Enjoying a game of golf or bowls; sleeping without pain; walking to the corner cafe or even just to the garden gate… These may seem like small moments, easily taken for granted. 

Jackson Cockerill knows that for his customers, they can be mammoth achievements that unlock the world again. Each little win adds up to being more mobile, more independent and as a result enjoying a greater sense of wellbeing and a better quality of life. 

It’s in these little wins that Jackson defines his days as an aged care employee. An Exercise Physiologist at Uniting AgeWell’s Community Hub in Rosny Park in Hobart, Tasmania.   

“I feel so privileged to be able to help,” he says. It’s clear Jackson gets as much satisfaction at these wins as his customers. Working with older people is his passion.  

“I assess each person and then I discuss their goals with them. What they want to achieve.  And then I look at how the Allied Health team here at Rosny Park can assist with getting them there.”  

Often its maintaining or building balance. Sometimes it’s lower back issues that need treatment to increase mobility and reduce pain.  Often the issues are more complex.  

“An older person may be living with arthritis, Parkinson’s disease or be recovering from a stroke.  Others may have diabetes-related physical challenges or a heart condition.  Often they live with more than one of these conditions that require an individually tailored program to provide the maximum benefit to the client.” 

This is the challenge that Jackson loves.  “I explore every which way to create a program that provides the best possible care for the client,” says Jackson.  “My reward is seeing their joy when they achieve these goals.” 

Jackson started in the role in September last year and enjoys the team environment at Rosny Park. 

“We work closely together to provide holistic care for the customer,” he explains.  “There are Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and of course Exercise Physiologists. We all work as a team for the best possible outcome.” 

Hobart is also working its magic on Jackson.  He’s lived in Brisbane all his life until last year when he and his partner decided on a fresh new chapter of their lives and moved to Tasmania. 

“We’ve both bought puffer jackets and enjoy the cooler climate.  We both love the beauty of Tasmania and the hiking and the outdoor life is just amazing!” 

What is even more amazing, is that Jackson’s brightness and enthusiasm never dims – and he chooses to share that with our customers every day. 

On Aged Care Employee Day it’s time to celebrate Jackson 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!