Jayne Cummings, Windsor Park

Meet the DON: Jayne Cummings

Windsor Park Aged Care Home, WA

A life-long career in caring for people in aged care has made Jayne Cummings an extremely experienced Executive Manager of Windsor Park Aged Care Home.

By Gabi Mills. Portrait by Ryan Ammon.

L&L: How long have you worked in aged care and what drew you to the profession?

JC: I started working in aged care as a carer in 1990 as a young 18 year old. I worked for a large organisation in Manchester, England, for 17 years before moving to Australia. My mum, sister and aunt all worked in the care industry with the same company so I had grown up in aged care facilities.

L&L: When did you join Hall & Prior and in what capacity?

JC: I joined Hall & Prior’s Tuohy home in Midland as a residential care manager in October 2011. It was my first job in Australia as a facility manager.

L&L: What do you particularly enjoy about your role - and what are some of the challenges you face?

JC: I love meeting the new families and residents who come into our care, hearing their stories and looking at how we can continue to enhance their life. We look after some of the most vulnerable community groups and this can be really challenging as some of our residents come in with no family or support. We become their family and show them the love and care they deserve and ensure we always advocate for them. No one walks alone at Windsor Park.

L&L: What made you want to move from Tuohy to Windsor Park - and so far, how do the two homes differ/what are the similarities?

JC: I had worked at Tuohy for seven wonderful years and worked with some amazing people. During this period, we won two better practice awards and became the first aged care facility in WA to successfully achieve the Rainbow Tick Accreditation for LGBTI people - an amazing achievement. In January 2019, Windsor Park needed a new manager and I thought it was time for a new challenge. Although they differ in size the one thing that never changes is the dedicated and caring staff we have looking after our residents.

L&L: On a day-to-day basis, what makes your role special and how do you plan on inspiring staff at your home?

JC: Every day is special in aged care. You have to love your job as it takes special people to care for the people we look after. If we can help someone who is having a bad day and make it a better day, then that’s all we can ask for. It’s important to take the time to hear people and allow them to share their thoughts, earning trust from a resident is what makes our job special.

L&L: If somebody was contemplating a career in aged care, what advice would you give them?

JC: Do some volunteer work first and speak to some carers about what is expected of you. See the person, not the task, empowering the residents and seeing them smile is priceless.

L&L: What kind of leader are you - how do you think your colleagues would describe you?

JC: I am a firm but fair manager, I’m a doer and I love to help with anything I can. I think they would say I am outspoken, and always willing to help anyone who needs support.

L&L: What makes for a good day in aged care in your chosen career path?

JC: Hearing the laughs from the staff and residents or seeing the smiles of our residents who have difficulty with communication, always makes you smile. Being able to debrief with staff also helps us to understand that it’s OK to have sad days. Taking care of your own mental health enables you to support everyone else.

L&L: What plans do you have for Windsor Park - and how do you relax when you get home?

JC: We hope to continue to grow and develop the services we provide, especially to our vulnerable community groups and help them to break down the barriers they fear and have to face when coming into aged care. When I get home there is nothing better than a nice shower, putting on some pjs on and chilling out watching Coronation Street and EastEnders! Sad I know.