From passion to purpose: Meet the young people who have found their calling in aged care

Across Australia, the average age of people who work in aged care is 47, but the younger generation are making their presence felt.  

To mark Aged Care Employee Day, meet some of BaptistCare’s next generation of aged care workers and hear what draws them to a career caring for older Australians.  

“I go home with a smile on my face.”

Karin Martin (pictured above) is always up for a challenge. The gym lover pushes herself to enter national bodybuilding competitions. Karin also challenges herself in her professional life. She is a Personal Care Assistant at Abbey Gardens residential aged care community in Warragul, VIC. 

Last year she won the Trainee of the Year Award after graduating with a Certificate III in Individual Support for Aged Care. 

“I am happy every day I come to work, and I love that I am learning practical skills on the job,” Karin says. “I am helping people every day, and I go home with a smile on my face.  

“Winning Trainee of the Year was unexpected, but it was such an honour to be valued and recognised within my workplace. It meant a lot to receive it from work colleagues who have assisted me in becoming the PCA I am today. 

“I like everything about my job, but mostly how rewarding it is. I always leave work feeling a sense of fulfilment, from the residents as well as the workers. Each day, doing something for someone to make their life that little bit easier makes me feel very content.” 

When she finishes her shifts at Abbey Gardens, Karin heads to the gym. She has completed her first season of competitive bodybuilding. She won the ICN (I Compete Natural) Rising Star award for Victoria and placed third as a rookie at the national championships. 

“I’m in the continual process of building muscle and training well in the gym. I love it. All up, I’m super grateful to be where my feet currently are. I enjoy my work, routine and lifestyle.”  

“Karin is such a bright, bubbly, and friendly addition to our home,” says Lauren Robinson, Abbey Gardens Residential Care & Services Manager. “We are truly lucky to have Karin as part of our already phenomenal team. 

“She took on her traineeship with an incredible passion and dedication, always keeping the residents of Abbey Gardens at the forefront of her mind. Karin is immensely passionate about passing on her skills to new staff and making a difference in the lives of our residents to enhance their days.” 

 

“It’s the little things that mean a lot to residents that makes this job special” 

While still at high school, Chelsea Ford set her sights on a job in aged care.  

“I felt inspired to begin in aged care at 17,” she said.  

“I knew I wanted to open a pathway in my life that aligned with my passion for helping people, and aged care turned out to be the perfect opportunity to love and care for people.”  

Chelsea started studying for her dream job while she was still in high school and was able to start working as a care partner at BaptistCare Gracehaven aged care home in Rockingham, WA, in 2022.  

The 19-year-old is now a Therapy and Leisure Partner at BaptistCare Gracehaven.  

She spends her week planning activities for the residents to enjoy, providing pampering in the salon, and generally spending time with them.  

“What I love most about working in aged care is the friendships I have built over the years, not only with the residents, but with their families,” Chelsea said.  

“It feels like I have a big family with many extra grandparents and we share love and stories with each other. 

“I have been so lucky to learn new skills and values in life through my work and the privilege of caring for our residents. This job really helps you grow, not just as a worker, but as a person,” Chelsea explained. 

“I feel a real pride in caring for my community”  

Leisa Wheatley’s start to her career in aged care was a bit of a juggle.  

It was a bit of a ‘when life gives you lemons’ moment.  

When she was 17, she was the full-time carer for her grandparents, working two jobs and studying at TAFE to begin her career.  

“I knew I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives,” she said.  

“I think caring for my grandparents showed me how special it is and how I could do that for other people’s families as well.  

“I had a fantastic teacher at TAFE who was a former surgical nurse, and it was amazing to learn from her. Plus, everyone in my course was much older than me, so they really took me under their wing,” she laughed.  

Initially starting her career in aged care homes working with residents in specialised dementia units and palliative care, Leisa is now working for BaptistCare at home, based in Cowra, NSW.  

“I love being able to see my residents in their own environment, at home with their family and surrounded by their special memories and keepsakes,” she said.  

“I’ve also just become the facilitator for the social club in the area, so I am planning all the outings we do with our clients, which is so fun. 

“We might go on scenic drives or out for lunch and you just see their youth come back to them as the day goes on. It’s really special and a great part of my job,” Leisa said.  

When she was younger, people would often be surprised when they learnt what she did for work, but Leisa said it was always the perfect job for her.  

“It’s a perfect place to start and there’s so much opportunity in aged care because there are so many roles, a heap of training and a broad spectrum of career paths for you to take across your life.”  

The future is in great hands as the next generation of aged care workers start their careers in the sector.  

As we mark Aged Care Employee Day 2025, BaptistCare is celebrating our incredible aged care teams.  

We greatly appreciate the dedication and hard work of our teams and the work they do every day to care for our residents and clients with compassion, skill and dedication.