Proud to be recognised at Karingal Seymour

Ms Duggin said one of the keys to Karingal’s success was flexibility for staff and allowing everyone to maintain a work-life balance.

“Work-life balance is integral for all staff, particularly in this challenging climate of COVID-19,” she said.

“The wellbeing of our staff is our utmost priority. Their wellbeing is evident in their dedication to Karingal and the excellent care they provide to all our residents.

“Healthcare is a 24-hour, seven day a week career choice, so work-life balance is of utmost importance.

“We are constantly communicating with our employees to enable them to balance working hours and their private lives to best fit everyone’s needs.”

Ms Duggin said Karingal staff consider themselves to have two families, a concept that has become vitally important since the start of the pandemic.

“Staff became even more important to the residents for social and personal connection when visitor restrictions came into effect,” she said.

“Staff are helping residents become proficient with other means of communication, including the use of the iPad for FaceTime, video calls and Skype.

“Our residents have been great at embracing this new technology for keeping in touch with loved ones.

“We also do regular wellbeing checks on our staff and pride ourselves on recognising the contribution of staff to the workplace and the care of our residents.

“We’ve supplied a small gym area in our staff room to use for their physical health. We also have a ‘staff industry’ area where staff sell their crafts.”

With the aged care industry receiving negative attention recently, Ms Duggin said the Karingal team was grateful for ongoing community support.

“We work closely with our residents, staff, families and wider community to show the positives of healthy ageing and care provision,” she said.

“The ongoing support is greatly appreciated and we look forward to the return of our families and our team of volunteers.”