'If I can make clients smile, then I’m happy, too'
Andrew Schlein, a fitter and turner by trade, is proof that Home Support Workers can come from all walks of life. His wealth of experience, infectious humour and genuine compassion combine to make a meaningful difference in our clients’ lives. The satisfaction of helping someone maintain or rediscover their independence has made an impact on his life, too. Discover Andrew’s inspiring story and see how it’s never too late to shape a rewarding career at Kalyra.
Inspired by life’s journey
Four-wheel-drive enthusiast, Joey Scout leader, nature lover, country fire service brigade and motorsport recovery team volunteer … The list of Andrew’s hobbies is as impressive as his ability to tell a good yarn, and he sure has some interesting stories to share!
After 30 years working as a fitter and turner, Andrew is proof that Kalyra people can come from all backgrounds and experiences, and that it’s never too late to change careers. Andrew’s rich life experience and friendly, easygoing nature help him build rapport effortlessly – a handy skill as a Home Support Worker.
“The best part of my job is interacting with people,” Andrew says. “The stories some of our clients have are absolutely amazing. They’ve done incredible things during their lives, and now that they’re in their swansong years, they’ve got Kalyra to help them continue doing what they want to do.”
Andrew is inspired daily by his Help at Home clients, who are determined to live active, happy and independent lives, despite the challenges they may face. If anyone understands the courage this takes, it’s Andrew, who was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer when he was 13.
“Some days it affects me, but I’m not going to let it beat me,” Andrew says. “I’m going to live a good life and not let it drag me down. So, if someone is struggling, I share a bit of my story with them so they can realise they’re not alone.”
While Andrew brings great care and compassion to his role, it’s always balanced with his healthy sense of humour.
“Being able to share a laugh is one of the things I love about this job. Sometimes, we can be the only person our client sees for the day. So, if I can make clients smile and they’re happy to see me, then I’m happy, too.”
A fork in the road
Andrew’s career as a fitter and turner may seem a world away from aged care, but it honed his natural talent for connecting with people from all walks of life.
When he was made redundant from his role at a car-part manufacturing plant in Adelaide, he received support from a government program to retrain and decided on a career in aged care.
“I figured I get on well with most people, so why not? I enrolled in a Certificate III in Aged Care, and because my in-laws had volunteered with Kalyra for over 20 years and spoke highly of it, I did my placement at Belair Residential Aged Care.”
Although Andrew valued his experience in residential aged care, he felt he was better placed to help older people live safely and independently at home. So, he successfully applied for a Home Support Worker role in 2017 and hasn’t looked back.
“Each day is different. I take people to men’s sheds, doctor’s appointments, drives in the countryside – all sorts of things.”
Andrew’s days also include cleaning, personal care, medication visits, preparing meals, assisting with shopping and plenty of chats – and he usually does it all while wearing one of his favourite motorsport event t-shirts.
“My clients know to look for me on TV. I volunteer for the recovery team at different motorsport events, including the Adelaide 500 Super Cars. So, when there’s a crash, sometimes I can appear on TV doing the recovery work. My clients get a kick out of that!”
Safety and support
Andrew’s commitment to safety extends beyond the race track to the workplace. As a Health and Safety Representative at Kalyra, he ensures a safe environment for his fellow Home Support Workers.
“There are many things I’m passionate about, and safety is one of them. Safety never takes a break. I’m always available to our Home Support Workers if they have any issues. And I know if I raise something with Kalyra, it gets listened to and acted on, which is fantastic.”
Working flexible hours gives Andrew the balance he needs to spend time with his family, go camping, volunteer as a Joey Scout leader and attend motorsport events around the country. He values that at Kalyra, he’s part of a close-knit community that treats people like people.
“For me, Kalyra is local. We’re here working in Adelaide and the head office is in Adelaide. You get to know people. Our CEO, Sara, is very approachable, and our Help at Home Coordinators have a lot of knowledge and expertise. It’s a good place to be.”