Benetas recognises exceptional people this Aged Care Employee Day

This Saturday 7 August is Aged Care Employee Day and Victorian aged care provider, Benetas has identified five outstanding employees to take out the third annual Benetas Aged Care Employee Day Awards, held each year to acknowledge significant contributions made by employees for the benefit of customers.

This year, 55 nominations were received which saw awards given to a Laundry Operator, a Home Care Support Services Operator, a Communications Manager, a Regional Business Manager and a Volunteer.

Benetas CEO Sandra Hills OAM said that the award recipients have demonstrated that exceptional customer experiences and leadership can come from many areas of the business.

“The Benetas Aged Care Employee Day Awards are an important way that we can officially recognise employees who show the Benetas values and go above and beyond for the benefit of our customers and fellow employees. Benetas is full of people who deliver fantastic care each and every day, and what we do, matters each and every day,” she said.

“The last 18 months have been exceptionally challenging however with 55 nominations this year, it is evident our employees continue to put customers first.”

The winners for the Benetas Aged Care Employee Day Awards for 2021 are:

Residential Services
Anthony Coon works as a Laundry Operator at Corowa Court, Mornington and always goes above and beyond. He takes the time to get to know how residents like their clothes to be laundered and put away, he knows that some residents prefer items ironed, or they prefer to put their own belongings away. Anthony lives the Benetas customer experience principles daily, he values the residents’ individuality, he genuinely cares, and everyone wants Anthony at their site.

Community Health and Care
Sandra Beasley, Support Services Officer for Community Health and Care in Braybrook, demonstrates the customer experience principles with every call she takes, she listens to everyone’s needs and helps where she can, and through this help, she has grown meaningful relationships with Benetas clients. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Sandra has been ensuring that the office is well cleaned. She arrives early in the morning and leaves late at night to make sure that Benetas comply with COVID-19 check-ins. She quickly puts up signs, posters and templates to make sure that everyone is well informed

Support Services
Jenni Pattinson from the Communications Team at Support Office, displays a positive and can do attitude, and is always on hand to offer communication advice and input. Jenni models the importance of consistent, regular and frequent corporate communications as an important part of building Benetas' reputation. This has been especially important in the recent Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and COVID-19 meetings, where Jenni always makes sure that the customer perspective was considered.

People Leader Award
Claire Fletcher, CHC Regional Business Manager, North Eastern, inspires her team and fosters an environment that allows her team to grow, and work collaboratively. Claire invests in her team, motivates them, and gives everyone the opportunity to shine.

Volunteer Award
Maureen Fearn from Macedon Ranges Health volunteers with the exercise programs run at the centre, as well as volunteering at the Op shop. Clients regularly request Maureen to be their support person as she makes them feel safe and confident when exercising. She is diligent, reliable, encouraging and caring.

Other Benetas employees deserving of a special mention who were highly commended:

Melvin Guzha – CSM Colton Close
Tanya Luckman – EEN Kangaroo Flat
Suzy Pears – PCW Trainee The Views
Peter Bajada – Care Companion Dalkeith Gardens
Kelly Jarrett - Quality Business Partner Support Office

Aged Care Employee Day is a national day that acknowledges the more than 360,000 people who care for and support around 1.3 million older Australians who receive Aged Care Services. #ThanksforCaring