Joanne Westcott - Walk a mile in these shoes

Name: Joanne Westcott

Tell me about your job and why you pursued a career in it?

I am a Registered Nurse working with Livebetter Community Care - Ageing Regional Communities. My role is to assist people in navigating the My Aged Care process and setting up services via their Home Care Packages to enable them to remain in their own home safely with supports in place for e.g. domestic assistance, personal care, home modifications. I really enjoy working with people, finding out about their lives and how I can best assist them in living their best life.  This looks very different for everyone and that is why the challenge is so rewarding.

Any career highlights?

I have been a Registered nurse for 26yrs, owned a business for over 18yrs and the last 20mths I have been on an exciting pathway with Livebetter where every day is different and extremely fulfilling.

The highlight for me is not what I have necessarily achieved personally, but what I have been able to facilitate and achieve for others.  Some people, especially the elderly do not have a voice in this busy world, and just need some assistance and someone to listen. Working with and being supported by an amazing team makes my job easy.

What would be a usual day for you?

I could spend the day locally determining people’s needs for a homecare package, or I may end up in Dubbo, Bathurst, Forbes, even the Riverina.  Wherever there is a need for me to assess a client I am off! I generally grab a co-ordinator at least once a week and we head off into our region assisting people to utilise their Home Care Package to its full potential and offering advice and support.

What do you love most about your job?

I am passionate about working with people in the community. No two days are the same. Customer’s stories are different, their needs are different and there is always something we can do to assist people. These people and their families put a smile on my face each and everyday, and hopefully I do the same for them. I love having a chat, learning their history and combine that with some of the most incredible views across the countryside, how could I possibly not enjoy my day!

I feel very privileged that I am able to be a small part of the puzzle for people to remain independent at home or achieve their goals no matter how little or big.

What is something that people might not know about your job?

I have organised everything from ‘massages’ to ‘gutter cleans’ for people and everything in between. Our incredible team work tirelessly to provide the best outcome we can for our customers. I also assist with in-house staff training across the regions which I really enjoy, assisting to Co-ordinate Occupational Therapists, Telehealth, Speech Therapists, garden maintenance and Home Modifications for people is just the tip of the iceberg. Palliative Care is an area I am extremely passionate about and continue to strive to assist and support people and their families in this space.

Other than work, tell me a bit about yourself, your interests and hobbies?

I adore my family, friends and our animals, and love spending time out on our farms.

I love doing patchwork! Any excuse to spend time with my “sewing buddies” is a good one. 

What is your favourite thing to do?

Spending time with my awesome family and friends. Watching a sunset and sitting around a bonfire at the end of the day with a crisp, clear starry sky out at our farm.  I love travelling and meeting new people and being amused by our hysterical dog – “Roy”

How do you start your day?

I guess like most people organising to get out the door! Planning for the day ahead whatever that direction may be. Laughter is always a big part of my day. 

If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go and why?

We have been very fortunate to have had some incredible trips. I definitely want to see more of Australia and would like to get to Canada/ Alaska plus Japan one day maybe ...and more on my bucket list.  A trip to Pennsylvania would be great to see the Amish quilting ...one day.

Anything you would like to add?

Making a genuine difference in people’s lives is such a wonderful feeling. The more customers and families I meet, the more I learn, and this can only put me in a position to assist others all the more. This is why I love what I do.