omni- [ˈɒmni] PREFIX - all, of all things
care [kɛː] NOUN - the provision of what is necessary for the health, welfare,
maintenance, and protection of someone or something.
VERB - feel concern or interest; attach importance to something.
(care for) look after and provide for the needs of.
Why would an executive with 30 years’ experience in the
metropolitan corporate world of technology decide to take the reins at a regional care provider?
As CEO of Omnicare, my role involves leading over 150 staff across a
footprint spanning the New South Wales Mid-North Coast region in Australia. I’d been on The Board (all voluntary posts)
of this aged, disability and dementia service provider for less than a year,
when I stepped in to replace my predecessor.
On paper (or screen) this might get
a few heads scratching – dividing my time between my Sydney home and the
comparatively small tourist town of Port Macquarie. However, I’m on a mission
to help pave the way for Omnicare to become a flagship of the care sector
across the nation, and beyond.
Omnicare Alliance does things differently. That’s why I got
involved in the first place.
As I’ve alluded to, Omnicare is about ‘looking after all’ –
that means holistic support, not just for clients that use our services at home
or in our day centres, but for their primary carers (typically partners, adult
children or siblings). One of the exciting advantages of being involved in a
people-first community-based organisation is that there’s more scope for
flexibility and adaptability.
Take, for example, the recent NSW bushfire
situation that has devastated many homes in the region. Road closures and dense
smoke created significant disruptions to Omnicare’s regular operations.
However, from senior management, through to team leaders, frontline staff and
even volunteers, we were able to respond quickly and appropriately to
ever-changing conditions.
Three for the team
What I’d like to share are three philosophical themes that
underpin my leadership.
Care – one of the reasons I joined The Board was my
experience of my father’s final 15 years. That’s how I became acquainted with
the aged care sector and the tough conversations and decisions that precede the
passing of a loved one. The Royal Commission into aged care is set to shake up
the sector. Omnicare is already one step ahead – employing Montessori
principles to support clients who are aged or living with disability or
dementia; their carers; and staff. “Let’s understand who you are and what you
can do” epitomises the Omnicare way in the form of The WISER Approach to our
support.
Change – there is so much stigma in the sphere of
aged care: ageing, death and dementia are areas many people find taboo,
regardless of their prevalence. The term
‘elderly’ has come to be associated with frailty and dependence, rather than
the more positive connotations of seniority and wisdom. Omnicare challenges
stigma, promoting dignity, independence and quality of life. We strive to make
a positive impact on the sector.
Connection – the term ‘not-for-profit’ might conjure
up thoughts of altruism and empathy, but the flip side is it might suggest the
bottom line doesn’t matter. Think of Omnicare as a ‘profit-for-purpose’
organisation. Compassion and close ties
to the communities we serve are front and centre of everything we do, but sustainability
is achieved through professionalism and a commercial outlook. Ensuring clients
feel they contribute meaningfully and engage socially is at the heart of
Omnicare’s quality of service.
That's Omnicare. Here's to doing things a little differently to make a
difference.
No comments:
Post a Comment