Maureen Donaldson counts herself fortunate to have worked for the same organisation for 50 years in her “forever job” – the only full-time job she’s ever held.
“I’ve been lucky enough to be in a role that is both rewarding and satisfying and where I make a difference each and every day to the lives of older people,” says the Lifestyle Assistant at Uniting AgeWell Kings Meadows Community. “I love my job. Why would I change?”
Still, Maureen is surprised how quickly five decades have flown by. “Every day I come home physically tired, but I feel good emotionally and spiritually. I am religious, and I feel strongly that I have been guided to be where I am meant to be. Here. Doing what I do, each and every day.”
These heartfelt words underpin half a century of service that is difficult to translate into words. What makes it even more poignant is that the 70-year-old, who lives on a lifestyle farm outside Launceston with her husband, could have easily retired years ago. The thing is, she doesn’t want to! She’s cut down her hours, but wants to continue on for as long as she is able to do the job as well as she always has.
“Kings Meadows is like a second family to me,” Maureen explains. “I enjoy the camaraderie and the team spirit but most of all I love seeing the residents smile and laugh. I’ve always considered myself a Pollyanna, not a cynic. It’s pretty special to know you are in a role that really matters.”
Over the years Maureen worked as a personal carer, a therapy assistant assisting physiotherapists and other allied services with rehabilitation, and later as a lifestyle assistant.
“There have been so many changes in aged care, especially with the lifestyle programs,” Maureen says. “I remember back in the day, residents would sit around having cups of tea and chatting and while there were adhoc activities, there were no real lifestyle programs in place, like we have today.”
Maureen takes pride in the suite of purpose-designed programs aimed at stimulating physical and cognitive abilities, as well as encouraging socialisation and fun! She reels off just a few – concerts, paint and sip, guide dogs and reptile visits and more.
She is also thrilled there are programs tailored for those with dementia which encourage people to expand their capabilities and do as much as they can.
“My motto has always been that everyone has their own intrinsic uniqueness. The residents come from different backgrounds and have been shaped by different experiences. They are all unique, they need to be treated and cared for in ways that suit their individuality.”
Maureen was named Employee of the Year in 2010, a richly-deserved honour that with her trademark humility, she sweeps under the rug. “I don’t like the spotlight on me,” she says. “We work as a team. We all pull together.”
Still, she acknowledges her very strong work ethic. “The job entails hard work and respect, not only for the residents and your colleagues but for the organisation itself.”
She is also thankful for her good health. “I’ve got 3,500 sick leave hours due to me,” she laughs. “I always say when I finally retire I’ll be giving a golden handshake to the organisation.”
Her other happy place is her family – her children and grandchildren – and her farm. She and her husband have cows, horses, chooks, dogs, cats and a sheep called Wilbur who nibbles Maureen’s roses and only eats food out of his blue ice-cream container.
Read more about Service milestones to celebrate