Volunteering Works
Walking among the wildflowers with residents in Kapara Residential Aged Care Home’s lush gardens is one of Eunice Kiarie’s favourite parts of her job as a care worker.
In November, Eunice began volunteering with ACH Group at the Glenelg home to indulge her passion for caring for older people.
After two months volunteering, she had formed strong connections with residents and loved the workforce culture.
“I was welcomed and immediately connected with the residents and the other workers,” she said.
“It didn’t take long for me to think ‘my goodness, I would love to work here’.
“I didn’t go in to volunteering thinking it would transform into a career I love – but it has.”
By early 2024, Eunice’s work with residents had been noticed by leaders at Kapara and she was encouraged to apply for a job as a care worker.
In February, Eunice landed ’the job of her dreams’ as a Care Worker, and in late 2024 was promoted to an Engagement Lead role, supporting residents living with advanced dementia or social isolation to remain socially and cognitively engaged, and physically active, to enhance their quality of life and care needs.
Eunice said volunteering can be an excellent way into a profession that gives you a unique insight into the work and the organisation prior to beginning.
“For me volunteering was the best place to start,” she said.
“As a volunteer I realised that I really liked the place, I really liked the work, and I really liked the people.
“It meant that when I got the job, I knew that I was coming into an environment that I knew I was going to be happy.”
Eunice credits the work of ACH Group volunteer manager Cate Balfour-Ogilvy as being crucial to her career.
“Cate made everything so easy and so clear,” she said.
“I just wanted to volunteer – that was my motivation – but Cate was very clear that there was a pathway to move into ACH Group through volunteering.
Eunice is balancing her new career with studies through Torrens University where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Community Services.
I am an international student at Torrens University, passionately pursuing a Bachelor of Community Services. My journey with ACH Group began from a place of deep compassion and a sincere desire to uplift the lives of our community’s older people through volunteering. This initial experience ignited a profound passion within me to dedicate my career to making a meaningful difference within ACH Group.
Through my journey, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of compassionate care on the well-being of older people. This realisation has strengthened my commitment to serving with empathy and wholehearted dedication. As I continue to grow through my studies at Torrens University, I am inspired to expand my impact within ACH Group, contributing to their mission of providing exceptional care and support to older people.
I believe strongly that every interaction, no matter how small, holds the potential to positively impact someone’s life. My path with ACH Group is not merely a career pursuit; it is a deeply compassionate journey of empowerment and creating profound connections. I am honoured to be part of an organisation that prioritises empathy and continually strives to enrich the lives of older people.
I am a Engagement Lead and am entrusted with the well-being and comfort of residents living with advanced dementia or those who are socially isolated.
My responsibilities encompass supporting residents to remain socially and cognitively engaged, and physically active, to enhance their quality of life and care needs. Each day, I forge deep connections and create a supportive environment that enhances their quality of life.
It is immensely rewarding to witness the smiles, hear the stories, and offer a caring presence that makes a meaningful difference in their lives.
My role allows me to bring comfort and joy to the lives of residents by providing compassionate care and support. It is deeply fulfilling to see them thrive in an environment where they feel valued and respected.
Being able to make a positive impact, whether through assisting with daily activities or simply offering companionship, enriches my own life as well. The relationships I build, and the moments of connection remind me daily of the importance of empathy and compassion in aged care.
ACH Group has been an incredible source of support and encouragement throughout my career journey. They have provided me with invaluable opportunities for growth through comprehensive training, mentorship, and guidance.
These investments have not only enhanced my skills but also empowered me to take on new challenges with confidence and compassion.
What deeply inspires me about my job is the profound connections I forge with residents. Each interaction is an opportunity to honour their life stories and wisdom, creating meaningful bonds that enrich both our lives. Witnessing the transformative impact of compassionate care—whether it is helping someone regain their independence, offering comfort during challenging times, or simply sharing moments of joy—fuels my passion for this work.
It is incredibly fulfilling to know that I contribute to their well-being and happiness, providing them with the dignity and respect they deserve in their later years. These experiences remind me daily of the profound impact we can have through empathy and kindness, reaffirming my dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we care for.
The biggest misconception about working in aged care is that it is solely about providing basic assistance without much reward. It is a deeply fulfilling role filled with opportunities to form deep, meaningful bonds with older people. Each day brings moments of connection and shared wisdom that enrich both their lives and mine.
Working in aged care is a privilege that allows me to contribute to their well-being with compassion and dignity. It is an honour to provide support that enhances their quality of life and ensures they feel valued and respected.
These interactions are not just about physical care; they are about creating a supportive environment where older people can thrive emotionally and socially. It is a role that brings satisfaction and a sense of purpose, highlighting the profound impact we can have through empathy and care.
To those embarking on a career in aged care, I encourage you to approach each interaction with compassion, empathy, and a genuine desire to make a difference.
Embrace the opportunity to learn from the wisdom of older people and cherish the relationships you build. Remember, every act of kindness and support you offer leaves a lasting impact.
Looking forward, my precise goal is to advance within ACH Group by spearheading transformative programs that redefine the standard of aged care excellence. I aim to innovate and advocate vigorously for initiatives that not only enhance residents’ quality of life but also set new benchmarks in compassionate, dignified care.
My heartfelt commitment drives me to continually grow and expand my expertise, seeking to lead by example in fostering a culture of empathy and innovation within our organisation. I aspire to make an ambitious impact, ensuring every resident receives the highest level of support that respects their dignity and celebrates their life experiences.
Empathetic, transformative, empowering.
With ACH Group, you make a real difference to older people’s lives – and your own.
ACH Group has more than 200 unique roles across care, nursing, allied health, administration, maintenance, corporate and hospitality teams.
Learn about career development at ACH Group as staff share their career stories, showcasing how their experiences lead to fulfilling careers dedicated to supporting people to live good lives.
Join ACH Group and support older people to live good lives – while making your mark on the people within.
