Jane Hepple believes connection is at the heart of her role as a Registered Nurse. “You need to enter each home with respect and an open mind. Everyone lives differently, and everyone’s needs are unique. I focus on getting to know the person and understanding what matters most to them.”

Jane has been part of Uniting AgeWell for over nine years. She originally trained in hospital-based coronary and acute care and discovered aged care much later, after the birth of her children. It was then that Uniting AgeWell approached her to take on a role as a community nurse.

“The job has evolved,” says Jane as she reflects on her journey. “I started before Home Care Packages were introduced. Honestly, it’s one of the most satisfying roles I’ve ever had. As a home care nurse, you use all your clinical knowledge—but especially your interpersonal skills. You’re in someone’s home and it’s crucial to approach each person with sensitivity and professionalism.”

A typical day starts with a visit to the office, where Jane connects with Care Advisors to review customer needs. Then she heads out on the road to visit people in their homes. Her responsibilities include identifying clinical needs, assessing risks in the home and supporting Care Advisors with clinical decision-making.

Over the years, Jane has come to understand the emotional impact of ageing. “It’s hard to put yourself in the shoes of an older person,” she says. “Even though I knew ageing can bring vulnerability, I’ve learned that emotional wellbeing is just as important as physical health. Losing independence can be life-changing, so we do everything we can to help people keep doing what they love.”

Jane is originally from the UK and is now based in Hobart. She says, “When you find a place you love, you stay.” She brings both professional and personal experience to her role, including caring for her father before he passed away at age 53 and supporting her son, who has Down syndrome.

Jane adds, “Being a carer is just part of who I am. “I feel incredibly privileged to be part of such a wonderful local Uniting AgeWell team and of the Uniting AgeWell organisation as a whole.”