My name is April Jensen I have been supporting children, family and friends for 35 years. My passion for working with others began during my role as a family day care provider, caring for children in my home. I thoroughly enjoyed this experience and found it rewarding while raising a family of my own. This followed by looking after my grandchildren so that my daughters could pursue their careers. Years later, my dad was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, followed by Lewy body dementia, and with no NDIS and little support for my mum, I immersed myself into assisting with his care. It was during this time that I witnessed firsthand how isolating a disability can be, not only for the individual, but their family too. Alongside my mum, I cared for my dad until he passed, for around seven years, and I knew from that moment, I wanted to help others in similar circumstances, live their best life.

Having a lived experience inspires me to do more, to provide the absolute best care for my clients and their families. My role as a support worker enables me to help people with disabilities, and help support their families so that they can have some respite. I empathise and understand the strain, time and often frustration getting "lost in the system" when looking after a loved one. Watching a family member struggle through life with very little support is heartbreaking, and that's where I come in. I have worked with children both in the home and in a kindergarten setting, worked in collaboration with DCP [Department of Child Protection]. I have cared for elderly within an age care facility, and in their homes.

I am optimistic, creative and like to share these traits with those I work with, bringing joy to those around me. There is a childlike quality to my nature, having fun and bringing joy into the lives of those whom I support. I empower my clients and create greater independence for those living with disabilities through motivation and building trusting relationships, so they can live their best life- now.

Motto I Live by: "Do with Not For" I believe this is important to promote confidence and self-esteem as well as motivation and perseverance in doing something despite the difficulty or delay in achieving success. Once achieved, it is very rewarding for both individuals, it fosters self-reliance allowing the person to feel they are in control of their life.

Empowering your loved one to make decisions that actively involve them in decision making. This can be developed by being respectful and not judgmental, building relationships where the person feels comfortable enough to discuss their feelings and open up to you, focusing on their strengths and abilities and support and encourage involvement in decision making that involves them.

How can I help support you? It all starts with daily living skills, repetition and daily rituals, seek to support everyday tasks, provide opportunities for your loved one to use skills and past experiences and encourage them to learn new skills, which includes problem solving, promoting choice making, which helps to support individual growth.

Support Includes but is not limited to; Daily Tasks, Housework, Shopping, Cooking, going for a drive to a favorite destination for a picnic, BBQ, Lunch with friends, nature walks, swimming getting actively involved in the community, making friends. Using computers, tablets, phone or similar devices, games and puzzles, exercise, walks, gym ECT… Whatever you need support with I am here to help support you to live your best life.

I encourage positivity and celebrate every small achievement, making learning a fun daily habit. Involving my clients in community events allows interactions with others and builds confidence, self-esteem allowing for growth, development & greater independence.

Credentials:

CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.
CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services – Case Management
All my certificates/checks are up to date."