Monday 7 August is Aged Care Employee Day, a day to recognise the contributions of those who work in the sector, including the more than 230 people employed across the Fleurieu with leading aged care provider ACH Group.

Included in these staff is Nem Davies of Hindmarsh Island, who has worked at ACH Group’s West Park Residential Care Home in Goolwa since 2014.

Nem started her career as a carer, and with a desire for personal and educational development studied to become a Registered Nurse.

“Before moving into aged care, I was a journalist. When you work as a journalist, you’re constantly thinking about what stories to write and how to write them, whilst also learning new information. It’s always appealed to me and has been important to keep learning,” Nem says.

“At the age of 48, I began my Registered Nursing study. I knew I wanted to stay in health and it was a progression from the carer role. It’s something I am very proud of achieving as I continued to work while studying.”

Through her study, Nem participated in placements in different healthcare settings.

“I have a sense of belonging in aged care. In a residential care home, you learn more about the residents, their routines, and their families; there’s a greater connection.”

Nem says the role of a Registered Nurse in a care home holds a lot of responsibility.

Nem Davies of Hindmarsh Island

“You need clinical, leadership, and personal skills. I love the challenge and how rewarding the job is. It is wonderful to see residents who regain their health and wellbeing, and to celebrate special moments with them like receiving a letter from the Royal Family for 100th birthdays.”

Away from work, Nem loves living on the Fleurieu Peninsula and taking in the beauty of Hindmarsh Island.

“There’s fresh air and water surrounding us. Goolwa is easy to get around, I am close to work and if you want to go to the beach, it’s just a short drive,” she says.

Hindmarsh Island is a long way from Nem’s country of birth, Burma.

“I was a Burmese refugee. I moved to India and worked as a journalist for 10 years and then to Australia. Life has had a lot of ups and downs.”

ACH Group CEO Frank Weits says Aged Care Employee Day is an important day for the sector and wider community.

“Aged Care Employee Day celebrates the hundreds of thousands of Australians involved in supporting older people who receive aged care services and recognises the incredible work they do,” he says.

“I thank all the staff at ACH Group for their care and passion in supporting older people to live good lives.”

Mr Weits says a career in aged care is rewarding and also offered a host of opportunities.

“At ACH Group we believe in personal and professional growth for staff and stories like Nem’s highlight the breadth of career pathways available,” he says.

ACH Group will celebrate Aged Care Employee Day providing a gift to each of its 1900 employees.

If you’re interested in a career in aged care, ACH Group is currently hiring for several roles on the Fleurieu Peninsula. To learn more visit the website.