A message from the CEO

Welcome to the August issue of The Blueprint. The year certainly seems to be flying by as we quickly approach spring time. While it continues to be a trying time for everyone, it is wonderful to see how people have rallied together to support each other with great kindness and respect.

It has also been a great distraction watching our magnificent athletes performing so well at a very different Olympic Games. There is no doubt the world pandemic brought a different feel to the games, and you could see the comradery amongst the athletes more so than at any recent games. It certainly showed how adaptable everyone has had to become with the events of the last 18 months.

This month, we are proud to celebrate Aged Care Employee Day to recognise our incredible staff members and other aged care workers who provide compassionate, skilled and dignified care for older Australians every day. At BlueCross, our celebrations go beyond the official Aged Care Day. We take great pride in recognising our staff’s amazing work and exemplary behaviours by thanking them through our ongoing STARFish awards, which are nominated by staff, residents or their families.

It takes a special person to work in aged care and in this issue, we are pleased to share Faye Pluemsaisaeng’s story on how she discovered her passion for aged care following a twist of fate. Aged care services may also be something you need temporarily when you least expect it, as Alex Lee-O'Sullivan found out following a fall at home. You can read all about her experience with residential respite in this issue. And for those requiring some extra help to stay at home for longer, you can access government funded home care programs if you are eligible. We explain more about this popular option. Stay safe and enjoy this issue!