“No two days are ever the same”

Brett Hartup is a people-person.

And he absolutely loves his career helping older people in Bendigo live their best lives at home.

He’s a Personal Care Worker for Uniting AgeWell and says the role is not only rewarding, but “thoroughly enjoyable.”

“No two days are ever the same,” says Brett. “I take clients out to lunch for a visit to the lake for social support, sometimes I do house cleaning, other times it’s personal assistance. Clients may need to be driven to medical appointments or assisted with shopping – whatever they require, I’m happy to be help.”

And it’s listening to the stories of their lives, sharing a laugh with them and chatting about shared interests that Brett loves so much. He loves sport, and enjoys talking footy, golf, tennis – whatever is on at the time.

“I’m working – but I’m also having fun,” says Brett. “I feel I gain as much from the job as I give. I finish my shift at the end of the day feeling valued and appreciated.”

Brett, who is 53, started his career working in horticulture at a nursery. From there he ventured into the disability and mental health support arena. He was drawn to older people, did his Cert III in Aged Care – and the rest is history.

He joined Uniting AgeWell in 2017 and hasn’t looked back. “Uniting AgeWell is a good company to work for, they look after their staff. Their hours are flexible too.”

And flexible hours are something Brett needs! He and his wife live on a lifestyle block outside Bendigo with their four teenage children, so they lead pretty busy lives.