Age no barrier for new career

Kay McKay is living proof that embarking on a new career at any age is possible.

The Godwin Beach resident, 48, left behind a real estate career to pursue aged care. Ms McKay began volunteering at Queensland’s St Paul’s Lutheran Aged Care Village in 2009 and is now employed as the Caboolture service’s qualified full time diversional therapist.

After graduating from Brisbane North Institute of TAFE, having obtained her Certificate IV Leisure and Health last year, an opening emerged for the position at St Paul’s.

“It felt surreal,” she says. “It is a very caring environment and to build up the confidence was a challenge but to finally be offered a position is such an awesome experience. 

“I have such a good rapport with the residents and their families. My personal journey has been amazing.”

Ms McKay admits that securing a management position again is “unbelievable”.

“You’re never too old to start a new career. I am very grateful to St Paul’s for the fact they took me under their wing,” she says.

Ms McKay, who has a lot of support from management and sponsorship by her employer to complete the course, can see up to 61 residents at a time.

She also provides the monthly program, preparing the calendar for 2013 such as concerts, morning teas, bus trips and movie nights.

“I am constantly trying to come up with new activities for them. I love working in a team, in a family environment and spending time with the residents. I get joy out of seeing them smiling,” she says.

According to Ms McKay, her job suits her personality because she is compassionate and enjoys helping people.

Now Ms McKay encourages other people to consider a career in aged care.   

“You get a really good feeling out of the day and it is a rewarding job,” she says.

St Paul’s Lutheran Aged Care Village director of nursing, Maggie Hepple, says she is delighted with Ms McKay’s success in her role.

“She is a positive example of a person’s courage to explore a new frontier, proving age is no deterrent for people to embark on new career fronts. She is an asset to our team,” Ms Hepple says.