Katina (Tina) Manousaki knows the harsh beauty of country life. She and her partner live on ten acres in Eldorado where she runs three Arabian horses. She’s an active member of the Victorian Endurance Riders Association (VERA) and often takes parts in events – including riding 100 miles over 24 hours on horseback.
“You can’t compare town and country life,” says the Uniting AgeWell Care Advisor. “Everything is different. There’s managing stock, checking water supplies, pasture management to name but a few of the daily tasks. Then of course there’s coping with Mother Nature not to mention droughts, floods, snakes… I sit on the verandah with my clients, have a cuppa, listen to the rustle of the gum trees and watch the eagles soaring overhead. We talk, and laugh and work out a plan to keep this all happening. Safely.”
Tina recently assisted one of her clients, Greta beef farmer Ken Lloyd, to get a personal alarm in case he urgently needed to call for help when he was out inspecting the paddocks or alone on his property. She also organised for his bumpy carpet to be replaced with wooden flooring to reduce the risk of falls.
Mud on their boots, dirt under their nails and a song in their hearts. It takes a special person to farm the land. And it takes an equally special kind of person to assist these tough-as-nails farmers get a bit of help to carry on living on the land as they grow older.
“They’re all pretty stoic,” Tina explains. “In fact, some can be quite stubborn! But at the end of the day they want to carry on living well and safely on the farm they love. I understand the reasons why. It’s all about how. And I do everything in my power to make this happen how they want it.”
In her early 40’s, Tina completed a Cert 1V in Aged care and started working in aged care as a
Diversional Therapist. To further her skills with more complex behaviours Tina spent some years
working in the disability sector in employment services and for the Department
of Justice. But the pull towards aged care was strong, and she started working for a local shire
in delivering social support activities in the community.
The Shire transitioned out of community aged care and Tina joined Uniting AgeWell in 2022 as a Care Advisor.
“I love working with older people, I enjoy listening to their stories and learning more about them,” says Tina. “It gives me great joy to know I am making a difference to the lives of older people.”
Tina also likes the support and camaraderie of the Uniting AgeWell team. “We all pull together,” she says. “It’s good to be part of an organisation that is values-driven.”
These values embody the work Tina does everyday. It is important from the outset, Tina assesses the client’s situation at home and often organises for occupational therapists to do an evaluation. Depending on the help needed, homes may need to be modified or mobility aids organised. She may need to arrange garden maintenance, domestic or personal assistance around the home – whatever it takes to ensure each person feels comfortable.
“I don’t look at what a client can’t do,” Tina explains. “I look at what they want to do and see how we can get them there.”
When it comes to farmers, Tina has this to say. “I totally get them! I know what they want, because one day when I get older, it’s going to be what I want too. To live on my small property with my horses and with my family.”
Family has always been important to Tina, who has a 17-year-old granddaughter she loves to bits. She grew up in a busy, Greek family on a lifestyle block with horses in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.
When she finished school, Tina did a bit of interior decorating and then travelled the world waitressing and working in the catering industry. She explored Europe and worked in the chalet on Mt Buffalo as well as on both Brampton and Newry private islands.
Her family ties run deep, and she joined her sister and her father who had both relocated to Myrtleford. She met her partner, moved to a small holding, their daughter was born and Tina started endurance horse riding. A flurry of sashes and trophies are testament to her riding skills.
At the end of the day, Tina’s personal experiences drive her to be the best in her field.
Find out more about career opportunties with Uniting AgeWellIn honour of Aged Care Employee Day we invite you to get to know our team a little better. Read their individual experiences to discover what drove them to build their career in aged care and learn what fulfils them most each day at work.
Uniting AgeWell staff bring diverse experiences through varied and interesting journeys into aged care. They work in our residences, in people’s homes, and remotely, creating a tightly woven and trusted network of professional care and support. They share a passion for making a difference in people’s lives.
Please read some of their stories below and acknowledge the contribution of all our staff by saying #ThanksforCaring.
