the old Summer Centre. From there I went to Pizza Hut and became a manager. And I worked over at Jenolan Caves. It was beautiful – I had a really good time working there!
After twenty years Lisa was looking for a change.
I just couldn’t do it [hospitality] any more. After twenty years I was getting burnt out. I thought – right, time to leave.
When a friend who worked at LiveBetter suggested she apply for a job in aged care, she thought, “Why not?”.
And she hasn’t looked back.
“ I’ve always wanted to be in this type of sector – I’d actually really wanted to be a Paramedic. I was studying nursing in the hopes of going on to be a Paramedic.”
On LiveBetter
“I love it. I really love it! Since I started in aged care, I haven’t looked back!”
At first, she found aspects a little overwhelming.
“Going into a stranger’s house – it was very daunting. But I had a few regulars. You’d get to know them; you’d get to hear their stories.”
Although to begin with Lisa had no qualifications, she was supported to get her aged care qualifications.
“LiveBetter supported me to get the qualifications I needed, and I’ve been able to keep learning, which helps me to be good at what I do.”
Working with older people, some of whom are nearing the end of their lives, brings its share of challenges. It is especially difficult when a customer is suffering – when they are nearing the end of their lives, and when they pass away.
“It’s hard to see people suffering when you can’t do anything. All you can do is try to take their mind off their pain…it’s a good thing, being with them in the last part of their life and knowing that you’ve helped them just a little bit. You try not to get attached – but you do.”
“The work we do is so valuable because we help people stay in their own homes. They’re in the comfort of their own place. Yes – they are letting a stranger into their house, and many don’t like asking for help. But – we go in there, and we help them out. And they’re grateful.”
This is the kind of work that changes people’s lives.
Lisa says she is inspired by anyone who puts 100% into their work – and in her mind, every one of her colleagues fits the bill.
“ All the workers at LiveBetter are an inspiration- just knowing that they’re putting all their effort into helping people. And you need to care [in this sector]. If you see people as an inconvenience, you should not be in this sector. You have to be caring!
The Best Thing (about your work)
“My clients.”
The Hardest thing (about your work?)
“It can be stressful, and it can be emotional.”
Top Work-Life Balance Tip
“Keep work at work!”
What keeps you going?
“Seeing my clients. Helping them out, wherever they need it. I might be the only person they see that day. To brighten their day. That makes me happy.”
Where will you be in five years?
“I love what I’m doing now! I love being in the community and helping people out. But if I could, I’d like to start travelling again. I was supposed to go to Japan in 2020, but COVID happened. But I think Japan for the Cherry Blossom season is definitely on the cards.”
If there was one piece of advice you could give to others who are just starting out in the Community Sector, what would it be?
“Keep learning. Always keep learning. You can never stop. When LiveBetter offers you the opportunity to go to TAFE or do online courses – just do it!”
