3 minute read
Meet the DON: Jenny Cooper
MEET THE DON
Jenny Cooper
Executive Manager at Clarence Estate Residential Aged Care & Home Care in Albany, WA
Jenny Cooper is the new Executive Manager at Clarence Estate in Albany, WA and she has some big plans for her new role. By Gabi Mills.
L&L: Please tell me how long have you been working in aged care, and what drew you to the profession?
JC: I have been working in the aged care industry since I was 15 years old. I started as a cleaner and laundry assistant on weekends when I was still at school. When I was 16, I became a carer and worked right through until I qualified as an RN in England in 2006. My Mum and my grandmother were both nurses and their love of the profession obviously rubbed off on me. In 2008 we lost our son to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and after this tragedy, we worked hard to realise our dream of a fresh start and a better life for our children, moving to Australia in 2012.
L&L: When did you join Hall & Prior and in what capacity?
JC: I joined Hall & Prior in May 2018 at Clarence Estate. I began with Hall & Prior as a Registered Nurse in the residential facility. Then six months later a position as a Home Care Coordinator with Clarence Home Care became available. I worked with the Home Care team for 12 months, and the position of Executive Director of Care was advertised. I applied and was successful in gaining this role which I have been in up to my recent transition into the Executive Manager role.
L&L: What do you particularly enjoy about your role - and what are the challenges you face?
JC: I particularly enjoy the interactions I have on a daily basis with residents, their families and friends and our staff. We are very blessed at Clarence to have the most amazing team, and their dedication and care shows me each day why I continue to work in this industry. The aged care industry is a challenging environment to work in, as is any environment that involves people, as everyone’s needs and expectations are varied. However the challenges we face each day also bring satisfaction when they are overcome.
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: My role allows me to be involved with both our community service and residential service which gives me variety and the ability to assist with a continuum of care for consumers.
L&L: If somebody was contemplating a career in aged care, what advice would you give them?
JC: You have to be a certain type of person to be successful in a career in aged care. Aged care nurses are definitely undervalued by other nursing sectors and the perception of aged care nursing is often far from the reality. It is a very rewarding career choice, and I would encourage anyone with the desire to enter the industry to do so.
L&L: What kind of leader are you - how do you think your colleagues would describe you?
JC: I would say that my leadership style is a mixture of democratic, transformational and coach-style. I believe that I am a forwardthinking leader who wants to improve things at every opportunity while encouraging staff to work towards their goals and achieve them, offering support when possible.
L&L: What makes for a good day in aged care in your chosen career path?
JC: A good day in aged care is when you see the residents, families, visitors and staff happy. This shows you are doing a good job for the people we are employed to care for.
L&L: What plans do you have for Clarence - and how do you relax when you have finished work for the day?
JC: Our previous leaders at Clarence have made it the amazing home it is for our residents and my hope is that I can continue to provide the same whilst ensuring any opportunities to improve are undertaken. When I get home I relax over a family dinner with my husband and children.
