‘Employer Excellence in Aged Care’ Award Finalist
Resthaven is delighted to be a finalist in the 2016 South Australian Community Achievement Awards for ‘Employer Excellence in Aged Care’.
Winners will be announced on Friday 25 November at a Gala Dinner at the Hilton Hotel.
Resthaven Chief Executive Officer, Richard Hearn, says ‘No-one sets out in life with a goal of losing capacity or independence. Yet the reality is that some people need support, and invite us into their lives to work with them to sustain their quality of life.’
‘We are proud of this good and important work that Resthaven staff undertake. It has a positive impact for more than 8,000 older people in South Australia.’
‘We strive to be a leader in the sector’, says Executive Manager, Workforce Development and Governance, Wendy Morey, ‘we consciously seek out and implement initiatives which can value-add to each and every employee’s career and we are fully committed to valuing the contributions of volunteers and their unique place within the workforce.’
‘We have a focus on research and development, and offer employees a range of services to complement their remuneration.’
‘Ensuring our 2200 staff and 460 volunteers work in a safe and healthy workplace, we support a happy, healthy, highly-skilled workforce who meaningfully contribute to the care of older people in our community.’
‘Resthaven has well-established on-boarding, learning, development and wellbeing programs.’
‘To encourage the future workforce, we offer scholarships to university students in allied health and nursing disciplines, as well as vocational scholarships for those studying at the Certificate III level.’
‘Wellbeing initiatives include a ‘Resthaven Fit’ program, which encourages participation in activities such as fun runs and Zumba; quit smoking incentives; an ‘Early Intervention Physiotherapy Program’, providing free physiotherapy services for eligible staff to treat non-work related injuries; and a free Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate families. Both volunteers and staff are offered a free annual flu vaccination.’
‘A recently established collaboration with Arthritis SA has enabled ‘Take charge of pain’ and ‘Workplace wellness’ programs to be offered at our regional sites – with community members, volunteers and staff enjoying the benefits of specialist inputs to support their health.’
‘Staff are provided with many opportunities for professional development and career advancement, with access to funding for education, formal mentoring and leadership development programs, as well as opportunities to attend job/discipline-specific professional development days.’
‘Our Volunteer Chaplain’s Assistants also benefit from seminar events and networking to enhance their vital roles.’
‘By offering these opportunities and incentives, Resthaven’s workforce capability is strengthened and this means that our people, who are our most valued asset, work together to provide outstanding support for older people and their carers.’
Update
‘It was humbling to hear the many positive stories of all the finalists in the Community Achievement Awards. There are some truly wonderful community groups doing fantastic work in South Australia’, said Resthaven CEO, Richard Hearn.
‘Our congratulations to all winners, and in particular to Boandik Lodge, in the Employer Excellence in Aged Care Award category. Congratulations also to the Society of Saint Hilarion Aged care for being a finalist with Resthaven in this category.’
‘The evening was a great showcase of community achievement.’