4 minute read
From the Canadian Rockies to Western Australia
Barb Siemens
The south side of Perth’s CBD—City Business District—reminds me of back home in Vancouver. ©iStockphoto.com/levkr
What happens when exception of Thursdays when late-night There are only about 2.6 million total you marry an Aussie? For me it meant trading is permitted to 9 pm. Sunday hours are 11 am to 4 pm. Banking institutions are not open on weekends. residents state-wide. After years of corporate office management in Canada, immediately heading across the ocean for new on arrival I began training in Perth in adventures Down Under. Little did I know I was moving to the second- Moving to Perth, Western the palliative and aged-care industry. I am now a Facility Coordinator and most-remote city in the world. Australia, has been both Palliative Care for AGEIS Stirling, a Australia is the only country that occupies a whole continent, albeit the smallest continent on earth. Moving to Perth, Western Australia, has been both eye-opening and confusing. Perth is the most westerly major city in Australia, surrounded by beautiful beaches and fantastic eye-opening and confusing. Driving in Perth has also been fun . . . learning to drive on the other side of the road in vehicles equipped with right-hand drive. I admit I scared a few drivers in my first few months as privately owned and operated longterm care facility housing medium to high care individuals, including dementia and palliative residents. AEGIS is one of the largest aged care corporations in Western Australia with a total of 28 facilities and 3 more in development to open next year. weather all year round. I forgot which side of the road to be The majority of employees in this I have lived most of my adult life in Vancouver and a few years in Calgary, but moving to Perth was a real culture shock, like taking a step back in time. Twisted-pair phone lines are still used to transmit TV programs, Internet data is purchased in units, on! Traffic enforcement is very strict in Perth with zero tolerance. Driving even 3 kilometres over the limit will result in a violation and traffic cameras are everywhere, so beware! My husband has had his picture taken several times, much to his displeasure. industry are from Africa, Malaysia, and Ireland. I am their only token blonde Canadian. They love my accent! I am blessed to work with some amazingly talented individuals and proud to be part of the team. These types of facilities are very and shopping centres and grocery Perth is a beautiful coastal city different from Canada. All Australians stores are open until 6 pm, with the similar aesthetically to Vancouver. have the right to long-term care that
the government will help supplement, based on your net worth. Some residents have put up $400,000
With my parents to $1.2 million in Canada to be able to move into those types of care facilities.
The premise is based on the facility holding the deposits in trust and collecting all interest earned to pay for the residents’ stay, along with a monthly fee, depending on care required. Once a resident passes away, the deposit minus all interest is given back to the family. The program is still confusing to me! My son Josh Next to the great weather in Australia, I love the people who remind me very much of Canadians, whether transplants like me or born-and-raised true
My mother Aussies—wonderful,
Hildegard warm, and loving people who open their arms and homes. I will always treasure my time here, but Canada will always be my home. Leaving my family
My father and friends behind is
Walter hard. I miss my son Josh who works in the Oil & Gas industry in Northern Alberta. I also miss my parents Hildegard and Walter Siemens who reside in Richmond, BC.
As you may know, my dad has been a proud longtime member of The Society of Notaries Public and served as a Director for a number of years.
From Down Under, G’day!! s Barb Siemens is a Lifestyle & Palliative Care Coordinator. Place Your AD Here Thousands of Allied Professionals in BC read The Scrivener. Fall Advertising Deadline: September 10
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