Rural Northwest aged-care scoop
Rural Northwest Health has stolen the aged-care spotlight after winning the major title at Victorian Healthcare Awards.
The rural service won the Public Sector Excellence in Aged Care award for its exclusive ABLE model of care and the extension of its memory-support nurse program.
The award was open to every public aged-care service in Victoria.
It comes on the back of another state award.
Rural Northwest Health won Employer Excellence in Aged Care at Victoria’s Regional Achievement and Community Awards a fortnight ago.
Rural Northwest Health’s manager of aged care at Warracknabeal campus Wendy Walters said she was proud of her team.
“The aged-care team has a wonderful understanding of the ABLE model that we created a few years ago and that’s why it works so well for our residents, especially those living with dementia,” she said.
“The importance of the ABLE model is that it’s not just about the care team.
“Environmental services also plays an important role, as do community health clinicians, so it’s a genuine team effort.
“They have all worked hard with study and training to make sure the ABLE model is delivered correctly.”
Ms Walters said the health service was clearly doing something right to receive such high recognition from two separate entities in a matter of weeks.
“It is testament to the team performance that these awards have come our way because we know everyone is this industry works with dedication and care for their residents,” she said.
Rural Northwest Health’s ABLE model focuses on the ability of each individual resident, so they have continued capacity and the opportunity to keep doing things they want to do and stay active.
Its fundamental principles are abilities, background – focusing on the individual, leadership and organisational culture and environment – physically stimulating, welcoming and ability focused.
Ms Walters said memory-support nurse Katie Ramsdale deserved praise with the latest award.
“Katie has done a great job of taking our memory-support service to the community so that we can do our best to help people living with dementia to remain in their own homes for as long as possible,” she said.
“She was already doing a great job with this role in Yarriambiack Lodge but now she is visiting people living with dementia across the region and showing them Montessori techniques to help them cope.”
Other finalists for the award were Monash Health and Peninsula Health.