Chantelle embraces new role at Resthaven

With over a decade working in the aged care sector, Resthaven’s Chantelle Kake is taking on a newly created role with open arms.

Chantelle’s new position, Residential Operations Manager, supports Resthaven to respond to increasingly complex compliance responsibilities and promotes continuity of care for Resthaven residents.

‘One of the first projects I’m working on is a relief pool of registered nurses who can fill in shifts across Resthaven’s 12 homes, as and when is needed, to cover the leave of permanent staff,’ Chantelle says.

‘Our aim is to reduce our dependency on agency nurses. Although there is a cost factor involved, our primary motivation is that we know residents are more comfortable seeing a familiar face. Regular relieving staff enables them to build a rapport with residents, who they will see on a more regular basis.’

Chantelle’s background in nursing gives her the insight and understanding to assist Resthaven’s Senior Managers and Site Managers.

‘I became a Registered Nurse in 2013, completing my study at the same time as I was working as a Personal Care Assistant at an aged care home in Adelaide,’ Chantelle says. ‘I then joined Resthaven as a Relieving Manager in 2023, working where I was needed to ensure smooth running of the homes. I’m enjoying working at head office now where I can still make a positive impact on the lives of residents and nursing staff.’

Another of Chantelle’s first projects will be oversight of the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) recruitment and sponsorship campaign, selection, and onboarding. The DAMA project provides access to more overseas workers than the standard skilled migration program, encouraging overseas workers to join Resthaven and work in regional aged care homes. DAMA is an initiative of the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs.

‘Our campaign for overseas workers has been very successful and we are excited to welcome new workers who are joining us from the United Kingdom, New Zealand and the United States of America,’ Chantelle says.

Over time, Chantelle expects to take on new projects where she will be identifying emerging trends, looking for service gaps and creating opportunities to improve incident management and reporting.