Good Shepherd shares the spirit
3rd October 2006
Melbourne's Good Shepherd Aged Services has achieved national recognition for its excellence in care for residents and staff education programs.
Good Shepherd Aged Services, which operates three aged care facilities, two of which are co-located in Abbotsford, has developed its own health and wellness model with a number of programs directed to improving the quality of life for residents.
As a result of its efforts over the past two years, the 'Sharing the Spirit of Health' program has resulted in a measured improvement in residents' health, and increased resident satisfaction.
The quality of staff is critical to the delivery of quality care for residents, and Good Shepherd Aged Services has invested significantly in staff education.
The education program responds to the changing needs of staff as well as residents, and also seeks to involve the residents, notably through a diabetes management program.
Good Shepherd's excellence and innovation has been recognised by the industry's accreditation body, the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency Ltd, through its Better Practice in Aged Care Awards scheme.
The awards recognise excellence and leadership among Australia's aged care sector.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Mark Brandon, congratulated Good Shepherd Aged Services on their awards.
"In order to win a Better Practice in Aged Care Award, homes must meet strict criteria and demonstrate that they have carried out an initiative that truly delivers benefits for residents.
"Aged care homes across Australia are striving to lift standards of care, and providers such as Good Shepherd Aged Services can inspire others to improve the lives of residents," Mr Brandon said.
Quality Manager of Good Shepherd Aged Services, Dean Gemmill said: "The awards represent a concentrated effort by all staff members to ensure that the environment residents live in is conducive to health and wellness, full of vibrancy and gives residents an opportunity to give back to the community. Such adjunctive programs to promote health and wellness include pet therapy, seniors celebration of life sports day, creative writing, intergenerational friendship program, laughter and humour program, pastoral care program, dementia-focused activities, fundraising activities for charities, and accessing the external community program. These programs have also been further supported through the staff education program which has significantly contributed to further enhancing care standards for residents."
Good Shepherd Aged Services has been awarded four Better Practice in Aged Care awards and the presentation will take place on 3rd October 2006.
For further information contact Dean Gemmill, Quality Manager Good Shepherd Aged Services Inc, (03) 9419 3933, 0408 120 610 or Dean.Gemmill@gsas.asn.au.
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