Knowledge Centre

Month: January 2023

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Facility Manager Key things to help you everyday

How caring for others changed Donna’s life

Fifteen years ago, Donna Haar worked as a factory supervisor in regional South Australia. 

It was then that she found her calling. 

“All my three kids were in school at the time, so I was able to study my Certificate III in Aged Care during the day, while working the night shifts full-time’ she said. 

“I did my four-week placement at Resthaven Craigmore, and it was here that I learned of Resthaven’s services in the community, which quickly became of interest to me.” 

In 2007, Donna completed her certificate, and applied to Resthaven Paradise Community Services. 

“I thoroughly enjoyed working in clients’ homes. As a Home Support Worker, I met with the same clients each week, and was able to build strong connections, and I loved being able to see their progress.” 

With an interest to have more involvement in developing clients’ care and support plans, Donna moved up to Program Assistant, and then Coordinator at the Not For Profit’s Northern Community Services, where she is now. 

“I have made beautiful friendships over the years, and have even managed to support one client through my entire time with Resthaven,” she added. 

“No matter your circumstances, there is something for everyone here—take it from me, you won’t turn back!” 

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Latest industry developments Things to watch

Have Your Say: National Dementia Action Plan

The Department of Health and Ageing is currently seeking feedback on a National Dementia Action Plan. A joint initiative between the Australian Government and the state and territory governments, the initiative is mean better coordinated approaches to dementia risk reduction, early diagnosis and improvements in services for people living with dementia and their carers. 

The Consultation Hub remains open until 31 January 2023. 

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Covid-19

COVID-19 Continues to be a Concern in 2023

A DCM Institute survey has found that village managers’ holidays are still being disrupted by COVID-19, with more than half believing the virus will continue to impact their work-life balance into 2023. 

The survey of 448 participants in the DCMI Village Manager Professional Development Program garnered 79 responses. Of these, 31 indicated that COVID was currently present in the community they work in or are responsible for, while 57 said it was present in their community over the Christmas and New Year period. 

While 47 respondents took leave over the holidays, 10 had their leave impacted by staffing level issues, six had their leave impacted by residents with COVID-19, and four reported having COVID-19 themselves; in addition, nine saw their annual leave impacted by having to attend the village and eight said they had to work from home. 

One manager commented that their team was not paid enough to deal with COVID and its impacts, including reporting requirements, while another said that their own bout with COVID was unable to be covered, leading to “havoc” that they had to address from home when they went on annual leave. 

“Unfortunately, this data shows that COVID is still a concern in retirement villages, impacting on the work-life balance of hardworking village managers who have had their holidays interrupted for a third year running,” said James Wiltshire, Executive Director of the DCM Institute (pictured). 

“DCM Institute is always here to support its members, and gathering information like this is an important part of our role in keeping a finger on the pulse of the industry, which in turn enables us to help village managers during these stressful times.” 

Categories
Facility Manager Key things to help you everyday

Carinity Village Manager Maddison Jones knows what residents want

Carinity’s Retirement Village Manager, Maddison Jones, knows what most residents seek when deciding to enter a village.

“The common requirement is a place that is safe and secure to give residents confidence about their belongings and their own wellbeing,” Maddison said.

“Additionally, the social side and mental health of residents is important, and we have beautiful communities that genuinely care and check in with one another in this significant life change.”

She added the residents of Carinity’s five retirement communities “come from all different backgrounds and places.”

Maddison was a family lawyer before her change of career.

“My first role in aged care was a combination of retirement village manager, home care coordinator and RAC admissions. It was a great learning experience, and I thoroughly enjoyed the role, before progressing into senior management positions overlooking a significant retirement living, home care and CHSP portfolio,” Maddison said.

“In my current role at Carinity, my focus is purely on retirement living and collaborating with our great home care teams to keep our residents independent and living in their homes for a long as possible. I lead a wonderful team who put the residents of Carinity at the heart of everything they do. My favourite part of the role is getting to know the residents and hearing their life stories.”

Categories
Latest industry developments

Village managers worry COVID-19 will continue to impact work-life balance in 2023

A DCM Institute survey has found that village managers’ holidays are still being disrupted by COVID-19, with more than half believing the virus will continue to impact their work-life balance into 2023.

The survey of 448 participants in the DCMI Village Manager Professional Development Program garnered 79 responses. Of these, 31 indicated that COVID was currently present in the community they work in or are responsible for, while 57 said it was present in their community over the Christmas and New Year period.

While 47 respondents took leave over the holidays, 10 had their leave impacted by staffing level issues, six had their leave impacted by residents with COVID-19, and four reported having COVID-19 themselves; in addition, nine saw their annual leave impacted by having to attend the village and eight said they had to work from home.

One manager commented that their team was not paid enough to deal with COVID and its impacts, including reporting requirements, while another said that their own bout with COVID was unable to be covered, leading to “havoc” that they had to address from home when they went on annual leave.

“Unfortunately, this data shows that COVID is still a concern in retirement villages, impacting on the work-life balance of hardworking village managers who have had their holidays interrupted for a third year running,” said James Wiltshire, Executive Director of the DCM Institute (pictured).

“DCM Institute is always here to support its members, and gathering information like this is an important part of our role in keeping a finger on the pulse of the industry, which in turn enables us to help village managers during these stressful times.”