Larger percentages of people in Australia are living longer lives, significantly changing the demography of a country that was once perceived as a young country. My experience in working with older people began in 1984 as a registered nurse then an educator and eventually  research as I grappled with questions about attitudes, respect and safety. Through my early research, I became aware of the precarious nature of residential care for both the older person and the those who work with them. 

To support older people and staff of residential aged care, I developed education strategies that were innovative and engaging aimed at   confronting ageist attitudes and develop an awareness of the professional satisfaction in working with older people. In 2013, I was awarded an Australian Award for Tertiary Teaching and the text book I co-edited with Dr Denise Winkler won an Australian publishing award in 2017. 

To expand my field of influence in teaching and researching about ageing, I moved from the clinical to the academy where I am an advocate for ageing and aged care. I broadened my research interests to include older people living in rural and remote communities, the meaning of community to older people and a participatory model of working with older people. 

Recent research projects include the experiences of community aged care workers and community dwelling older people as they cope with extreme heat environments. Along with researchers from Central Queensland University, I am exploring coercive control of older people - identifying a definition, exposing the impact on the older person and the individuals who try to support them.   

Currently, I hold an adjunct position with CSU Three Rivers Department of Rural Health. This role enables me to continue researching ageing, mentoring academics and clinicians. Participating in community based organisations gives me further scope to use my knowledge and experience to support older people.   

• Ageing
• Rural ageing
• Working with older people
• Co-creation (with older people) of learning and knowing about ageing
• Coercive control of older people

Membership:

• Chair of the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network Aged Care Consortium
• Vice-President of Wagga Wagga Meals on Wheels
• Life member of the Hunter Wound Interest Group
• Member of the NSWNA Aged Care Reference Group