specialty focus
Blue Cross chief Ingrid Harvey says she would encourage all leaders to spend the night at an aged-care facility
‘ Eye opening ’
Aged-care chief ’ s “ invaluable ” sleepover at aged care facility
By Arshmah Jamal
An aged care chief recounted her sleepover at a residence as an “ invaluable experience ”.
Ingrid Harvey , chief of BlueCross , stayed overnight at BlueCross Box Hill with Aged and Community Care Providers Association chief Tom Symondson .
Ms Harvey said the idea of staying overnight was raised during a conference in October last year when she suggested it to Mr Symondson .
“ As CEOs , both Tom and I feel strongly that to make the best decisions on behalf of older Australians ; we need to be able to truly understand and experience living in a residence ,” Ingrid told Aged Care Insite .
“ Spending the night in a residential aged care home and talking to residents about their fears , joys , and concerns is just a part of building that knowledge .”
“ To walk in their shoes was a truly humbling and rewarding experience .” BlueCross is a leading provider of residential and home care services across
Victoria , has over 4,000 employees , and cares for more than 3,500 residents and clients .
Sadly , a resident passed away the afternoon of their stay , and in between the tune of Frank Sinatra and teary-eyed residents and staff , Ms Harvey had a dawning realisation about her team .
“ The team remained on site after a long day for a fond farewell – a guard of honour formed by staff and residents when they say goodbye to a resident ,” she said .
“ At that moment , I gained a deeper understanding of the remarkable compassion exhibited by our team and felt proud that we honoured the lives of our residents with such respect and dignity .”
Ms Harvey went on to say that the experience surpassed her expectations , opening her eyes to the changes and expectations needed for future staff and residents .
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I gained a deeper understanding of the remarkable compassion exhibited by our team
She said the experience was an opportunity to shape and improve the present and future of aged care and encouraged leaders to sleep over at an aged care facility .
“ I would encourage all leaders responsible for critical decisions that impact lives of older Australians to spend the night in residential aged care , or at a minimum , talk directly with these wise and wonderful people ,” Ms Harvey said . She now plans for more executives to engage in a similar experience or discussions to improve the residential homes . “ The next step is to advocate for more CEOs to undertake similar experiences , potentially turning it into an annual event and shedding a positive light on the sector ,” she said .
“ This is our opportunity to shape and improve aged care in the present and future .” ■
22 agedcareinsite . com . au