Michelle is the CEO and Director of Care for Wheatfields Residential Care, a stand alone, Not-For-Profit, regional aged care facility in South Australia. In this article, Michelle talks about her experience as a participant in the program, and the utilisation of its practical and informative tools, which have shaped the way her organisation engages with its governing body.
1. What made you enrol in the Program?
We have been completing in house training with our Board of Directors regarding governance and responsibilities as part of our continuous improvement activities. Legislative changes in aged care have been significant to the industry. The changes to governance in aged care has impacted our Board of Directors with several resignations from our volunteers.
2. In your learnings as part of the Governing for Reform in Aged Care Program, what stood out to you the most?
It was quickly identified that I could assist board members with interpretation and use of the program’s resources. I found that the information, in particular the Toolkits, were able to be utilised in practice and it has increased the reporting abilities to the board for increased discussions and decision making.
3. What have you already put in practice after engaging with the Program?
We have implemented many of the Toolkit templates through our reporting and documents at Board level. This has enabled us to have robust discussions and has lead to several continuous improvement activities that have had excellent benefits to the resident’s care, safety and well being.
4. Do you have a favourite activity in the Program, if so, why was that your favourite?
The For the Board Kit in conjunction with Toolkit: Governing Body Meetings has been utilised and introduced.
5. In your opinion, why should other executives and governing body members enrol in the Program?
It enables self-directed learning and explains the need for good governance for the benefit of older Australians.
6. Finally, what do you love to do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I am the President and life-member of our local Kapunda Musical Society. I perform on stage in our yearly pantomime, usually cast as the fool, and am currently working on writing and directing our mid-year show. My favourite role was being cast as Robin in Robin’s Hood.
To join Michelle and hundreds of other executive leaders and governing body members who have committed to governing for reform, sign up for the Governing for Reform in Aged Care Program today: https://gfr.agedcarequality.gov.au/
You can also check out Michelle’s recommended learning activities here: