Two aged care workers’ ambition to challenge stigma in sector

Two sisters working in aged care are sharing their stories in the hope of breaking society's negative perspective of the sector.

Amy Holton and Tanesha Brown have found their dream jobs at Central Coast's residential care home Alino Living.

But working in aged care sadly also means being confronted with stigmatisation and prejudice from the community.

"There was a lot of stigma around working in aged care. It's almost frowned upon," Amy says.

"Throughout my degree, I was hiding I wanted to work in aged care.

"It shouldn't be like that."

The 2021 Royal Commission's report into aged care revealed negative stories, including abuse and neglect cases.

It highlighted a lot of troubles people genuinely experienced in the aged care industry, Amy says.

Yet, she adds those stories also unfairly brand providers and staff who do everything possible to provide the best care to their residents.

"People were genuinely worried that residents were getting abused, but it's not like that everywhere," Amy shares.

"We need to emphasise the good stories within aged care, as well as acknowledging those bad stories."

During her nursing degree, Amy experienced that stigma first-hand for wanting to pursue a career in aged care.

"They said it wasn't real nursing. You're just coming here to whitewash walls and make beds," she said.

"Which is just not true. There's so much more you can do in aged care that the hospitals don't get to see.

"We don't just treat people – we get to know and learn the whole person."

Amy started working in aged care when she was 16 and joined Alino Living in 2017 as ACFI Coordinator.

She quickly moved up the ladder and received her most recent promotion in December, where she now works as the facility manager at Lake Haven Court.

The care home, located on Tuggerah Lake, opened 16 years ago and houses over 40 residents.

Amy says people are often unaware of the numerous career possibilities available in the sector.

"There's so much opportunity for growth in your career here," she says.

"But it has this reputation amongst nurses, particularly old school nurses, and community members.

"People shouldn't feel ashamed working in aged care."

Despite the stigma, Amy's younger sister Tanesha never doubted her passion for wanting to work in the sector.

"I always wanted to work in aged care," Tanesha says.

From an early age, Tanesha often talked about becoming a nurse and dressed up as Florence Nightingale for a 'When I grow up' themed mufti day at primary school.

She recalls asking Amy after the 'old people', and she would come to work with her sister during school holidays.

"It's such a rewarding career, and it's something new every day," she says.

Their mother worked in the dementia unit, where Tanesha would frequently sit and chat with the residents.

"I watched on as my older sister [Amy] built a successful career in aged care and always admired the difference she was making in people's lives, so I'm excited to now be doing the same," Tanesha says.

The independent aged care organisation Alino Living recently created their own training and workforce program that offers students practical lessons and 120 hours of placement.

Tanesha joined the program in February 2021 and now works alongside her sister as a care staff employee at the same facility.

"I look forward to coming in and spending time with the residents, putting a smile on their faces, knowing that they are receiving the best care they can," she says.

"It feels very much like a home and like one big family."

The pair emphasises the need to change the community's views about aged care.

"We need to change how people look at aged care, so it's not perceived as a negative sector to work in," Tanesha says.

"There's so much more to working in aged care – you provide personal care, ensuring they are happy daily.

"I loved aged care from the moment I walked in."

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