How these support workers become an integral part of rural people's lives

For two years she has been working for Country Mile Home Care, which provides live-in care for people living in rural and remote areas of Western Australia.

When Tanya arrives in Onslow, she is greeted by her colleague Fiona with a handover about the client's health and care needs from the past week. Then she can settle in with the client and tend to personal care services, meal preparation, help with appointments, shopping and social support.

Tanya practically becomes part of the family.

She and Fiona build the care team that works on a seven on seven off fly in/fly out roster to enable the client to live in their own home for as long as they wish, without having to sell the family home and move to a nursing home.

Many people in the rural and remote areas of WA prefer to live as far away from the metropolitan area as possible and have chosen to be in their familiar surroundings, in the community that they were born, have lived for a long time and wish to remain in with their families and friends.

Tanya and all other staff become an integral part of their clients' lives and feel honoured by the trust and friendship they are shown during their time at work.

"The care we give and the personal relationships we develop with our clients make this service so special and also very rewarding for us as support workers," director Ann Young said.

"This isn't just a job you go to, it is a commitment to another human being, and we are dedicated to assist our clients to live their best life in their own home."

So when it's time to fly home, Tanya knows she leaves the client in the caring hands of Fiona.

For more details on Country Mile Home Care, call 0476-035-233, www.countrymilehomecare.com.au