If you need emergency services, please contact 000
Are you feeling burnt out? Consider aged care respite.
Looking for a rewarding career in aged care and ready to start now?
View our current retirement living homes for sale.
Search
Contact Us
Close
Services to keep you independent
Government-funded support
One on one care and support
Support to help you stay at home
Allied health support services
Everyone deserves a break
Government or privately funded
Connect with others
Help to access support services
Personalised care and support
14 locations across Victoria
Principles of Montessori
Tailored to individual interests
Helping everyone adjust
If you care for someone, we’re here
Maintain your quality of life
Here for people of all ages
Take a break and have some fun
All your questions answered
Independent living for over 55s
Our latest properties available
Inner Melbourne communities
Camberwell
Deepdene
Kew
Hawthorn
Toorak
Suburban communities
Clayton
Kyneton
Trentham
Eltham
Bacchus Marsh
Pakenham
Balwyn
Brunswick West
Greensborough
Torquay
Everyone deserves a home
services for 18+
Great places to call home
Reach your developmental goals
Pathways to paid employment
Small group programs
Stay independent at home
Get the best out of your NDIS plan
support for 13-18 year olds
Reach developmental goals
Fun programs for your teenagers
NDIS planning
programs for 0-12 year olds
Support for developmental delays
Fun programs for your kids
A school where your child can shine
About St Paul’s College
Prepare your child for school
View our for school policies
Commited to the safety of your child
Menu
Back
Enter your search term below
22 April 2024
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.
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.
More news articles in Staff and Volunteers
Locating the information you need has become far easier with our useful guide. Answer a few simple questions and you will be on your way.
Not sure where to start?
Contact us
→
Who needs our services?
Our Digital & Marketing Agency - ID Digital Agency
Locating the information you need has become far easier with our useful guide.
Answer a few simple questions and you will be on your way.