Meet Janelle, home care leader in Gympie

Image: Janelle Pye, Wesley Mission Queensland’s Care Team Leader - Community Aged Care, Gympie.

Meet Janelle Pye, our dedicated home care coordinator in Gympie (Fraser Coast, Queensland). With a background in secretarial and retail work, Janelle transitioned to the aged care sector seven years ago after caring for her terminally ill father, an experience that inspired her passion for helping others.

“Assisting him throughout the period made me realise the great importance of the work aged care professionals do for the community.”

Today, she plays a vital role in coordinating home care services in Gympie, ensuring that her clients receive the support they need. From navigating the My Aged Care system to managing daily staff operations, Janelle is committed to making a difference in her community.

First of all, what’s the best piece of advice you would give to seniors considering home care.

Reach out and enquire about home assistance are when you first need the help. Do not wait until it is it urgently needed as getting that help through a Home Care Package may involve a wait time.

What inspired you to work in the aged care industry? What do you most enjoy about it?

I had the privilege of nursing my terminally ill father for three years in my own home before he passed. I had engaged in-home care services to assist with this throughout the period and realised the great importance of the work aged care professionals do for the community. This inspired me to change direction and seek a similar path.

What does a typical day as a home care coordinator look like for you?

Its’s an extremely busy role as it includes onboarding of Home Care Package clients, coordinating care services, and daily staff liaison and rostering. When asked by a client, I make myself available to assist with the negotiation process with My Aged Care guiding the client through the processes.

Can you share a memorable moment from your time working with clients?

On attendance with a client, the family horse entered the room. This was a usual occurrence and happened on every visit!

Tell us something about yourself that your clients wouldn’t know.

My dedication to my position extends beyond the normal workday to resolve issues for my clients and their families

What's on your personal and/or professional wish list?

To finish the extension to my family home within a year. To remain in the aged care sector for as long as possible going forward, helping as many residents in the Gympie area as possible to achieve fulfilling in-home care assistance.

A song that makes you happy.

I like most music, so I don’t really have a particular favourite.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received.

Keep working for as long as you can! Staying active in the community and improving the lives of others is certainly rewarding.

Tell us three things that you can’t live without.

My husband and family, my dogs, my phone.