Jenny Connell loves breathing in the fragrance of freshly washed sheets and folding big, warm fluffy towels in the laundry. The mindful work hasn’t just been a place to labour, but a place to dream. 

She’s now making those dreams a reality, studying to work in a Lifestyle Team with the support of her team at Uniting AgeWell. 

Jenny’s been with Uniting AgeWell for the last three years, first at Strathdon Community and now at Camberwell Community Condare Court.   

It’s the vital behind-the-scenes role that never lets up.   There’s bed linen, residents’ clothes, tablecloths, kitchen cloths and a whole lot more.  They don’t just get washed, but also tumble dried, folded and ironed.  

Jenny has an incredible individual work ethic, but she’s a generous team player too. “I just help out where I am needed,” she explains.  “Sometimes I get asked to help out with the cleaning, other times I work in the kitchen.  I don’t mind – in the end it’s all about helping the residents.” 

Working with older people is something Jenny is passionate about.  She’s been in the aged care sector for over ten years now.  “I love listening to their stories, I love bringing smiles to their faces when I chat to them.” 

However, the 46-year-old Jenny has yearned for years to work in a Lifestyle Team. It’s the next step in her career. 

“I’m looking forward to spending one-on-one time with residents and to be doing activities with them,” explains Jenny.  “I sort of feel like it is my calling.” 

The Wantirna South resident is halfway through studying a Certificate in Leisure and Lifestyle and is being supported to complete 130 hours of practical experience at Uniting AgeWell’s Latvian Community.  She completes the course by the end of this year. 

On Aged Care Employee Day it’s time to celebrate Jenny and all our staff, for the work they do each and every day in putting our customers first and foremost in everything they do.  Thank you for caring!