| Media Release |
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Good Shepherd's excellence and innovation has been recognized
by the industry's accreditation body, the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency Ltd, through its Better
Practice in Aged Care Awards scheme.
The awards recognize excellence and leadership among Australia's aged care sector. Good Shepherd Aged Services was recognized with two awards
Good Shepherd Aged Services, which operates three aged care facilities, two of which are co-located in Abbotsford, has developed its own health and wellness model with a number of programs directed to improving the quality of life for residents. As a result of its efforts over the past two years, the “Sharing the Spirit of Health” program has resulted in a measured improvement in residents’ health, and increased resident satisfaction. The quality of staff is critical to the delivery of quality care for residents, and Good Shepherd Aged Services has invested significantly in staff education. The education program responds to the changing needs of staff as well as residents, and also seeks to involve the residents, notably through a diabetes management program. The Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Mark Brandon, congratulated Good Shepherd Aged Services on their awards. “In order to win a Better Practice in Aged Care Award, homes must meet strict criteria and demonstrate that they have carried out an initiative that truly delivers benefits for residents. “Aged care homes across Australia are striving to lift standards of care, and providers such as Good Shepherd Aged Services can inspire others to improve the lives of residents.” Dean Gemmill, Quality Manager Good Shepherd Aged Services said that “the awards represent a concentrated effort by all staff members to ensure that the environment resident’s live in is conducive to health and wellness, full of vibrancy, and gave residents an opportunity to give back to the community. Such adjunctive programs to promote Health and Wellness include Pet Therapy, Seniors Celebration of Life Sports day, Creative Writing, Intergenerational Friendship Program, Laughter and Humour Program, Pastoral Care Program, Dementia focused activities, fund-raising activities for charities, and accessing the external community program. These programs have also been further supported through the staff education program which has significantly contributed to further enhancing care standards for residents.” Good Shepherd Aged Services has been awarded four Better Practice Awards and the presentation will take place 3rd October 2006. |