When Troy Rouse writes in his diary “gone fishing” – he’s often actually working!

Uniting AgeWell Direct Care Worker Troy lives in Moriarty just outside Latrobe in Northwest Tasmania and takes his client, mad-keen angler Steve Hughes, out fishing for three hours a fortnight. Troy supports Steve through a Commonwealth Home Support Package (CHSP) with Uniting AgeWell. Troy has a range of clients, each with their own priorities and interests. Some require a little assistance and others need more help around the home or in the community.

Steve’s wife and carer Cheryl is equally delighted with the arrangement. “Being a carer can get pretty exhausting,” she admits. “It’s wonderful to have this special ‘me time’ so I can recharge my batteries.”

Troy is part of Uniting AgeWell’s local team of dedicated employees who make a difference to the lives of older people every day at home and in residential care.

A career in Aged Care attracts so many different people from all walks of life. Troy has found his sweet spot, drawing upon what he loves doing in his spare time to bring joy to his job.

At age 51, Troy has been with Uniting AgeWell for six years, and says he loves the supportive team and the variety that each day brings. “No two days are ever the same,” he says. “Older people have such interesting stories, I love spending time with them.”

Troy wasn’t always in aged care. He worked as a decorator and a painter for 35 years but worried about the possibility of falling off ladders as he grew older. He has always had an affinity for older people, so studied to work in aged care.

He lives on a five acre plot with his wife, four children, two dogs, two cats, 12 chickens and a goat that doubles up as a lawnmower.

Now enjoying a career with heart, Troy loves taking Steve to all sorts of wonderful fishing spots, like Lake Barrington. “We chat about all sorts of things,” says Troy. “Fishing, boats, what Steve has been getting up to. We have a wonderful time.”

He’s been fishing ever since he can remember and even once caught a 14-pound salmon. “I bake salmon in tinfoil with lemon, butter and pepper,” he explains. “It’s awesome.”

Steve has nothing but praise for Troy. “He is an amazing angler, he seems to have a knack for finding the best fishing spots. There’s no way I could get over the rocks and down the banks on my own.”