Matthew used to spend each day in agony. Having been diagnosed with Scheuermann’s disease in 2014, the pain in the teenager’s neck and back was so intense it often proved completely debilitating. By 2016, the aches became so severe that Matthew underwent spinal fusion surgery. The operation proved an absolute game changer.
He is now able to indulge his passion for physical fitness by exercising at home, working out at the gym several times a week and regularly playing soccer. Equally as important to Matthew’s overall health and wellbeing, the care and support he received as he recovered from his hospital stint, combined with witnessing how well his grandparents were looked after in their residential aged care facility, inspired him to consider supporting older Australians as a potential career. Just last year Matthew, who is now 23, joined Just Better Care Hills to Hornsby as a Community Support Worker. “I wanted to give back. I thought a career in support services will allow me to give back to the community,” he says.
“I love helping customers reach their goals and I like helping to get groceries or taking them to doctor’s appointments. I love receiving positive and uplifting feedback as it feels like I’m making a difference. It gives me pride in the work I do,” he says.
He says his best day on the job so far is when a customer he had impressed told him he would make a ‘great dad’. While becoming a parent is also on his future to do list, Matthew says in the meantime he hopes to continue helping those in the community while also serving as an inspiration for others with medical conditions similar to his but who are afraid to give employment a try.
“My advice is that you shouldn’t let any condition hold you back. Talk to the Just Better Care Community Support Professionals and local office team who can advise you and support you with your condition.”
