Employee Stories ~ Christina Standen

Meath Care OTA Christina Standen


It was Aged Care Employee Day on August 7th.  We took the opportunity to chat with some of our staff and discuss why they chose to work in the aged care industry.

Christina Standen is an OTA at our Dr Mary Surveyor Centre in Kingsley, she explained why she enjoys her job.

“I have a lot of respect for the elderly, it’s a mutual respect. I love the stories they tell me and their attitude to life.  I get so many laughs, I love them and they love me.”

Christina was kind enough to share her life story.

I was born Christina Jayne Finley in a little town called Otley which is in West Yorkshire, England.  My mum is an Enrolled Nurse and my Dad is a qualified Joiner (Carpenter). I have an older brother, Stuart who has a family of his own.

The county of West Yorkshire, where I was born, is well known for a range of things.  It’s famous for Yorkshire Pudding – a savoury batter dish (and a British delicacy).  It’s made with eggs, milk and flour, and then baked in a very hot oven.  Yorkshire Puddings traditionally form part of Sunday Roast when served with beef and vegetables.

West Yorkshire is also home to the Chevin – a famous ridge boasting beautiful views of the town of Otley.   There is Ilkley Moor, which rises to 402m above sea level and is well known for its views and unique rock formations.  Another known site is The Dales Way- an 80 mile footpath, popular amongst travellers for hiking.

Our family first emigrated to Perth, Australia in 1988 when I was 3 years old.  We lived in Scarborough Beach for 4 years before my parents got homesick and moved back to England.

Looking back on my childhood, I don’t have many memories of growing up in West Yorkshire, as I was very young when we first emigrated to Australia.  I remember spending time with my cousins and grandparents, as we all lived on the same street.  I miss playing in the snow, making snowmen, and going sledging.

We returned to Perth in 1994 when I was about 10 years old.  We initially lived in a suburb called Innaloo, before moving to another suburb called Huntingdale.

Growing up in Perth was great.  I was a very sporty kid, playing hockey and cricket.  I was also a very good swimmer.

I trained to be a Carer when I was 18, and worked in this field for 13 years.

In 2008, I met Brett (who, in years to follow, became my husband).

I returned to study in 2009, completing my certificate in Community Services (Leisure and Lifestyle).  This course enabled me to become a Lifestyle Assistant – a role which I absolutely love and continue to work in to this day.

In 2010, I was given the opportunity to go back to England with Brett, who met the rest of my family.

We then we travelled to Gretna Green in Scotland to get married, and I became Christina Jayne Standen.  Visiting England and Scotland was the best thing we have done together (other than having children!).  From Scotland, we travelled onto Paris and Rome for our honeymoon.

I have lived in Perth for 25 years now and have 2 beautiful children Ruby (5 years old) and Conall (2 years old).