NewDirection Care Bellmere won the People & Culture category in the 2023 Future of Ageing Awards for their unique approach to workforce.
NewDirection Care Bellmere opened its MICRO TOWN® aged care community model in 2017, consisting of 17 domestic-style homes accommodating seven residents each. This innovative approach prioritises community living and independence, with over 50% greenspace and various amenities to enhance residents’ quality of life.
The unique design was recognised in the 2019 Future of Ageing Awards, winning the Property and Design category.
Why it came about
Natasha Chadwick, CEO, identified the need for a transformation in aged care after realising the inadequacies of traditional facilities. Inspired by her own experiences and driven by a desire to provide dignified care, Ms Chadwick led the development of NewDirection Care Bellmere. Extensive research and community engagement underscored the necessity for a resident-centered approach.
How it works
The House Companion Support Worker is at the heart of NewDirection Care Bellmere’s workforce model. These caregivers receive specialised training to offer holistic support, including personal care, household management, and emotional well-being.
Recruitment prioritises values over qualifications, aiming to create a compassionate team dedicated to resident empowerment.
All team members at NewDirection Care are recruited through a detailed assessment process based on:
- Individuality
- Community
- Relationships
- Respect
- Empathy
This concept was validated through trials in Wynyard, Tasmania, before being implemented at NewDirection Care Bellmere in southeast Queensland, expanding to include roles like House Companion Manager and House Companion Liaison Nurse.
House Companion Support Workers fulfil diverse responsibilities beyond caregiving, forming strong relationships with residents and their families. They undergo extensive training covering various tasks, emphasising values over qualifications.
NewDirection Care successfully negotiated an Enterprise Agreement (EA) with its team to
cover all of the aspects of this new multi-skilled House Companion Support Worker role.
This EA provides the workforce with the financial security of permanent/part-time shifts, paid leave, and a higher-than-average industry hourly wage.
Who was involved
Key figures such as Natasha Chadwick, Greg Aleckson, and Tania da Fonseca played crucial roles in developing and implementing the workforce model at NewDirection Care Bellmere. Their leadership and vision were instrumental in aligning the workforce with the community’s resident-centred ethos.
Evidence of success
Key metrics include zero restraint usage, high resident engagement, and surpassing care targets.
Resident experience surveys consistently report positive feedback, with residents expressing satisfaction with staff interactions and quality of care. Moreover, quality measures exceed industry standards, indicating improved resident well-being and safety.
Entries are currently open for the 2024 Future of Ageing Awards…
