A Case Manager’s journey to home care

22 April 2024

22 Apr 2024

Asmir Huzejrovic possesses the type of empathy and kindness that comes only from lived experience.

Asmir is a Senior Case Manager at VMCH. He helps older people to manage their home care packages so they can continue living independently at home. But Asmir’s journey to the job he loves has not been straightforward, or easy.

Arriving in Australia as a 16-year-old after fleeing the Bosnian war, Asmir was forced to ‘start from scratch’. Even though he didn’t know English, he tackled the difficulties of high school and worked hard to finish his education. Eventually, his hard work paid off as he landed a successful role in the field of Information Technology.

It was difficult,” Asmir reflects. “Luckily, at that time, there was a lot of us kids who came over as refugees. So, we all worked slowly together and were able to gain jobs.”

However, Asmir’s career trajectory changed once his father received a diagnosis of dementia.

“Where we come from, we look after our parents. So, when Dad got sick, I dropped everything to look after him.”

Lacking in the practical skills of personal care, Asmir enrolled in a three-month Personal Care Assistant (PCA) course. Asmir, a successful I.T. professional, never planned on pursuing it as a career. During a work experience at an aged care home, his employer noticed his talent. The employer encouraged Asmir to continue working in the field.

An older woman and a man share a laugh. They have a cup of tea and biscuits in front of them on a table. — Asmir shares a laugh and a cuppa with one of his clients.

Asmir juggled the two jobs until his father’s health worsened.

“Dementia hit him hard, and he became aggressive. We (Mum and I) couldn’t keep him at home anymore.”

When his dad moved to residential aged care, Asmir took a job at the same home to be near him. He later qualified as a nurse, but his dad passed away just one week later.

“All that work, you know, I did it for him – so I could be close to him. After that, I didn’t want to stay on. But I did, until COVID hit.”

Asmir was feeling overwhelmed by the stress of nursing during the pandemic. He was also dealing with strains on his marriage. Additionally, he was grieving for his father. A friend suggested case management, and Asmir found a role with VMCH.

His caring nature, experience and professionalism have made him a favourite among clients.

“I treat my clients as my own parents,” he says, adding he finds the process of helping people with their care plans rewarding.

“There was one client who had a phobia about moving into aged care. All she wanted was to stay living at home. I found the best package for her.

“It included assistance with personal care, social activities, and breaks. She was happy with it. She stayed at home until the last day (of her life).”

For Asmir, VMCH has given him the job satisfaction and flexibility he craves in life.

“The work/family balance is great. I love it here. I don’t even think about going anywhere else.”

If you’d like to learn more call 1300 698 624.

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Acknowledgement of Country

We here at VMCH respectfully acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which we gather, and we would like to take a moment to honour the fact that we live on the lands of the oldest civilisation in the world. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander peoples, and pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.