They say third time’s a charm and for Sue Moxom, this is particularly true as she nears completion of her Diversional Therapy Apprenticeship on her third try. “In the past, I just felt so overwhelmed, and it was too much for me. Now that I’m 62, I just thought it’s now or never,” says Sue.
Sue works at Metlifecare’s The Orchards aged care home in Auckland as an Activities Coordinator and is close to completing her Apprenticeship in Diversional Therapy through Careerforce. Careerforce is a work-based training provider for the health and wellbeing sectors and supports learners to achieve NZQA qualifications fully on the job.
Every Careerforce apprentice is supported by an Apprenticeship Advisor and Sue’s Advisor Nicky Liles commented, “Sue shared her initial worries and doubts and asked lots of questions which made space for reassurance and encouragement, and together we made a plan for success”.
Sue is now well on her way to completing her apprenticeship and is feeling more confident, “I’m over halfway, and I know I can achieve it,” says Sue.
Diversional Therapist Sue Moxom pictured with residents Dora and Sheila.
Careerforce also offers Study Hubs which are a chance for learners to drop in, ask questions, meet with other ākonga (learners) and receive help with achieving their unit standards. Sue is finding these sessions beneficial and enjoyed connecting with other ākonga. “There are a lot of other older people studying too and it is reassuring to know that everyone in their second part of life can achieve these things which you didn’t think you could have achieved before”.
Sue has seen huge changes in herself throughout the programme and says, “I think it’s made me a better person because I feel more confident in myself, and I know that I’m more capable of doing things than I was beforehand”.
Nicky adds “I’m so proud of Sue and her confidence on the apprenticeship journey has just gone from strength to strength”.
A few years ago, Sue watched a programme called ‘Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds’ which brought together a group of ten elderly care home residents with ten preschoolers. The two groups took part in daily activities together and the researchers monitored the physical and mental health of the older participants. Sue says, “I watched this, and I thought ‘oh my goodness, I’ve got to do this for my oldies’, it’s just so meaningful”.
Sue reached out to local primary school Beach Haven, and now has two groups of children who come in once a week. The children and the residents complete activities together including colouring, dancing and sharing what the children have been up to, and the resident’s stories about their travels and lives. “It’s more than just a chitchat. They form special relationships, and a lot of the kids even call them grandma and grandpa”.
Sue also sees huge benefits for her residents, “We had one lady who said, ‘It’s so nice to see the young kids, it keeps me young. It’s something to look forward to and breaks down the isolation’”. Another resident previously spent most of his time in his room, but came out to see the children and enjoyed showing them his badges that he had collected from around the world. “It’s really special. I think every care home should have kids coming in, it just gives meaning and purpose,” Sue says.
Not one to sit still, Sue has already started planning her next steps for after she has completed her Apprenticeship. “My goal, way in the future when I retire, is to go around and help the other Diversional Therapists and help give them ideas; to get speakers in, pet therapy, set up intergenerational programmes and give them a different approach to the normal activities”.
As for whether she would recommend the Careerforce apprenticeship programme to other Diversional Therapists – “Absolutely, it’s not always easy, but you must work hard for anything worthwhile. If you have the determination and you’re willing to put in the extra work and time, it’s so rewarding”.
You can find out more about the Careerforce Apprenticeship in Diversional Therapy (Level 4) here. Employers may also qualify for the Apprenticeship Boost which provides a wage subsidy for new and existing apprentices in their first two years of training.