Lynne wins aged care excellence
Western Australia’s St Bartholomew’s House chief executive, Lynne Evans, confesses she’s a “bit of a big mouth” and “gets up people’s noses” – but it’s this driven attitude over the years which may have earned her the Aged Care Excellence Award at the 2012 Aged & Community Services WA awards recently.
Western Australia’s St Bartholomew’s House chief executive, Lynne Evans, confesses she’s a “bit of a big mouth” and “gets up people’s noses” – but it’s this driven attitude over the years which may have earned her the Aged Care Excellence Award at the 2012 Aged & Community Services WA awards recently.
The awards are an important opportunity to celebrate excellence across the non-profit aged and community care industry.
Ms Evans (pictured with resident Stan) has long lobbied the aged care sector and government to ensure homelessness is recognised as an issue which requires specific care.
St Bartholomew’s House provides community based support, accommodation and assistance to homeless individuals, and establishes collaborative partnerships with individuals and other organisations to eliminate or reduce homelessness.
“Many of our clients are forgotten Australians, often abused in childhood with drug and alcohol issues. Our clients are very complex, but in saying that, they are also absolutely fabulous to work with,” Ms Evans tells DPS News.
“I’ve just loved working with them. You get a glimpse and an insight to the real, very special, person,” she adds.
Ms Evans reflects on her recent award for aged care excellence as a “humbling” experience.
“Being recognised in front of many aged care providers who are so talented was very special and humbling. When I was standing in front of all of those people who are so committed, it was a great honour; one that I will remember forever.”
When asked why she deserved the Aged Care Excellence Award, Ms Evans laughs: “I suppose because I’m passionate and have driven the majority of aged care providers totally mad.
“I’m very passionate about early intervention and prevention. I have always tried to prevent people going into hospital and have done many exercise programs with older people.
“I suppose I’ve always had an interest in people who are perhaps disadvantaged and lonely. The aged care sector is a close knit sector and is very caring and generous.”
The award was bitter-sweet for Ms Evans, who will retire from her 13-year position as St Bartholomew’s House chief executive at the start of next month.
She has a long and distinguished career, including nursing; child, maternity and school health; and strategic development.
“I’ve sort of gravitated to the jobs nobody wants to know, but that has made my life very rich and I have always had the lovely support of family and friends.”
Bidding a sad farewell to her clients will likely be the hardest part about retiring, according to Ms Evans.
“All clients are unique and are rewarding people who have had hard lives and they deserve respect and dignity… for me, that’s important.”
