Initiatives to deliver better care recognised in awards shortlist
An intergenerational program connecting kindergarten children with aged care residents, a workforce initiative and a specialist dialysis program are among the projects recognised in nominations for the HESTA Aged Care Awards.
An intergenerational program connecting kindergarten children with aged care residents, a workforce initiative and a specialist dialysis program are among the projects recognised in nominations for the HESTA Aged Care Awards.
This year, 12 finalists have been announced across the award’s three categories – Team Innovation, Outstanding Organisation and Individual Distinction.
HESTA CEO Debby Blakey said this year’s finalists have demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to improving the quality of life of older Australians.
“This year’s finalists have proven themselves leaders in improving the way aged care services are delivered by challenging conventional thinking and developing innovative solutions to industry-wide challenges,” Ms Blakey said.
The full list of nominations:
Team Innovation finalists
Aged Care Indigenous Induction Program by Crest NT, Nightcliff, NT: For developing culturally appropriate and engaging induction resources that support the recruitment and retention of Indigenous aged care employees.
Catholic Homes, Burswood, WA: For developing the Comfort Care Centre, a specifically designed palliative care facility providing patients with end of life care, in a warm and welcoming environment.
Exercise Physiology in Aged Care Team by Helping Hand, North Adelaide, SA: For their outstanding innovation in developing exercise physiology programs leading to significant improvements in the cognitive, social and physical abilities of residents living with dementia.
Specialist Dialysis Team by Resthaven, Wayville, SA: For forming a specialist dialysis team in response to a community need for services that enable Australians with complex dialysis care needs to remain living at home, whilst also providing support to their carers through the provision of residential respite.
Leisure and Lifestyle Team by Uniting Agewell Carnsworth Community, Kew, VIC: For developing CIRCLE, an intergenerational program fostering friendship and learning between aged care residents and kindergarten children by bringing them together in an inclusive, fun environment.
Individual Distinction Award finalists
Anna Harrison, Umbrella Multicultural Community Care Services, Bedford, WA: For establishing Umbrella, a not-for profit aged care service that celebrates the individual and cultural diversity of their clients.
Gordon Manuel, Mark Moran Group, Vaucluse, NSW: For creating innovative fine-dining and culinary experiences for aged care residents, encouraging them to enjoy the social aspects of dining, whilst promoting holistic and positive ageing by providing nutritious and tasty food.
Sandra Gilbert, Noosa Care, Tewantin, QLD: For leading the development of specially designed outdoor spaces, allowing dementia residents to wander freely outside and encouraging them to continue enjoying the outdoors.
Sara Marmo, Japara Healthcare, Southbank, VIC: For her role in bringing elderly people from culturally diverse backgrounds in her community together to participate in social activities and events.
Outstanding Organisation Award finalists
Lifeview Residential Care, Carnegie, VIC: For their employee growth and wellness initiative ‘Be the Best You’ that promotes inclusivity and wellbeing for staff by fostering a flexible and inclusive work culture.
Southern Cross Care (SA & NT), Parkside, SA: For partnering with local Adelaide arts festivals to deliver an entertaining, engaging and practical arts therapy program for residents and their families.
Vasey RSL Care, Hawthorn, VIC: For their innovative community engagement project that utilised data and survey insights to better understand and address the needs of their veteran and war widow residents.
The winners will share in a $30,000 prize pool from sponsor ME.
Winners will be announced at the 2017 HESTA Aged Care Awards on 23 November 2017 in Adelaide.
