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Meet Nikki, Lyndoch Living’s Lifestyle Coordinator.
Nikki grew up with Lyndoch. Her mum worked here from 1979 to 2008 as a nurse. Her grandfather resided in the Nursing Home, and her Nan lived in a unit and was part of the Auxiliary Club. Plus, Nikki’s sister Cindy works at Lyndoch.
When Nikki left school, she worked at Fletcher Jones in after-sales, attaching belt loops to trousers. She went on to work at the hospital as a cleaner and loved being around the people, saying, “it started the whole thing.” Nikki had four children and worked in family daycare and also retail. Through her journey, she’s picked up a range of skills. “Everything from customer service, negotiating, cooking through to time management, I now use in my current role,” she said.
Nikki has always had an affinity for looking after people, kicking off her Lyndoch career in 2007 working in the domestic services and pantries. In this role, Nikki was responsible for understanding the residents’ dietary requirements. Encouraged by several nurses to become a Personal Care Worker, Nikki gained her Certificate III in Aged Care, Disability and Home Care. She completed the course and went straight into a PCW role, saying, “I learnt a lot from the nurses – it was hands-on learning.”
Gaining her Certificate IV in Leisure and Health, Nikki transitioned into the Lifestyle role. “I find every day rewarding – especially when you see the smiles and laughter. We are here for the residents; they know us and are excited to see us. It’s like having an extra family. Mum always said ‘treat the residents like your family’,” said Nikki.
Nikki’s advice to anyone thinking of a career in aged care is to ‘just do it! Be a caring person – it’s rewarding.’
