A day in the life of an aged care general manager

Key points:

• Regis Nedlands offers 141 single rooms, including palliative and respite, each with an en suite

• Regis Nedlands’ General Manager Bonni joined Regis in April of 2013

• A full profile is available of Regis Nedlands through the Aged Care Guide online

Australia’s aged care sector is full of hard-working staff who devote their time and energy to ensure that others receive the care they deserve. Regis Nedlands’ General Manager Bonni knows exactly what it’s like to work in the industry and through a decade of experience, her career progression reflects an unwavering commitment to those she serves.

Bonni joined Regis in 2013 and throughout the last decade, she has taken on various roles for the care-led organisation.

In the decade since she started her journey as a home support worker, she evolved and worked across a wide range of roles, making sure to bring her can-do attitude from the hope support side of aged care through to the residential setting.

As she reflected on her time as an assistant in nursing, office coordinator, registered nurse and clinical care manager, Bonni explained that she felt proud of what she had accomplished and grateful for the career mobility at Regis.

“I have been given these opportunities to progress my career through Regis. I feel very fortunate to be able to work here,” she said.

In a managerial position, Bonni can gauge the roles and responsibilities of other staff and use her experience to direct them — all with the shared goal of delivering individualised care that can enhance day-to-day well-being.

“Every day is different and I learn something new every day,” Bonni added.

“I love working with my team. We support each other every day and even more so when we are having some more challenging times.

“The team, residents and families have all made me feel so welcome and the support I have received from stepping into the general manager role has been wonderful.”

Bonni’s interest in the aged care sector was borne out of the desire to make a difference in the lives of older people, inspired by the wholesome efforts of her family.

As a child, her family would check up on their ageing neighbours, spending time with them and making a positive impact in their lives. However, as an adult, she discovered that this cherished memory could form the basis of an energising career and from there, she has continued to carry her family’s legacy into each and every day at Regis Nedlands.

Her duties include:

• reviewing assessments;
• monitoring the residents’ care;
• planning and implementing improvements throughout the residence.

Bonni also provides support and guidance to her team and collaborates with other departments to ensure that residents receive the best possible care.

Looking back at her journey, from childhood to adulthood and as Australia’s aged care sector has become a trending topic in public discourse, government policy and economic debate, Bonni delivered a simple message for aspiring aged care workers.

“Working in aged care can be challenging, but it is also rewarding. Be patient, compassionate and understanding as you work with the elderly. If you have a genuine passion, then do it,” she said.

“You never know where aged care could take you.”

For more information about Regis Nedlands, please visit the Regis website or the Aged Care Guide listing.

What inspired you to start working in the aged care industry? What advice would you give to those looking to get started? Let the team at Talking Aged Care know your thoughts and subscribe to the FREE weekly newsletter for more information, news and industry updates.

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