Aged care innovation and individuals awarded
A number of innovative individuals, programs and initiatives have been recognised as finalists as part of the 2017 HESTA Aged Care Awards.
The 2016 HESTA Aged Care Award winners (Source: HESTA)
Recognising those in the aged care sector who have made an ‘exceptional contribution’ to improving the quality of life for older Australians, 12 finalists have been announced across the three awards categories of Team Innovation, Individual Distinction, and Outstanding Organisation.
HESTA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Debby Blakey says this year’s finalists have demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to improving the quality of life of older Australians in their homes, retirement villages and aged care facilities across Australia.
“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 says.
“It’s an honour to highlight the amazing work of these teams, organisations and individuals, whose unwavering commitment ensures the highest standard of care is provided to Australians.”
Crest NT is one of the five finalists competing for the Team Innovation Award, which program director Sally Morris is ‘absolutely excited’ about.
“We are thrilled with how our Aged Care Indigenous Induction Program turned out and how we are now being recognised,” she says.
“Our resource aims to assist in attracting, recruiting and retaining people to the aged care sector, especially Aboriginal people, and we know that it is making a difference.
“We were nominated by a provider because of the great results they achieved through using our resource.”
Like Crest NT, the Lifeview ‘Be the Best You’ program, which is a finalist in the Outstanding Organisation Award, also focuses on the aged care workforce.
Lifeview CEO Madeline Gall says the result of being named a finalist is really a company-wide effort.
“Lifeview is honoured to be named a finalist in the Outstanding Organisation Award,” she says.
“[The program] highlights the health and wellness of our staff, and in-turn benefits residents through continuity of care.
“The HESTA Aged Care Awards are well regarded and as a company we are looking forward to the awards evening.”
For Sandra Gilbert, being nominated for the Individual Distinction Award for her work with Noosa Care’s unique work to dementia living, is an ‘incredible honour’.
“We have made the fabulous finalist list for our unique work in dementia care and our belief that ‘people living with dementia need to do some living’,” Ms Gilbert explains.
“There is life after a diagnosis of dementia, and even if you come to a point of needing residential care, we are here to ensure you continue to do some living.
“If we win or lose, it doesn’t really matter because every night I can go to sleep knowing I made a difference and a lot of people don’t have that privilege.”
The 2017 HESTA Aged Care Awards finals will be held in Adelaide on 23 November with the winner of each category sharing in a $30,000 prize pool.
