Robyn Roberts has devoted her life to caring for older people in residential and home care settings – as an enrolled nurse and as a Personal Care Worker.

She trained as a nurse, and after working for a stint in a hospital, took up her role at Uniting AgeWell Strathdon Community 30 years ago.

Several years ago, Robyn switched to become a Personal Care Worker working in the community with customers in the Knox, Rowville, Blackburn and Nunawading areas. She finds this role less stressful than nursing.

“But I have enjoyed both roles very much,” says Robyn. “Working with older people is very rewarding, you feel like you are making a difference.”

The 59-year-old says it’s wonderful to experience those magical moments that also reaffirm she’s in the right place at the right time.

“Sometimes I will arrive at a customer’s home and notice they are a bit quiet or reserved. By the time I leave they’ve bounced back and are smiling and laughing. That’s an awesome feeling!”

Each day is different, from doing cleaning and personal care to taking customers shopping and to appointments or even doing meal preparation. There’s also social support and respite care, with an increasing number of customers living with dementia.

Over the years Robyn has made incredibly good friends with other staff members, and says that Uniting AgeWell is a great organisation to work for.