Staff profile: Christine Anderson - Community Support Assistant (CSA), VMCH Direct
What does your role involve?
I help older people to remain living independently at home via taking them to appointments, providing personal care, transport and shopping assistance.
How long have you been a CSA?
Five years. I worked at the former Villa Maria aged care residence in Wantirna for 15 years before it closed for redevelopment. I then worked at another aged care residence for three years before returning to VMCH in this direct care role.
What do you like about being a CSA?
I like the flexibility of going to people’s homes and the variety of hours.
What keeps you motivated to deliver care?
I like being able to talk one-on-one with clients; getting to know them and them getting to know me. When you’re working in a facility you don’t get as much time to develop that repour with people. It is a privilege to work with my clients as I try to make a difference in their lives.
Why VMCH?
VMCH has provided courses in Certificate III Home and Community Care and Certificate IV Disabilities. They’ve also recently provided some dementia training through Alzheimer’s Australia. I worked with a fantastic group of people at the aged care residence and many of the old staff and volunteers of Villa Maria Wantirna still remain in contact and meet regularly.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
My main interests are travel, photography, genealogy and enjoying time with my grandchildren.
Need a little extra care at home? VMCH Direct offers a wide range of flexible and responsive in-home and community support services designed to suit you.
Further information:
T: 1300 919 850