Top carer says it’s best job in world

‘It’s intensive, but I love it to bits,’ he said.

Mr Ardzejewski won the Supported Living Award at the recent Disability Support Workers Awards and said he appreciated the recognition.

He has been a carer at Cannington-based Nulsen, which supports people with disabilities to live in shared accommodation, for seven years, but it’s the strong relationship he’s built over the past three years with 21-year-old resident Myles Leeson that led to him winning the award.

Mr Leeson, who has autism, communicates using Key Word Sign ” a combination of gestures and verbal expressions ” but often reverts to his own less understandable version.

‘He’s very lax with it, so I’m constantly teaching him and reminding him,’ Mr Ardzejewski said. ‘I’m also trying to teach Myles other languages ” he can understand some Polish and Spanish.’

Though Mr Ardzejewski spends a lot of time caring for and teaching Mr Leeson, he said his role was lots of fun.

‘I don’t look at it as my job, we’re mates,’ he said.

‘We can go out together and joke around. Over the years, we’ve got to be friends ” he’s not just someone I care for.’