Jan Juc’s Jasmin Findlay is in the running for a statewide award for her work in aged care at Norlane. She speaks to Luke Voogt about her passion for the job and working through COVID-19.
Tell us about you:
I’m 42, live in Jan Juc and work at Diversitat Aged Support in Norlane.
I enjoy walks with my doggo, gardening, watching my son skate and surf, singing, music, hanging with family and friends, collecting vintage pieces, photography, reading and studying.
I grew up in Ocean Grove and moved to Melbourne for uni.
I spent years living between Melbourne and Mount Hotham, with an extended working holiday in Canada thrown in.
Moved down to Tassie for a stint.
I moved back to Torquay, then Jan Juc, and I have been here ever since.
What’s your connection to Geelong?
I attended Geelong High School from year 9 through to year 12.
I decided to move to Queenscliff High due to the art department being snazzy at the time, particularly their photography resources.
How did it feel to be nominated for the Victorian Regional Achievement and Community Awards’ excellence in aged care category?
It’s very humbling. I work with a knowledgeable and caring team, at Diversitat Aged Support. Every one of my colleagues deserved a nom!
We all work to support aged and ageing people from diverse cultural backgrounds. The complexities are real, no day is the same. It’s a privilege.
Tell us about your role:
I love my job. I help enable clients to make decisions on the support and services they want and need to stay living at home for as long as they wish to.
And I help each client feel connected to their community, and feel supported, heard and validated.
I co-ordinate our ‘Hola Amigo’ visiting program, two social support groups, our café-style support program, life story writing, and I am currently working with a small team to help clients develop their computer and tablet skills.
What are your favourite things to do locally?
I love to visit Geelong Botanic Gardens and vintage markets.
I also like to celebrate different cultural and ethnic days throughout the year.
I am a coastal gal and love where I live. My morning walk with my doggo, Thelma, is my favourite thing to do.
How are you coping with COVID-19?
My family, friends and I are coping well. Lots of phone chats had! I’m looking forward to social events with my mates, seeing bands and dancing when it’s over!
I’m one of the lucky ones who has been able to continue working full-time from home.
Innovating our programs has been challenging but there have been many silver linings.
I am looking forward to our clients returning to their social support groups at Diversitat’s Healthy Living Centre.
What’s something about you that people might not know?
I have to spell out ‘because’ in my head every time I write it. Every single time!
