Poonam Sharma, Clinical Care Coordinator, Calvary Flora McDonald Retirement Community, Cowandilla, South Australia

The profession which I started 14 years ago has become my passion. I soon started to realise that when you are a caregiver, you know that every day you will either touch a life or a life will touch yours.

I am privileged to work in aged care. Coming to work every day and trying to make a difference our residents’ lives is my biggest motivation.

I feel happy to be an advocate for residents. To care for those who cared for us is one of the highest honors I have felt. I always feel as if our residents have stories which still need to be told. It’s a great feeling to provide care to this older generation with dignity and respect. It gives me peace of mind, and also to their families knowing that they are in good hands.

I feel like there are a lot of inspirations every day at work which helps me learn and grow as a person. Looking at life from our residents’ perspectives and listening to their past experiences is a great feeling that I never take for granted.