It takes a special kind of person to care for a 102-year-old dynamo who refuses to let anything – even a knee replacement - slow her down.

Direct Care Worker Sandra Preddy has a huge heart and a special rapport with Doreen Woodward, who is enjoying life at her cosy unit at a Glenorchy retirement village – despite recovering from surgery.

Doreen loves reading and doing puzzles and using her iPad to zoom into church services. “I’m feeling terrific, I plan on taking up knitting again soon,” says Doreen.  She’s happy to share her secret to a long life.  “I never smoke or drank, ate mainly vegetarian foods and did a lot of exercise.  My faith is hugely important to me and I’m also a firm believer in being content with the hand that life deals you.”

Doreen has a home care package and receives services through Uniting AgeWell including personal care and help with the housework and shopping.  She has become incredibly fond of the Direct Care Workers who support her, especially Sandra, who has been with her several years now.

“Sandra is the kindest soul around,” explains Doreen.  “She goes out of her way to help me and to make the day pleasant.  Nothing is too much trouble for her.”

She’s right!  Sandra has been at Uniting AgeWell for nine years and absolutely loves spending time with her clients, including Doreen.

Sandra, who first worked in administration and in the disability sector for 17 years, is enjoying working in aged care.  She started work with the Uniting AgeWell home care team in Southern Tasmania nine years ago and hasn’t looked back.

“My Dad was a client with Uniting AgeWell, so I knew they were a good company,” Sandra says.  “I enjoy getting to know the clients and helping to make a difference in their lives.  I love it when I can make them smile.”

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