When Deborah Cheetham Retirement Village Personal Care Worker (PCW) Vinay Kumar graduated with a Masters in IT a deep-seated desire to care for others was left unfulfilled.
Having emigrated from the Punjab in India for educational opportunities, Vinay worked as an IT specialist for some of Australia’s most well-known retail companies, but it is what he did in his spare time that brought true satisfaction.
“I had a voluntary position teaching basic computer skills to older people,” Vinay said.
“I was pretty comfortable in IT, but I was very connected to the older people and people who were a bit more vulnerable who I met while volunteering.
“I always wanted to get into healthcare, but sometimes you just need a push.”
Vinay’s ‘push’ came in 2021 when COVID-19 highlighted the irreplaceable value of healthcare workers.
“I was sitting at home one day talking to my wife [and said] ‘I know I’m good at IT but I want to do what I’ve always wanted to do and care for people’.”
Shortly after their lifechanging conversation, Vinay began a Bachelor of Nursing, studying remotely with Central Queensland University.
“My wife has been fantastic. Our daughter was only two years old at the time and my wife stood up and got a part-time job so I could begin studying,” Vinay said.
Placements to remote communities across Australia revealed the true meaning of person-centered care.
“A great thing about aged care is that you have time with people to build relationships and really get to know them,” Vinay said.
“Reading about the pasts of residents is amazing. A man or woman living with dementia may have worked as a doctor or nurse or businessman and knowing about a person’s past can really shape the care you give and how you interact with them.”
When Deborah Cheetham’s award-winning 120-bed aged care centre opened last year, both Vinay and Ryman Healthcare leapt at the opportunity for him to be part of the team.
“I have the privilege of knowing every resident and having the time to not only chat with them, but also to learn, because our residents have so much wisdom,” he said.
While juggling work and full-time study had been challenging, the supportive environment at the village propelled Vinay in his studies.
He will complete his Bachelor of Nursing in October and hopes to graduate this year.
“At the end of each day I have the satisfaction of knowing I have done something meaningful,” Vinay said.
“I sleep very peacefully knowing I have made a difference for someone.”
Vinay said the very qualities of a good carer were spelt out.
“I break it into ‘C for compassion, A for accountability, R for respect and E for empathy'. If you have those elements this job will give you a purpose in life.”