4 minute read
Meet the DON: Hodo Shire
Meet the DON: Hodo Shire, Belmont Aged Care Home and Kensington Park Aged Care Home
Hodo Shire may have taken a circuitous route to end up in Perth (via Somalia and New Zealand), but it’s fair to say she’s found a real home-from-home at Belmont and Kensington Park Aged Care Homes in WA.
By Gabi Mills.
L&L: How long have you worked in aged care and what drew you to the profession?
HS: I have been working in aged care for the past 15 years, and started my career as an enrolled nurse before becoming a registered nurse, clinical nurse manager and finally, at the moment as Director of Nursing at Hall & Prior here in Perth. I have worked for a variety of different organisations, including aged care and a tertiary hospital in Perth but always wanted to become a nurse and help look after others need.
L&L: What do you particularly enjoy about your role - and what are the challenges you face?
HS: I enjoy putting a smile on residents’ faces every day when I come in to work and love listening to their wonderful stories. I find it challenging sometimes dealing with different behaviours but at the end of the day, my team and I find resolutions in dealing with these behaviours in appropriate ways and this is comforting to know.
L&L: On a day-to-day basis, what makes your role special and how do you inspire staff at your home?
HS: I am a very motivated person who always tries to bring the best out of my people by encouraging staff to reach for their goals and to use initiatives to implement progress which will benefit them all.
L&L: If someone was contemplating a career in aged care, what advice would you give them?
HS: Aged care is a wonderful industry. I believe you can make a huge difference in people’s lives and I would recommend this for anyone who is looking to progress in their career.
L&L: What kind of leader are you - how do you think your colleagues would describe you?
HS: I would say that my leadership style is transformational. I motivate and inspire my team to reach for the stars, and believe that anything is possible - as long as there is a will there is a way. My colleagues would describe me as a firm but fair leader who takes their feedback into consideration and works alongside with them to achieve the best results for all involved.
L&L: What makes for a good day in aged care in your chosen career path - and how do you keep smiling on the not so great days?
HS: A good day in aged care is when your residents and their family and staff are happy with how you are running the facility, and you are making a positive impact in their lives.
L&L: What plans do you have for your home - and how do you relax when you have finished work for the day?
HS: Belmont is always using initiatives to continually improve its service, to do better with improvements. For instance, our gardens have just been completed. I enjoy watching movies in my spare time and spending time with my family.
L&L: Can you tell us something we don’t know about you?
HS: I am originally from Somalia in East Africa, and came to NZ when I was 10 years old as a refugee. I worked my way through the system to educate myself in the health industry with the support of my family and am so happy to be here in Perth today.
To find out more about Belmont Aged Care Home or Kensington Park Aged Care Home, please visit hallprior.com.au.
