Ken Holmes recently celebrated his 78th birthday but he’s not showing any signs of slowing down. Instead, the grandfather of two is embarking on a new career in aged care administration.
“I’m doing this course for myself,” explained Ken. “I’m tired of talking to my dogs and cats who don’t talk back.”
Ken completed the theory component of his administration course with the Mercy Health Training Institute after stumbling across an advertisement in the newspaper. Ken is now completing the practical component at the Mercy Place Parkville aged care home.
“I can relate really well to the residents because they’re my age,” said Ken. “The staff say I have good communication skills and a lot of patience with both residents and their families.”
Ken spent more than 30 years working for Melbourne University as a surgical and scientific toolmaker. He made the switch to personal care when he was made redundant and worked the night shift at various private nursing homes for the next 10 years.
Ken had to give up work to look after his wife when she became sick and hasn’t been employed for the past five years.
“I haven’t told my kids what I’m doing because I know what they would say…that I should be at home. But my advice to anyone else my age who is still fit and healthy is to go back to work.”
On completion of his administration course, Ken will be actively seeking employment in the aged care industry.
“My favourite part of the job is working with older people and if I behave myself I just might get a bed here,” said Ken.
Download full media release ( PDF, 200.1K )Last reviewed December 27, 2017.
