BluePrint (Jun 2023)

BlueCross CEO gives her account of spending a night at BlueCross Box Hill

JUNE 2023

BlueCross EGM First Aged Care Rep on Nursing and Midwifery Board

Dear BlueCross community,

As you may be aware, the Aged Care Sector continues to undergo changes in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. I’m pleased to say that our teams have been actively adapting to these changes, have integrated many reforms into our operations, and are on track to meet the remaining requirements. At BlueCross, we believe it’s our responsibility to advocate for the Aged Care Sector, our residents, and our exceptional workforce who provide care to our 2,600 residents every day; and we have been fortunate to connect with stakeholders who support our efforts.

With that in mind, I am thrilled to share some special highlights from the first half of 2023 in this edition of BluePrint.

Last month, I had an insightful experience staying at BlueCross Box Hill with Tom Symondson, CEO of

The Gables. I am grateful to both Tom and Monique for their genuine interest in experiencing aged care firsthand.

Our very own, Penelope Marshall, Executive General Manager (Clinical Governance, Risk & Innovation), has been appointed to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia as the first aged care representative. We are proud to call Penelope a colleague and believe she will be a strong advocate for aged care nurses and staff.

Earlier this year, we had the privilege of hosting renowned Dementia Care Specialist, Teepa Snow. She shared her extensive knowledge with BlueCross staff, residents, carers, families, and the community, teaching us innovative ways to support individuals and loved ones with Dementia.

We also enthusiastically celebrated significant occasions like International Women’s Day, International Nurses Day, and National Volunteers Week. I am delighted to say that staff, residents, and our community came together to honour these important events.

I’d also like you to meet Nick Claringbold, our GM of Home Care Services, and Southeast Hospitality Operations Manager, Kylie Stephens, as they share their personal journeys that brought them to BlueCross. Plus, try out the delicious recipes that our residents enjoy.

Finally, I’m thrilled to report that the Government has agreed to fund the wage increase for our frontline aged care staff, starting from 1 July this year. BlueCross and other providers strongly advocated for this acknowledgment of our staff’s exceptional work. We are pleased that they will finally receive the recognition they deserve, and we are dedicated to ensuring that the funding directly benefits our staff.

Thank you for taking the time to read this edition of BluePrint. Until next time, stay safe, stay well, and stay warm.

DINNER AT THE GABLES

BlueCross CEO Ingrid Harvey recounts her personal experience of hosting Dr Monique Ryan MP, Federal Member for Kooyong for dinner.

I recently had the pleasure of attending a beautifully prepared dinner at BlueCross The Gables. The event was organised to host Independent Member for Kooyong, Dr Monique Ryan MP and we were joined by much loved residents including Terence (Terry) Brown, Helen McGeorge and Dzintra Samulis.

The star of the evening, however, was The Gables Chef Vladimir Velikov, who prepared an amazing three-course meal for the occasion. The menu showcased our homestyle cooking and was full of flavour. Dessert was the real highlight of the meal –a delectable rice pudding topped with stewed fruit that was the perfect end to a great night.

As we enjoyed our food, the conversation was flowing across the table. Residents shared their

thoughts and views (both light-hearted and meaningful), with Monique sharing her experiences and challenges as a standing independent member of Parliament.

The conversation was stimulating and intelligent, a hallmark of respect to our residents, sharing experiences and discussing important current affairs.

The evening was a delightful and heart-warming experience. It showcased what it is like to be a BlueCross resident and team member. I shall cherish the memories of the evening and look forward to more great nights like that in the future. Monique Ryan is now a valued advocate for BlueCross and the Aged Care sector. She even hinted at being able to eat at The Gables more often!

BLUECROSS EGM FIRST AGED CARE REP ON NURSING AND MIDWIFERY BOARD

Penelope Marshall, Executive General Manager of Clinical Governance, Risk, and Innovation at BlueCross has been appointed as the first representative of aged care nurses on the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. Penelope has more than 25 years of experience in healthcare, including serving as the Director of Nursing at a major metropolitan hospital, and is a passionate advocate for the aged care sector.

“I experienced the full effect of Covid-19 in residential aged care and saw the incredible work that the nurses and care teams did to support residents during this time,” Penelope said. “When the opportunity came up at BlueCross, and knowing their good reputation in the industry, I jumped at the chance to move into aged care.”

Penelope’s experience in clinical governance and risk management has helped BlueCross maintain high standards of care and safety for its residents. She is committed to sharing her insights with the nursing and midwifery profession and advocating for the aged care sector.

As the Victorian Practitioner representative on the Nurses Board, Penelope is excited to provide an aged care focus to discussions.

“A lot of my focus at the board will be on speeding up the pathway to work. For aged care, that might look like nursing students working in aged care, but with work hours and clinical hours coming off their university requirements for example,” she said.

“I am also passionate about the value more Nurse Practitioners could add – especially with prescribing authority in aged care. And I am keen to advocate for wellbeing and support services for nurses and midwives, especially those that are reported to the Board for impairment or code of conduct concerns.”

Penelope’s appointment to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia is a significant step forward in ensuring the aged care sector is represented in the governing body of the nursing and midwifery profession.

BLUECROSS LIVINGSTONE GARDENS HELPS VERMONT SOUTH STUDENT ATTEND CAMP

Jesse Wiltshire, a Year 7 student from Vermont South, was able to attend his first school camp thanks to the kindness of BlueCross Livingstone Gardens. The aged care residence lent its wheelchair accessible bus for the three-day event, providing Jesse with a safe and comfortable way to travel with his friends.

The idea to lend out the bus was first discussed with residents and family members of Livingstone Gardens, who were all supportive of the initiative. Livingstone Gardens Residence Manager Melissa Ryley said she was so proud that they could assist and that the BlueCross community, all the way up to the CEO Ingrid Harvey, were incredibly supportive.

Yarra Hills Secondary College Principal Darren Trippett expressed his gratitude for the provision of the bus, which allowed Jesse to participate in the camp just like any other student. “The smile on his face said it all. Thank you to BlueCross!”

Jesse’s mother, Christine, was delighted to see her son be able to participate fully in the camp.“Jesse is such a social kid, and being able to ride with his mates (like everyone else) was a wonderfully inclusive start to Year 7,” she said.

BLUECROSS BARADINE— MY SECOND HOME

Getting older can be challenging, both for those on the ageing journey and for their loved ones. Mona Jones (93) found herself facing a challenging situation when her living arrangements became unsafe due to her declining eyesight. Her daughter, Sheryl Vasey, realised it was time to explore aged care options.

A colleague recommended BlueCross Baradine and after visiting, they were struck by the warm and cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and the strong sense of community. What initially started out as a short-term Respite stay, quickly turned into permanent care as Mona settled into her new home and Sheryl saw the enhancement to her mum’s quality of life.

Sheryl’s been impressed with how staff go above and beyond to make residents feel comfortable and safe. “I really appreciate how staff constantly keep me informed about mum’s wellbeing and they also make me, and other family members feel welcome when we visit.”

The residents have also been welcoming, with Mona making new friends.

She has even started scheduling Sheryl’s visits around her activities. “Mum has said I cannot visit on Saturday till after 3pm because she is playing cards,” laughs Sheryl. “I love that she has found that space where she’s socialising again, is happy, and in a safe environment with round-the-clock care... that’s our security for us as a family.”

BlueCross was honoured to host a series of events with world renowned Dementia Care Specialist and educator, Teepa Snow in Melbourne this March.

With up to 472,000 people living with dementia in Australia alone and more than 68% of people living in residential aged care experiencing significant to moderate dementia, BlueCross has been looking at ways in which to shift the thinking and deliver innovative and compassionate approaches to care for those living with dementia.

Hence the partnership with someone as knowledgeable as Teepa was vital, especially when it came to upskilling staff. During three days of experiential training, almost 150 BlueCross staff spent time, exploring and learning how their approach, engagement and physical support can impact a person living with dementia.

BLUECROSS PARTNERS WITH DEMENTIA CARE EXPERT, TEEPA SNOW

15 MAY – 21 MAY 2023

Further to this, two free events, aptly titled ExploringNormalvs NotNormalAgeingwithTeepa Snow were held for BlueCross’ broader community and the general public.

Over 400 people gathered at Hawthorn Arts Centre to hear Teepa talk about how the brain ages, how dementia presents differently to typical aging, and how you know if someone is starting to show signs of dementia.

BlueCross CEO Ingrid Harvey said the recent Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report which stated dementia had overtaken coronary heart disease as the leading cause of disease burden among Australians aged 65 and over was no surprise to her."It does however affirm our investment in supporting those living with brain change, their partners in care, staff and the broader community is the right focus," she said.

Both the staff and community sessions were extremely well received with encouraging feedback from those that attended. Nicole, whose mother lives at BlueCross Riverlea felt like she gained a lot out of the session."I have also since been very impressed with the staff at Riverlea, especially in Lifestyle, with their enthusiasm and commitment to bringing what they learnt from these sessions and putting it into practice with the residents who are living with dementia," she said.

With such valuable insights gained, BlueCross has begun working on the next steps to continue sharing this education and knowledge with the entire organisation.

INTERNATIONAL NURSES DAY 2023

On International Nurses Day (12 May), BlueCross seized the moment to express our thanks and admiration for our nurses who have dedicated themselves to assisting others. The organisation fully appreciates their selflessness, commitment, and tireless efforts that they make day in and day out.

Each of our residences marked the day by hosting morning and afternoon teas, light suppers, certificate ceremonies, candlelight events, and members of our Executive Team popped in to celebrate the day in person.

CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2023

For International Women’s Day on 8 March 2023, BlueCross hosted a live-streamed inhouse panel discussion called Insights on the Couch and touched on this year’s theme, Embrace Equity.

Hosted at BlueCross Box Hill, residents on site happily filled the room for the occasion. CEO Ingrid Harvey opened the session introducing the panel facilitator, founding and current Board Member Cathy Eccles, and the Guest Panel.

First up was Margaret Williamson, a BlueCross Box Hill resident who talked about her decades of community work in the town of Pyramid Hill while taking care of her five children.

Next was self-taught accountant, mum of two girls, and another

BlueCross Box Hill resident, Helen Price. Helen is originally from Kerang, in Northern Victoria and was one of the first females in Melbourne to set up a computer system.

We then had the pleasure of meeting the mother-daughter volunteer duo Anisha and Dhakshi Ravishankar. Year 12 student, Anisha has been volunteering at BlueCross Broughtonlea since she was 13 years old by playing the saxophone to residents. And while ex-banker mum Dhakshi was accompanying Anisha, she too decided to help in her own way by reading poetry to one of the residents.

And finally Yvette Phipps, a mum of two boys, who started working at BlueCross in 2016 as a Home Care Personal Carer

while completing her Bachelor of Nursing. In 2022, she accepted her current role of Service Delivery Team Leader, where she supports our Home Care community carers through learning and development, carer support, and training.

Each of these women spoke about supporting women to achieve equity in society, facing challenges in a male-dominated space, and positive changes needed for future generations.

But it was Margaret who summed up the day perfectly, “Every woman is successful, so congratulations to whatever has been achieved. I am proud to be a woman. And if you were asked to do something, say yes and rise to the challenge. Together, we are the salt of the earth.”

Our wonderful nurses also received some lovely comments from our BlueCross community. One resident praised our nursing team for their kindness and patience. “I’d like to thank you for everything you do for me. I am grateful for the way you look after me and I appreciate you because you are very caring.”

While another resident had this to say, “For the last four months I have stayed at two hospitals and our home here. The care shown here has been amazing compared to others. I have the greatest respect for all your work and how you do it.”

Family members were also quick to express their gratitude. One daughter simply stated, “Thank you for all the care you give mum,” while another echoed the sentiments, “They (the nurses) are very friendly, efficient, and professional. They make us feel important and always treat us with respect.”

BlueCross’ Chief Operating Officer, Melanie Mazzarolli expressed her heartfelt appreciation for all the nurses. “To our BlueCross nurses, we thank you, we appreciate you, and we value all that you do to support our residents, their families and the teams you work with each and every day. I feel proud to be a nurse that is employed at BlueCross, and I am grateful that Florence Nightingale’s birthday continues in legacy to serve as a respectful acknowledgement of our nurses.”

We extend our utmost appreciation and applause to all the nurses at BlueCross. Thank you for your exceptional dedication and service.

vacant rooms available: a penthouse and a superior room. As the gracious host, I offered Tom the penthouse, which he gladly accepted, remarking that he had not stayed in hotel rooms this impressive.

BlueCross CEO Ingrid

Harvey shares a personal account of what it was like to spend a night at a BlueCross residence with ACCPA CEO Tom Symondson.

The idea to stay overnight at an aged care residence was suggested by our Residence Manager, Anil Kumar, during a dinner at the ACCPA conference in October 2022. Anil shared this idea with Tom Symondson, the newly appointed CEO of ACCPA, who had a background in the public hospital sector. Anil believed that the best way for Tom to understand aged care was to experience it firsthand by staying overnight in a residence. Eavesdropping on the conversation, I then volunteered to join Tom and explore our BlueCross residences.

After coordinating our schedules, Tom and I agreed on a date: Thursday, 4 May, at BlueCross Box Hill. I approached the

overnight stay with a mix of excitement and apprehension. What would the experience be like? Would I be able to sleep? How would it feel to have dinner at 5pm? And what do residents do after 5pm?

Tom and I arrived around the same time. We underwent

At the dining room, we requested permission to sit at the men’s table. However, the residents firmly denied our request. Cheekily I asked again trying to avoid a seemingly romantic dinner for two with Tom but was again given a firm no! It became clear to me that, regardless of my title, I needed to respect their wishes since this was their home.

Tom and I found a nearby table (yes it was for two!), but we could hear the lively conversations and feedback from the residents. It became evident that mealtimes held great importance for them. It is not just about the food, it is the whole experience, who you sit with and the staff that are supporting you.

and dignity, setting us apart as an aged care provider.

Tom and I joined staff and residents to pay our respects and honour the life of our resident, while Frank Sinatra played in the background. It was humbling to hold the hand and support an understandably emotional resident who was experiencing such grief and was facing her own mortality, and to witness the emotions our staff experienced when a resident they cared for passed away. In that moment, I gained a deeper understanding of the remarkable compassion exhibited by our BlueCross team.

After the farewell, I took a walk around the residence to see what the residents were doing. The familiar sound of a reality TV show echoed through the halls, and the evening staff were busy assisting residents before bedtime. Some residents displayed nocturnal wandering behaviours, and others were curious about our presence at the residence late in the evening.

our residents slept. I must admit I wasn’t looking forward to lying on something that appeared uncomfortable and institutional. After using the bathroom and struggling for 10 minutes to turn off the light (which was on a timer), I climbed into bed and was pleasantly surprised by its comfort. I slept like I would in any new bed or hotel, with a slight disruption but overall, it was a good night’s rest. Unaware of the events occurring around me during the night, I got up, showered, and joined the morning handover meeting.

I was impressed by the thoroughness and attention to detail during the handover. Staff shared information about residents’ health and exchanged notes to ensure continuity and high-quality care.

After the handover, I went to the dining area, where residents slowly emerged from their rooms for breakfast. As someone who enjoys sleeping in, I was pleased with this relaxed atmosphere.

To my delight, the men at the nearby table warmed up to Tom and I, engaging in conversation during breakfast. It was a rewarding experience to be accepted, and it made me wonder if all new residents faced similar challenges when meeting fellow residents.

With work calling, it was time to bid farewell to the Box Hill team. The entire experience exceeded my expectations. My respect for our staff grew even more and it affirmed the extent of change needed to meet the expectations and wants of future aged care residents. This is our opportunity to shape and improve aged care in the present and future.

COVID-19 testing to ensure we were negative and were warmly welcomed by Hayley Casagrande (Residence Manager) and Shannon Oswald (Assistant Residence Manager). After storing our bags in Hayley’s office, we were given a brief tour of Box Hill and shown our respective rooms before heading to dinner. Fortunately, there were two

Sadly, that afternoon, a resident passed away. Hayley and the team were remaining on site after a long day for the fond farewell – a guard of honour our staff and residents form when they say goodbye to a resident. It made me proud that BlueCross honoured the lives of our residents with such respect

After the night staff took over, Tom and I had the opportunity to meet some of the team before retiring to bed. Although most residents were already asleep, the night shift remained busy attending to call bells and their regular duties.

Upon entering my room, I observed the hospital bed where

I supported the residents by serving tea and cereal to the early risers, hoping to be helpful. My feelings of being useful were shattered when the catering staff asked if I had served a particular table to which I proudly stated – yes! The staff raced over to the table, removed the tea and cereal, and advised me that table was lactose intolerant. Ooops! Another complication and detail our staff must be aware of. I retreated to my table in which I sat at for dinner and ate my breakfast thinking it was best to keep out of the way.

I highly recommend that others working in aged care follow in Tom and my footsteps and experience life in a residence first-hand. As a CEO, it is crucial for me to be well-equipped to support what is best for our residents and staff. 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 aged care sector. We certainly need it.

FRANK & JAMAL FIND THEIR FOREVER HOME SHIRLEY’S

BlueCross Baradine adopted two beautiful cats from Animal Aid Coldstream earlier this year. Frank and Jamal have not only taken up permanent residence in Baradine but also in the hearts of everyone. Don’t believe us… take a look at these gorgeous pictures of these two kitties leading the morning meetings and curling up in the laps (and beds) of residents and family members.

EARTH HOUR

In honour of Earth Hour’s key theme (locally grown and handpicked foods, reducing transportation-related carbon emissions), BlueCross Livingstone Gardens residents, Chef Peter and Chef Matt, visited a local farm to collect fresh produce. Using the seasonal vegetables and fruits collected, Chefs Matt and Peter created and served an exciting lunch menu that not only tasted delicious but looked picture perfect.

MILESTONE

BlueCross Willowmeade resident Shirley Dally recently celebrated her 108th Birthday! As the 11th oldest person in Australia, Shirley celebrated in style with entertainment by Noel Pearson, dancing, cutting the cake, and presents. You are a true inspiration, Shirley.

MEET NICK CLARINGBOLD

GENERAL MANAGER, HOME CARE SERVICES

Nick spent a vast majority of his career in the transport and global mobility sector and after 15 years there, he knew it was time for a change. He was keen to work in an industry that served the greater good, so when he was approached with an opportunity to work in Aged Care, Nick decided to give it a go.

“I won’t say it was love at first sight,” he said, “but the more time I spent working in the industry and working with great people with incredible care and empathy, the more I grew into the role.”

When the chance to embark on the Home Care journey at BlueCross presented itself, Nick recognised its value and couldn’t resist the opportunity.

“BlueCross has such a great reputation in the sector. And I love that every day the work we do matters in a real sense of being able to offer care and support to help aging Australians live independently in their homes.”

Nick is excited about his role and leading the Home Care Team at BlueCross, especially as the sector moves into a significant reform agenda. Nick sees BlueCross as a progressive and innovative organisation with dynamic senior

“I love that the senior leadership team see reform not as a burden but an opportunity. Being able to work with people so open to embracing change and taking community care into the future

When asked what’s the best piece of advice anyone has given him along his career journey, Nick had this to say, “Slow down when you talk! I am still working on that. The other one is to use your head and heart when making

Well with your passion, commitment, leadership, and experience, we’d say you are on the right path at BlueCross!

Fun facts about Nick: He recently learnt to braid his daughter’s hair but thinks he does not have the dexterity for it. His go-to karaoke song is Islands in the Stream. He once did a 96km trek in the Gold Coast hinterland and says he wouldn’t mind trying it again.

FACT OR FABLE

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PRIVATE HOME CARE

There have been many mistruths circulating around private home care which can be rather confusing. To avoid getting caught up with incorrect information, here’s a quick guide that tells the facts and dispels the fables.

Fable: Private home care is too costly.

Fact: The cost of private home care services varies between providers but can be a more affordable option than permanent residential care or assisted living. It is always advisable to compare services and find an option that suits your budget.

Fable: You cannot use private home care if you already receive Government-funded services.

Fact: Private home care services can be used in conjunction with Government-funded home care services, as a top-up or to purchase additional services not provided by the Government.

Fable: Private home care requires a long-term contract.

Fact: Most private home care providers offer services without long-term contracts, and clients can purchase services on a regular basis with no obligation to continue.

Fable: You don’t have a choice of carer with private home care.

Fact: Although there is no formal screening process for clients to choose their preferred carer, private home care providers generally take the time to understand clients’ needs and preferences to match them with a suitable carer.

Fable: Private home care is only for those living alone in their own homes.

Fact: Private home care services are available to anyone who is aging, regardless of whether they live alone, with family, or in an aged care facility. Services can be tailored to meet your individual needs and budget.

For more information about our private home care services, contact the BlueCross Home Care team on 1300 133 414 or homecare@bluecross.com.au for personalised advice at no cost or obligation.

CHICKEN WITH HERB CREAM SAUCE

INGREDIENTS

• 4 chicken thighs, skin on

• 50ml vegetable oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon crushed garlic

• 1 teaspoon mixed herbs

• 200ml white wine

• 300ml thickened cream

• Cornflour slurry (cornflour + water mixed into a thin paste)

• Salt & pepper to taste

METHOD

1. Lightly coat chicken thighs with oil, salt and pepper. Roast at 180°C for approx. 35min. Remove from oven, transfer chicken to a clean tray and keep hot – reserve cooking juices.

2. In a pot, sauté onions and garlic until lightly caramelised.

3. Add white wine and reduce liquid to a glaze. Add chicken cooking juices and reduce again.

4. Add cream, bring to the boil, reduce to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes.

5. Thicken sauce slightly with cornflour slurry.

6. Taste and adjust seasoning and consistency.

7. Pour cream sauce over hot chicken and serve with your favourite veggies.

KYLIE’S

At the age of 17, Kylie embarked on a part-time job search and discovered an opportunity as a Food Services Assistant (FSA) at BlueCross Chelsea Manor through her grandmother, who worked as the housekeeping supervisor at the time. Keen to learn as much as she could about the aged care sector and cooking, Kylie would often fill in for the weekend chef just to gain that knowledge and experience.

my knowledge of BlueCross residents’ preferences, to help contribute to the organisation’s success,” Kylie said.

While Kylie is thrilled with her new role, one of the things she will miss most is seeing the residents faces when she makes them something special. “Often, I had residents knock on the kitchen door and request a cake or cookie they fancied, or they told me they hadn’t had something for years, so I made it for them. I loved to see the joy on their faces.”

INGREDIENTS

• 1 litre milk

• 1/3 cup sugar

• 10ml vanilla essence

• ½ cup white medium grain rice

• 100ml thickened cream

• ½ tin Apricot halves, drained

• 3 tablespoons Maple syrup

METHOD

1. Combine milk, sugar and vanilla in a heavy based pot. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Then bring to the boil and stir in rice.

2. Cook over low heat, stirring often, for approx. 40 minutes until rice is soft with creamy texture.

3. Stir in cream, taste and adjust sweetness and consistency if required.

4. For apricots, toss apricot halves with maple syrup. Place on lined baking tray and cook in oven at 180°C for 8-10 minutes until lightly caramelised.

5. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.

6. Serve rice pudding warm with apricot halves. Finish with a drizzle of apricot maple glaze.

After high school, Kylie initially pursued a career in childcare but soon realised her passion lay in the culinary field. “I decided to complete my commercial cookery certificate, which then snowballed into an advanced diploma in hospitality management. I continued working as the weekend chef and filling in for the Chef Manager when necessary, learning and sharpening my skills as I went. Not long after I was made the full-time Chef Manager… and here we are today, 20 years later,” Kylie says proudly.

But that’s not where it ends for Kylie, her hard work and passion for the sector did not go unnoticed, and recently Kylie has been promoted to the Southeast Hospitality Operations ManagerFood Service Role.

“I am excited and grateful for this new position. I see it as an opportunity to use my culinary expertise, together with

She goes on to say, “One of the main things I love about working for BlueCross is the residents. We become their family; they shared things that were going on within their own families. We shared in their excitement of a new greatgrandchild, a wedding, or a milestone birthday. You can’t find that anywhere else... it’s just so special.”

Kylie’s journey is a testament to the rewards that come with passion, dedication, and a deep connection with the community she serves.

Fun facts about Kylie:

• She has travelled to many destinations in the world including Italy, Turkey, Greece, Israel, and India. Next on Kylie’s bucket list is travelling to Egypt or Texas to try real American BBQ.

• When it comes to coffee or tea, Kylie is definitely a coffee person.

JOURNEY: FROM PART-TIME FSA TO SOUTHEAST HOSPITALITY OPS MANAGER

CAREER PATHWAYS AT BLUECROSS

Many of our team members have incredible stories in relation to their BlueCross journey. We sat down with one such individual, Mandira Khanal, who shares her inspiring career progression at BlueCross Glengowrie.

Tell us about your journey?

I came to Australia from Nepal in 2008. At the time, I was 22 years old and recently married. In 2015, I started studying nursing at Job Training Institute in Dandenong and finished the diploma in 2017. Before I could register, I needed to complete an English test, so in the meantime I started looking for work as a Personal Care Assistant (PCA).

An opportunity then came up as a laundry hand at BlueCross Glengowrie which I took and did for six months until an opening became available for a PCA. I enjoyed being a PCA as I’ve always wanted to help other people, but I also wanted to do more, and I had my qualification. After a few hold-ups (Covid and being pregnant), I finally decided it was time to pursue my nursing career again.

In 2021, I completed my English Test, registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), and started looking for a place to do my 450 required hours as per my registration condition. BlueCross Glengowrie Residence Manager, Megan Goodall, was very supportive of me completing my required hours at the residence and that’s how my journey as an Enrolled Nurse (EN) began.

Are you enjoying being an Enrolled Nurse?

I love doing what I do and helping people. From where I started to where I am now in my career, this is what I love to do. I still have a lot to learn, but I am really enjoying being an EN.

What do you love most about working at BlueCross?

I love making a difference in people’s lives. Helping those in need is a good feeling. Plus, I have a soft spot for BlueCross because I started my career here. I also received support from my managers to

grow in my career and they gave me the chance to advance my career, something I wouldn’t have thought possible.

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to work in Aged Care?

It’s a fantastic industry to learn and grow in while also helping others. And you don’t have to start at the top; we all want to grow in our careers and BlueCross gave me the chance to do just that. I am so grateful.

Megan Galbally, Executive General Manager People, Culture & Safety, tells us about the study program options to help team members progress on their career paths.

At BlueCross, supporting and developing our team members is important to us. Through our Conference, Placement, and Study Support Program, eligible team members can receive up to $5,000 reimbursement per year for approved study. We also offer five days of study leave annually and for those undertaking placement, we match their annual leave time for the placement, effectively doubling the supported study time.

We understand the financial challenges that can hinder career development and aim to assist our team members in achieving their study goals.

BLUECROSS CENTRAL OFFICE MOVES TO BURNLEY, RICHMOND

After many years at the Camberwell Office and the lease expiring later this year, the decision was made that it was time for a change. A modern, light-filled, collaborative, and energy efficient space was found, at Botanicca Business Park, Building 8, Level 3, 584 Swan Street, Burnley, VIC, 3121. The Central Office team have settled into their new working environment and it’s business as usual for everyone — with the added benefit of a beautiful outdoor deck.

GLENGOWRIE DINING ROOM UPGRADE

BlueCross Glengowrie’s dining rooms have been recently renovated with new tables, chairs, crockery, and cutlery, providing our residents with a comfortable and stylish setting to enjoy their meals and socialise.