Being the best that you can

If Lifestyle Coordinator Belinda Hoad can study while working full time – almost anyone can!

Belinda worked full time in lifestyle at Sorell Community, Ningana while studying part time for her Leisure and Lifestyle Cert 4 – a three year course she completed in eleven months.

And that’s on top of looking after seven kids – four are still at home; caring for her dad who lives with them; looking after their four-hectare property with her husband, and taking care of four alpacas, two dogs, chooks and birds.

Oh, and then there’s the grocery shopping, household chores, and everything else that goes with being a busy mum and grandmother-of-one.

“I enjoyed studying, but I’m pleased it’s over,” Belinda says of the course she completed at the end of June. And then in a master of understatement adds, “It’s been a busy time.”

But it’s been worth it!

Belinda also often cooks scones for the residents and takes them on bus outings to visit her alpacas. And she’s also in charge of the personal support team of six carers at Ningana.

Belinda started her career in early childhood learning, but switched to aged care after her Gran was diagnosed with cancer. “I wanted to learn how to look after her,” she explains. “I have always been drawn to older people.”

Her gran died shortly after Belinda started work at Ningana in 2011 as an extended care worker.

Belinda encourages all those thinking of studying to give it a go. “I find aged care very rewarding,” she says. “Studying was a pleasure – fitting in the studying was challenging, but I’m glad I pushed myself and made the effort.”

UA is proudly a learning organisation and committed to supporting staff to constantly learn and upskill.

Explore how working in aged care might be the career for you