‘Like family’: What it means to be a Leora support worker

Not everyone ends up exactly where they planned. Sometimes, your life experiences, small moments of realisation and a simple desire to help others lead you to where you’re meant to be.

Sandy’s journey began somewhere unexpected—the kitchen of a nursing home where she worked as a sous chef. She loved cooking, but something kept pulling her toward the people she was serving.

“I really liked it. I realised that maybe this was my way of doing more for others,” she says.

That realisation led her to becoming a Leora support worker, where every day brings meaningful connections and a chance to make a life-changing difference.

At first, the people Sandy supports can be a little distant, she shares. Understandably cautious, maybe even reserved. Asking for and accepting help, especially from someone new, isn’t always easy. But as the days pass and as she continues to show up, listen and care, she notices how things gradually shift.

“In the beginning, they behave differently with you,” Sandy explains. “But once they realise you truly want to help them, they start to welcome you like family.”

For Sandy, being a support worker is deeply personal. Long before she stepped into this role, she was a carer in her own home, looking after her father before he passed away.

“I look after people, and it reminds me of my dad,” she says.

One moment in particular stays with her. She recalls helping a 95-year-old client take a shower. It’s an everyday task, yet one that felt like something much more.

“It was like saying goodbye to him all over again,” she says. But instead of sadness, there was a quiet sense of peace knowing that in caring for others, she was honouring what she had once done for her father.

Caring for others is more than just about showing up. You need to have the right tools, resources and support to do the job well. Support work is deeply rewarding, yes, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding, which makes it crucial to work for an organisation that prioritises both clients and carers.

For Sandy, that place is Leora Healthcare.

“If you need help, you can call them and straight away they help you,” she says. “Leora is really useful because whatever you need or whatever you need to know about your clients, you can find on the app.”

Having access to the right information at the right time allows her to focus on what matters most: providing quality care with confidence and compassion.

Sandy also speaks Spanish. Watch our interview to hear her speak in her native language!

A mentally and emotionally supportive workplace is one of the most important things to consider. Without proper guidance and resources, support workers can experience burnout, stress or uncertainty in handling complex care situations. That’s why working in an environment that:

makes all the difference.

Because at the end of the day, the better support a worker has, the better quality of care they can provide.

Sandy finds peace behind a camera lens. “I love photography! I like to take photos of nature, insects and birds. I just love capturing those moments.”

Sandy’s story is a reminder that care is not just about what you do. It’s also about the heart and intention behind it. It’s about showing up, putting your heart into every moment and making people feel seen, valued and supported the best way possible.

If you’re looking for a rewarding career as a support worker, Leora is always looking for compassionate people to make a real difference in the lives of others. Explore opportunities here.

If you or a loved one need assistance from a support worker like Sandy, Leora provides personalised disability care services to help with daily living and wellbeing. Reach out to our team today to get started.

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