Zain Tan says you can’t get more variety as an occupational therapist than that offered by Brightwater At Home. This service provides a wide range of practical support to clients to help them to continue to live at home.

“It’s not like working in a hospital or even a disability care facility, with Brightwater At Home you get to see the whole spectrum of a client’s recovery process,” said Zain. “I work with a wide variety of clients and I also liaise closely with their families,” he said.

“I enjoy the one-on-one contact with clients and the opportunity to see the full progress of their rehabilitation. “We have a cohesive team of allied health professionals and we support each other well. It’s great to work with like-minded people.”

Zain’s role involves assessing a client’s physical capacity and their home environment and then trying to eliminate any mismatch between the two. For example, it could involve addressing shower or kitchen access issues by offering the client physical training, securing equipment and/or arranging home modifications.

He also monitors the progress of his clients and investigates further funding opportunities for them. “I’m all about problem-solving, reassuring my clients and managing unreasonable fear. Truthful communication with clients and their families is essential. I always try and be cheerful and non-judgemental in my interaction with clients, and they seem to appreciate that.”

Disability Support Worker Kyriakos (Aki) Kyriazis says he’s fortunate to combine two passions in his work at Brightwater.

He says the joy of being a disability support worker means work is more like a second home, and being able to share his passion for music with residents makes it even better.

Aki has had a lifelong passion for music and DJ’ing, so he thoroughly enjoys the opportunity Brightwater has provided to share his lounge music mixes with residents and staff.

“It’s great to be able to transfer emotions through music,” said Aki.

“At my DJ’ing sessions I’ve watched residents relax and smile, and many have even drifted off to sleep with a smile still on their faces.”

In terms of working in the disability sector, Aki says there is no more rewarding job.

“Sure, you can get a diploma, but the best way to qualify for a job like mine is to deeply care about making residents happy.”

James Blaye says empowering residents to reach their goals is one of the most satisfying aspects of his role as a multi-skilled disability support worker and lifestyle coordinator at our Marangaroo site.

“I feel like I’m making a difference in my interaction with residents. Every day I help residents identify what they can do for themselves. I might help them with personal grooming or accompany them to an appointment,” said James.

“It is very rewarding to see an improvement in a resident’s condition, or to hear their laughter,” he said.

“There is a lot of mutual respect and support between staff at Brightwater, and we have clear policies, procedures and guidelines that make our job easier.

“We also have good access to training, for example cultural awareness training, that’s important in our workplace,” said James.

With her employment spanning 27 years, Wendy Foote is one of the original staff members from our Oats St disability service. The community integration coordinator, Wendy supports clients as they progress through their rehabilitation.

She prepares applications to the Housing Authority and the Disability Services Commission and liaises with these and other agencies during the client discharge process.

“Brightwater offers a flexible and friendly workplace, where open, two-way communication is encouraged,” said Wendy. “I really enjoy working with people with acquired brain injury (ABI). I’m conscious that at any given moment, it could happen to any one of us.”

Maureen Dixon has been part of the Brightwater team for 25 years, starting as a carer before becoming an administration assistant at Joondalup residential aged care. Her duties include rostering, ordering, conducting audits, preparing for accreditation and supporting staff. She also enjoys liaising with residents’ families.

“I feel passionate about supporting our residents, particularly those with dementia who aren’t always able to advocate for themselves. The working environment at Brightwater is team focused, and the supervisors and staff will always go the extra mile for each other,” says Maureen.

Belinda Veary is a social worker at our Brightwater Oats Street rehabilitation facility for people who have experienced an acquired brain injury (ABI).

Her role is to provide a broad range of practical and emotional assistance to clients and their families. This includes providing information, support and advocacy about navigating the ‘system’, finances, decision-making matters, funding, access to services and emotional adjustment.

“I was attracted to the particular nature of the social worker role, but I also appreciated that Brightwater’s organisational values are well-matched to my own personal values,” said Belinda.

“We have a positive, pro-active and uplifting work culture at Oats Street and our team is passionate, supportive and collaborative. That is really great for our clients as it supports their rehabilitation process.”

When Marysia Misan took her first look at Brightwater’s Kingsley residential aged care facility, she knew Brightwater was where she wanted to work.

Seventeen years later, and now working at the Madeley site, the registered nurse hasn’t lost the passion for her job.

“After emigrating from Poland, my first job interview in Western Australia was at Brightwater and my first impression was the lovely home environment of the facility and the warm welcome I received from staff,” she said.

Marysia divides her time between nursing duties and on-site training, which includes Foodsafe, medication competency, dysphagia and fire and emergency training, as well as new staff orientation. She also coordinates Madeley’s respite admissions as well as the palliative care and vaccination portfolios.

“I highly recommend Brightwater as an employer. Staff are given good support and training, and if you’re a loving, caring person, then a nursing role at Brightwater is a great career choice,” she said.

Stephen Gwilliams is Brightwater At Home North's administration assistant, with responsibility for ensuring the accuracy of client funding and accounts.

Originally from Liverpool in the UK, Stephen has a varied background, which includes starting a jockey apprenticeship, completing a media production degree, and playing in a band. He says Brightwater is a positive and multicultural workplace, with great management.

“I felt like I fitted in as soon as I started at Brightwater. Everyone is friendly and always keen to help each other out,” said Stephen.

In a nice turn of events, Brightwater’s Coordinator of Volunteer Services, Wendy Delahoy-Bianchi, joined Brightwater 14 years ago as a volunteer.

Her employment began as a six week stint as a therapy assistant at our Madeley residential aged care site, which turned into a nine year posting. She then accepted a 12 month secondment to develop the Brightwater At Home volunteer program, and was later appointed as our volunteer coordinator.

“I love the people at Brightwater – particularly the residents and clients and their inspiring life stories,” said Wendy.

“I also appreciate the flexible and supportive workplace, and the excellent training available to staff.”