How long have you been a member of the SummitCare team?
Just over 2 years.
Why did you join SummitCare?
I was previously a support worker in Sydney. My wife Athira joined SummitCare as a student RN - she is now the Manager. I moved to Newcastle with her and this is my first experience working in Aged Care (apart from my community service placement). I moved to Newcastle and I love it. My background is in engineering and IT, so this has been a big change, and a good one, as I like caring for people. It gives me a good feeling knowing that I’m helping someone and making a difference everyday.
What’s your favourite part of being a member of SummitCare?
I really like how SummitCare help recognise your capabilities and efforts to help you develop your career. We have some amazing people working at SummitCare Wallsend who really care for the residents. But it’s the lovely residents who make it all worthwhile and their families are wonderful and always appreciate what we do. I strongly believe we are making a difference and I always try to enrich our residents’ lives any way I can.
What is your current occupation? (did you start in another role in SummitCare)
I’m currently working as the Acting Manager of Accommodation Services responsible for the Kitchen, Laundry and Maintenance teams. When I first started at SummitCare I started as an AIN (Assistant in Nursing) then became a Medicator (responsible for resident medications). I then progressed to working in Administration at the front desk. Currently I am in an Acting Manager of Accommodation Services position which is great because I’m learning new things and challenging myself with the added responsibilities.
What do you love most about working in Aged Care?
Coming from an engineering and IT background, working in Aged Care is very different. I started out as a Community Care Worker in Sydney, then moved here when my wife began her placement in Wallsend. I love the people, the residents and that I can make a difference to someone’s life.
Who Inspires You?
My older brother who lives in Grafton is the person who approaches life analytically and encourages me to think about things in a way to make good decisions by asking questions and by looking at all the options to any problem.
What is your favourite hobby?
I love to play soccer and badminton.
What’s the last book you read?
I used to read a lot, too busy now – mainly fiction/crime thrillers/romance. What’s the first concert you ever attended? I have never been to a concert but I do love the movies.
What’s the next place on your travel bucket list?
New Zealand.
If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Something my Mum cooked me.
What’s one item you can’t live without?
My phone, and my Triton Ute (that’s 2!)
What’s one thing you learned in the last month?
Take notice of what you say to others.
What’s your secret talent no-one knows about?
I can do impressions of famous people from back home in India.
What three words would your friends use to describe you?
Serious, problem solver (friends ask for advice), and just like Vin Diesel (always the one driving!)
