Thirty-six years ago, Debra Jacobs called Juniper Rowethorpe to enquire about a job. This Christmas, she is retiring with a heart full of memories.

“I was in my early thirties when I enquired and I had no experience in aged care, but once I started at Juniper Rowethorpe, I found my passion and where I needed to be in my life,” Debra said.

Debra started off as a cleaner and then moved on to become a carer, relief manager, activity coordinator, administration assistant, and lastly, a retirement living coordinator.

“The last 36 years have been very rewarding; my residents have all been amazing,” she said.

“Working in aged care is a job that you can come in to in the morning and go home in the afternoon feeling as good as did when you arrived.”

For Debra, her favourite part of her job has been the relationships that she has formed while being able to able to make a positive impact on the lives of her residents.

“My goal has always been to make my residents feel better than how I first saw them. I want to make people’s lives as easy as possible; I like to take burdens off people,” she said.

“You can impact someone’s life so quickly and so easily here. Sometimes my residents visit me with their new technology because they don’t understand how to use it. I sit with them and explain everything, and they walk out feeling so relieved and happy. It is moments like these that have brought me joy over the last 36 years.”

Debra is now looking forward to spending her retirement traveling and creating memories with her family and friends.

“I am looking forward to not having to worry about the time. It’s time to unwind, relax, read, and enjoy life!”