In March 2017 we announced that aged care provider Resthaven established an endowed fund to provide an ongoing university wide scholarship for Indigenous students who, through their study at Flinders, demonstrate a commitment to the needs of older Australians. The scholarship will have a positive impact for students to develop and build their experience before commencing in their profession. In the future, when working in the evolving aged care sector their contribution will be greatly felt.
Chloe Wegener is the inaugural recipient of the Resthaven Scholarship and is studying physiotherapy, she has a passion for the rehabilitation of people in aged care after seeing her Nanna’s three year fight with loss of movement after having a stroke. Chloe has shared her story below.
“The other day marked two years since my Nanna’s passing and it allowed me to reflect on how I, as a physiotherapist, can help others just like her.
Seeing this journey up close and personal impacted me significantly. The importance of health professionals became obvious to me and this situation is what inspired my career choice. On the anniversary of her passing, I was excited that soon I will be able to assist those just like her with grandchildren just like me.
Since then I have been working a casual job as receptionist at Eastwood Physiotherapy Clinic where most patients are over the age of 70. Often I have conversations with patients about how important they find physiotherapy for their functioning in everyday life. Every week I am further inspired to become a better physiotherapist.
Although unrelated to aged care, I have been volunteering for two years at South Adelaide Football Club in the SANFL. Here I have the opportunity to watch physiotherapists work and improve my manual skills through massage and taping. This scholarship will allow me to work less and volunteer more. Especially next year when I am doing placement and unable to work for weeks at a time it will be critical in reducing financial pressures. This will allow me to focus primarily on my studies, continue my volunteering and improve my skills. Thank you for your support.”
Published 2017.
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South Australia 5042
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