Impacts on Essential Workers w/ Tara Holland

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes and how COVID-19 has impacted our essential workers? In this interview, we hear from Tara Holland and get an insight on how the current pandemic has changed working conditions in age and disability care.

1. Where do you work?

I work at Sunnyfields disability services and support.

2. How long have you been working there?

I have been working at Sunnyfields since February this year (2020)

3. What steps/procedures do you have to take to ensure safety at work due to the current pandemic?

As a result of the current restrictions in my area, there are several guidelines and rules that I have to be mindful of. First of all, I have to constantly keep an eye on the ladies that I look after to make sure they are always clean, sanitised and that they remain indoors. I also have a checklist for each house that I visit that states the cleaning procedures that need to be done at least 3 times per day. As an employee, I also have to make sure that I am following the updated pandemic laws whilst I’m not at work and be extra cautious when I’m around people as my clients are in the high risk category.

4. How has COVID-19 impacted you?

This pandemic has impacted my other job that I have at a café. Currently, I am not able to be working there due to the virus and strict restrictions. I am also not able to carry out my normal social interactions with the people around me. This has been extra difficult for me as I am super social and very people orientated.

5. How does COVID-19 impact the people you look after in your job?

The coronavirus has impacted my clients as they are very busy people and usually have jobs and programs every day. They haven’t been able to leave the house at all and are not allowed any visitors because they are in the high risk category. It is also quite difficult because they don’t quite understand the virus and all the rules that come with it. They find it difficult to understand why they have to stay inside as they have difficulty processing it. This can often make them very upset and angry and I have been having to deal with extra anger issues and behaviour issues due to the current circumstances.