Kelly encourages others to pursue a career in aged care.

From carer to executive, Kelly Geister’s 30-year journey in aged care is driven by passion, perseverance and purpose. Now Executive Manager Residential Services at Resthaven, Kelly shares how hands-on experience, lifelong learning and strong mentorship shaped her inspiring career supporting older Australians.

With a career that spans almost 30 years in the aged care sector, Kelly Geister, Executive Manager Residential Services at Resthaven, has had her fair share of roles and responsibilities.

Focussed on providing quality care and support to older people, Kelly began working as a carer at the age of 18. However, her passion for aged care started at the age of 12, when, after school, she would drop into the aged care home where her mum worked.

"Sometimes I would help with the lifestyle activities, sometimes I would help with meals, and sometimes I would play the piano for the residents," Kelly says.

This taste of the aged care sector helped propel Kelly onto her path to become a Registered Nurse (RN), enrolling to study at 18 and commencing in a casual carer role at the same time.

"I did a range of different shifts, including the overnights, so I gained a good understanding of the work," Kelly says.

While there, she was tapped on the shoulder to work in other positions including as a lifestyle assistant, and alongside allied health.

Graduating university in 1999, Kelly went on to complete her Graduate Nursing Program which included a placement in aged care – one of the first graduates to do so.

"As a RN in an aged care home, doing things such as resident health assessments and care plans, I had a strong sense that this was a career I could get into,’ Kelly says. ‘It was interesting. I felt like I had found my groove and was able to make a difference."

Kelly’s career included working at the Lyell McEwen Health Service in the Palliative Care hospice, Chemotherapy Unit and Urodynamic Outpatient Clinic. She then completed her Graduate Diploma in Nephrology and commenced working within the Haemodialysis Unit – one of only five clinicians within the newly formed team.

But aged care pulled her back, and in 2003, Kelly took on a Clinical Nurse role with a small aged care provider. Kelly continued her education, completing her Masters of Health Service Management at this time, as well as Certificate IV - Workplace Training and Assessment – balancing her studies with work.

"Having the qualifications to back up my experience has opened up many new work opportunities for me over the years," Kelly says.

Her pursuit of continual learning led to the completion of her Masters of Business Administration at UniSA. Alongside this, Kelly was appointed as Care Coordinator, Residential Manager and then Regional Manager of aged care homes, all while raising two girls with her husband, Mark.

I felt that completing my MBA would really set me up for a career in aged care management,’ Kelly says. ‘I originally said to myself that I wanted to be a Residential Manager before I reached the age of 30, and I was 28 when I was appointed to the role. I then set a new goal, wanting to become an aged care Executive by the time I turned 50."

In 2015, Kelly began her career at Resthaven when she was appointed as Senior Manager Residential Services - one of two Senior Managers responsible for 10 residential sites. In this role, Kelly was heavily involved in the implementation of the new Aged Care Quality standards following the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety in 2018.

In 2022, Kelly’s role changed to Senior Residential Operations Manager following a restructure led by Resthaven’s former Executive Manager Residential Services, Tina Cooper. Kelly benefited from strong mentorship and support from Tina and others on the executive team.

‘Tina provided me with exposure to the executive role and its responsibilities, often allowing me to step into the position during her leave,’ Kelly says. ‘She encouraged and supported me in taking on additional tasks and expressing my opinions.’

Following Tina’s appointment as Executive Manager Clinical Governance & Operational Excellence in 2023, Kelly applied for and secured the position of Executive Manager Residential Services at the age of 45.

"Aged care nursing differs from working in a hospital or emergency setting,’ Kelly explains. ‘It involves caring for the whole person rather than simply fixing a specific physical issue and discharging the patient. Aged care is a specialised field that requires the building of strong relationships to understand each individual and support their personal needs."

"I strongly believe that older individuals have made significant contributions to society, shaping the world we live in today. They deserve to spend their later years in a way that aligns with their needs. By empowering them to make every moment matter, while providing support when needed, we can help ensure their well-being and fulfillment."

Kelly’s advice to anyone considering getting into the aged care sector is to ‘do it – without a doubt’.

"I truly love working in this field,’ Kelly says, sharing her passion for aged care. ‘It’s challenging and comes with significant responsibilities, but the ability to make a meaningful difference in people's lives is incredibly rewarding. If possible, I recommend gaining experience while studying. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to have the guidance of experienced leaders and mentors who have supported me, encouraged me to keep pushing forward, and believed in my potential."

Outside of work, Kelly enjoys spending time with her family (including her parents who live in a granny flat on the property), and animals, including horses, cats and dogs. She plays netball and loves being outside, as well as being a keen reader and crafter.