Enabling kids to be kids: the benefits of Paediatric Support Work

Six years ago, Eileen took a chance on a job supporting a child with complex care needs. That chance led to a fulfilling career, passion, and changed the lives of the children and families she now supports.

Eileen was new to paediatric disability care but took advantage of the paid training opportunities offered by her employer, At Home Care, in her first few months. She quickly built her skillset in complex care, and with it, her earning capacity.

With 24/7 support from At Home Care’s on-call nurses, Eileen’s confidence grew, and soon tasks that seemed daunting became second nature. Eileen’s excellence, however, lies beyond her clinical skills.

“Over the years, Eileen has gone above and beyond to build meaningful relationships with her clients, support them to participate in new opportunities, and prove they are capable of more than they, or their families, ever thought possible,“ said At Home Care’s Head of Nursing & Care Services, Dee Donachie.

Seven-year-old Bodhi is one of the children Eileen has supported to achieve meaningful milestones, like attending and participating in school. While others overlook Bodhi’s ability to participate due to his complex needs, Eileen finds a way, like physically racing his wheelchair down the athletics track at school carnivals and inventing games that involve both Bodhi and his classmates.

Eileen’s inclusive approach means Bodhi gets to be a kid, rather than sit on the sidelines. At birthday parties, for example, she talks to the organiser about the activities and finds a way for Bodhi to get involved in the fun.

Through interactions like this, his peers now see him as the child he is, not the disability he has.

Find out more about building your skills and career in a supportive environment.