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Eldercare a finalist in aged care awards

Dementia Excellence Program Facilitator Tanya Liddell and Eldercare's Integrated Wellbeing Model have been named finalists for two aged care industry awards.

Tanya Liddell, who joined the Dementia Excellence Program team three years ago, has been nominated for the 2018 Aged & Community Services (SA & NT) Employee of the Year Award whilst the Integrated Wellbeing Model, introduced at Eldercare Oxford in Hove, has been nominated for the Innovation in Service or Design Award.

Ms Liddell said she was extremely honoured to be recognised by her peers for work she ‘loves doing’.

“In 2014, I worked many shifts in the Memory Support Unit at Eldercare Kirkholme when I completed my aged care placement – it was there where I found my passion to engage with people living with dementia,” said Tanya.

“I want to educate people about dementia and let them know that people ‘live’ with dementia – they do not ‘suffer’ from it.”

Tanya said small gestures, like acknowledging residents with a warm smile and offering choice in terms of how they spend their days, can have a positive impact on a person living in residential aged care.

“Whilst I know we are all busy and have responsibilities to manage, my message to staff across Eldercare is always the same: is it the ‘way’ we go about things that makes a positive difference to residents,” said Tanya.

“My philosophy for all people, not just those who are living with dementia, is about valuing every person regardless of who they are and acknowledging that everyone is an individual with a unique life story.”

Eldercare Wellbeing and Allied Health Manager Bernard Morrison said Tanya was a passionate team player who adopts a ‘creative, flexible and truly person-centred approach to everything she does’.

“She inspires others to make a positive difference to the lives of Eldercare residents and colleagues every day – she is highly valued by Eldercare and a joy to work with,” said Bernard.

Bernard said Tanya’s dedication extends across Eldercare through her participation in key programs like the ‘Give Back’ volunteering initiative and ‘ElderPride’ which celebrates diversity by promoting a welcoming environment for LGBTI residents, families and employees.

Oxford Site Operations Manager Ryan Midgley said Eldercare’s nomination for the Innovation in Service or Design Award validated the work the organisation is doing to deliver best practice residential aged care through its new Integrated Wellbeing Model.

“We began our pilot of the model at Eldercare Oxford in December last year when the facility reopened following a $4.3 million refurbishment,” said Ryan.

“The aim of the model is to provide a ‘truly individualised service’ to each resident which focuses on supporting their mind, body and spirit to enhance wellbeing and provide a sense of purpose.

“The model is also supported by innovative applications of technology and a dedicated team of allied and clinical health professionals – as a result, we are seeing some outstanding care outcomes for our residents and this helps us fulfil our purpose to deliver peace of mind with our care.”

Eldercare Project Team Manager David Boughey said the ‘new’ Oxford was specially redesigned to facilitate the Integrated Wellbeing Model.

“A key element of the refurbishment was to increase the number of communal areas at Oxford to support and promote resident engagement and socialisation,” said David.

“Shared space enhancements include the addition of multiple lounge rooms, a private dining room, a ‘Skype’ room, a shared movie viewing area and the refurbishment of outdoor living areas.

“A gymnasium was also incorporated into the design and the hairdressing salon underwent a full renovation to support resident wellbeing.”

The Aged and Community Services (SA/NT) Awards for Excellence will be announced on Friday 27 July 2018 at the National Wine Centre in Adelaide.

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