Finalists Announced for the 2016 National Aged Care Awards

Australia’s top aged care sector professionals have been recognised, with 14 finalists announced in the 2016 HESTA Aged Care Awards.

The Awards recognise those in the aged care sector who make an exceptional contribution to improving the quality of life for older Australians in three categories —Team Innovation, Outstanding Organisation and Individual Distinction.

HESTA CEO, Debby Blakey, said the finalists were selected from an outstanding field of nominations.

“These finalists are finding innovative ways to improve the lives for clients and share a common unwavering commitment to provide the highest quality care,” Ms Blakey said.

“From pioneering improved practices to collaboratively finding new solutions to industry-wide challenges, our finalists are all leaders in their field and we’re proud to give them the recognition they deserve.”

Team Innovation finalists

Bloomers Café
Tabeel Lutheran Home in Laidley, QLD

For launching a café that provides a space for open communication and support for family members and residents to discuss difficult subjects such as as palliative care, food texture modification, dementia and behavioural challenges.

Flametree Dementia Care Project
IRT Woonona in Woonona, NSW

Utilising cutting-edge environmental design that promotes independence, wellbeing and interaction— delivering improved outcomes for residents living with dementia and facilitating better connections between family, staff and the surrounding community.

Sub-Acute Care Program
PresCare - Alexandra Gardens in North Rockhampton, QLD

For their pilot program to better manage clinical deterioration in residents—avoiding unnecessary hospitalisation while maintaining high standards of quality care.

Manager in Training Program
BlueCross Community and Residential Services in Hawthorn East, VIC

For a leadership program designed to identify, foster and retain talented and highly skilled employees, training them to become Residence Managers of the future.

Vietnam Veterans Social Group
RSL Care SA in Myrtle Bank, SA

For developing a social group in response to the growing need for social-support for Vietnam veterans who are entering residential aged care facilities often at a younger than the average age and with a history of social isolation and complex mental health needs including active Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Outstanding Organisation finalists

Atticus Health in Carrum, VIC

For pioneering a mobile emergency department on-call program that provides 24/7 help to residential age care facilities—increasing standards of medical care while respecting the wishes of residents, and reducing hospital admissions.

Feros Care in Coolangatta, QLD

For the eVillage program that provides convenient and timely access to GPs and specialists through virtual online consultations that would otherwise not be achievable for residents in the far North Coast Region of NSW.

Lifeview Residential Care in Melbourne, VIC

For utilising International and Australian best practice models to provide holistic, consumer-directed care promoting quality of life, health, wellbeing and independence for each resident, including those living with dementia, mental illness and other complex conditions.

Maurice Zeffert Home (Inc) in Dianella, WA

Implementation of a fully integrated consumer-directed care system, that recognises the importance of all stakeholders — residents, their families and staff — empowering them to collectively enhance the holistic wellbeing of those receiving care.

Southern Cross Care (SA & NT) Inc. in Parkside, SA

For starting Health & Wellness Centres (gyms) in six residential care homes that are coordinated by qualified fitness coordinators providing individualised fitness programs aimed at improving residents’ strength and fitness.

Individual Distinction finalists

Stanka Cica from MYVISTA in Balcatta, WA

A tireless Activities Coordinator, who uses her fluency in four languages to provide high quality, culturally-appropriate care for residents and support for their families.

Liz Drew from Churches of Christ Care in Kenmore, QLD

For leading a Clinical Governance team, implementing innovative strategies and training programs for thousands of professionals across Queensland and Victoria, helping tackle a skills shortage in the sector.

Camille Koch from Macedon Ranges Health -Gisborne Oaks Residential Aged Care in Gisborne, VIC

Recognised for her work in improving wound management through the establishment of a multi-disciplinary Wounds Resource Team — leading to improved practice, a reduction in the severity of wounds and better documentation.

Himanshu Singh from annecto in Sydney, NSW

For improving the outcomes for older Australians from a diverse range of backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Western Sydney through building relationships, identifying needs and facilitating connections.

ME is a longstanding Awards-supporter, with the bank generously providing the $30,000 prize pool, to be divided among the winners in the three award categories. Winners will receive $10,000 in a ME Everyday Transaction Account for further education or team development.

All finalists will be hosted by HESTA in Canberra, at an Awards dinner on 4 August, where the winners will be announced.

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