“I am helping people find a way through their injury or illness as they learn to rely on themselves once again.”

Careers in Aging Caregiver Profile

Caroline Holley, Occupational Therapist at Indian River Center in West Melbourne

While working in a camp for visually impaired children, the children often told me how their occupational therapist was the one who helped teach them how to do daily skills, and they would show me the adaptations they had in place at home. This inspired me to pursue a career in occupational therapy.

I have worked in long-term care for 20 years and have experience working with people of all ages – from less than one to over 100-years-old.

I started as an occupational therapy assistant but then went on to get my master’s and become an occupational therapist. I have specifically focused my studies on dementia care as well as driving rehabilitation.

I love watching the recovery from injury, helping people regain their independence and working toward an improved quality of life for people learning to participate in their own lives again.

I love working in long-term care because I have the chance to get to know people personally and assist them in the matters that are important to them.

Whether it is through adaptation or strengthening or modification, I am helping people find a way through their injury or illness as they learn to rely on themselves once again.

Long-term care is a rewarding area to work in because you get a chance to truly know the people you are working with and can help them in ways that are truly meaningful.