The contribution of aged care providers and individuals in Queensland has been recognised by LASA at its Queensland state conference.
LASA’s Excellence in Care Awards celebrate significant contributions to improving the quality of life of older Australians and acknowledge the efforts to increase public confidence and community involvement in aged and community care.
Beauarbra Living, a 106-bed aged care home in the Darling Downs, took out the Organisation Award for its successful “Living Life” program and model of care.
The organisation provides compassionate and personalised care through community, respite and residential services while supporting people’s independence and dignity.
Living Life consists of Montessori principles, comfort care, music and memory, letters of love, training and education to ensure every resident is treated as a valued member of their community.
The program has seen dramatic improvements in clinical results and the health and wellbeing of their residents.
Killarney Memorial Aged Care (KMAC) received the Team Award for its achievement in unifying its local and regional community to support the service in its expansion and development.
KMAC is a community owned and run organisation with a very active auxiliary comprising 40 community volunteers. It is also the largest employer in the area.
The organisation has overcome many challenges ranging from not having a local doctor, to seeking allied health services from surrounding townships. The most difficult challenge was changing the resident and community perceptions of aged care.
Through the generous financial support of its local community, KMAC are in the process of building a bigger aged care facility with additional allied health rooms to meet community needs.
Noosa Care’s Sandra Gilbert won the Individual Award for her passion and aged care professionalism, but more importantly her tireless devotion to residents with dementia.
RSL Care Carrington volunteer Stan Banasiak won the Volunteer Award for creating a Men’s Club to meet the social needs of the male population of Carrington and now the group is full to capacity.
LASA CEO Sean Rooney congratulated the awards nominees, finalists and winners, noting “the outstanding efforts and contributions they make daily, not only to our industry, but to the lives of the older Australians they care for.”
“Our industry has countless unassuming professionals, volunteers and organisations who don’t generally look for thanks or praise.”
“It is the dedication and professionalism of these individuals and organisations that make up the back bone of our industry,” he said.
While Cyclone Debbie prevented some delegates from attending the conference, including Mr Banasiak, the event held at the Gold Coast last week was otherwise unaffected by the severe weather.
