"My everyday care requires a huge amount of trust."
So does jumping out of a plane.
Claire has a wheelchair to get around, but that hasn’t stopped her ticking one more thing off her to-do list. Back in the 1980s Claire enjoyed solo skydiving and she had been reminiscing about it with residents and staff. A challenge from a counselling service to participate in their ‘Jump for Courage’ fundraiser saw Claire jump at the opportunity. She raised $1200 in pledges for the charity and thoroughly enjoyed the day with family, friends, residents and staff supporting and cheering her on.
Rachel's journey
About four year’s ago, Rachel Boswell joined Knox Home as a Care Partner. She had spent most of her adult career in customer service in the storage facility and software industries. She had taken a few years off to nuture two children, so delving into aged care was something a little different.
When you dig down into Rachel’s life, there is an obvious thread of service, resolve and curiosity.
Born and bred in Tauranga, Rachel left school at a fairly young age to experience the world. No doubt her father’s career in the merchant navy and his tales of far off places had its influence. Rachel took a Nanny position in Baltimore in north-east US. This was followed by bartending in New York where the patrons nicknamed her Zena Warrior Waitress.
After a couple of years of travel and work back and forth between the US, Ireland and England, Rachel grew up and drank in a mass of experiences which have clearly strengthened her.
A new career
Rachel enjoyed the Care Partner role but was approached by managers to consider switching to the Lifestyle and Leisure team at Knox after two and a half years or so.
“I loved the new role and have continued to thoroughly enjoy the relationships we form with residents. It’s rewarding to be sparking their passions,” said Rachel, “I go home knowing I’ve added something to their lives.”
Opportunity Knox
“We recognised Rachel’s abilities and felt sure that further education would add to her professional development,” said Knox Home’s, Margaret Brown.
Rachel was invited to enrol in the Apprenticeship Programme and complete a Level 4 Certificate in Health and Wellbeing.
“At first, I hesitated. It had been 35 years since I last studied, and with a full-time job and family responsibilities to juggle, doubts began to arise.”
With the encouragement and support of Knox, Rachel got underway.
Reward for all
“Looking back, I couldn't be more grateful that I did. It was a journey filled with challenges, but ultimately, incredibly rewarding. With each assessment, I found myself growing more confident; overcoming obstacles and mastering new skills fuelled my determination.”
“Today, I feel incredibly proud of my accomplishment. I've proven to myself that with hard work, anything is possible. I am thankful to Elizabeth Knox Home and Hospital for the continuous support and belief in me.”