In a heartwarming story that embodies the circle of life, Sharon Hobbs, a caregiver with a 30-year career at an aged care home in Warwick, Queensland, has come full circle by caring for the very woman who initially employed her.
Mrs Maureen Gillespie, a resident at Akooramak Aged Care Home, was once the Director of Care at the same facility from 1978 to 2002 and had the privilege of hiring Sharon back in 1998.
As they reminisce about the “good old days,” Sharon shared, “(We talk about) when she was in charge… how things were different back then and she always tells me what a good girl I was, and we have a good laugh.”
Sharon’s unwavering commitment is evident as she navigates a demanding four-day on, four-day off permanent part-time rotating roster in the McCullough wing. Her primary focus is on providing compassionate care to dementia and palliative care patients. Sharon also steps up to lend a hand when staffing levels are stretched, showcasing her dedication to the well-being of the residents.
Sharon is a key worker in a sector that is facing a shortage of at least 110,000 direct-care workers within the next decade unless urgent action is taken to boost the workforce.
Sharon’s dedication and her current role in caring for her former boss have been recognised through ACCPA’s “You Are ACE!” campaign, which celebrates excellence across the aged care sector.
If you know someone who is making a difference nominate them – accpa.asn.au/ace/
