Becoming an advocate for older people to maintain their independence and continue leading a fulfilling life in their local community has been a great privilege for Juniper Occupational Therapist Amanda Filippou.
“I’ve always worked well with people and I love helping people,” Amanda said.
“It was working alongside children in a classroom environment when I was a child and supporting those with special needs that saw me gravitate towards that role of helping others. That’s what sparked it.”
Joining Juniper fresh out of graduating from Curtin University in 2016, Amanda transferred to Juniper’s Home and Community Care team in late 2022, where she has been applying the skills and knowledge gained from her time working at Juniper’s City of Bayswater Hostel and Hilltop Residential Aged Care Homes.
“I did my student placement at Juniper Annesley, and it was only six months after that that I got a job with Juniper in 2017, so it was a good transition for me,” Amanda said.
Now working alongside Juniper’s Home and Community Care clients, Amanda provides support to older people in their home to help them maintain and improve their independence in a variety of ways, such as prescribing assistive technology, seating, pressure care and home modifications.
“The transition into Home and Community Care has been great – I adapted really quickly and the team has been fantastic,” she said.
“I like the variety and diversity that comes with this role, you get to meet different people from all walks of life and I just love that we’re part of a team who not only keep people at home but help them to build their strength, independence and safety.
“What I love most about it is how we can not only keep people in their own homes but help them stay connected to their loved ones and their community, and we’re supporting them to stay in an environment that’s meaningful to them”.
“I’ve drawn so much from their wisdom and experience, and seeing life through a different lens has really has helped me grow as a person and in my career.”
Amanda also enjoys the social aspect of her job, where she gets to build connections with her clients.
“The biggest part of working as an OT in aged care is building relationships with older people, and I learn so much from them,” she said.
“I’ve drawn so much from their wisdom and experience, and seeing life through a different lens has really has helped me grow as a person and in my career.”
A busy mother-of-two, Amanda said she also enjoyed the flexibility of the role.
“What made it appealing was the hybrid role of working from home and in the office, as well as working in a community setting where I could visit clients in their own home,” she said.
“I loved the idea of how flexible the role is, especially give I’m a mum of two.”
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