Big changes at Domain Principal Group
Aged care provider, Domain Principal Group, has announced its rebranding to Opal Aged Care, as well as a new education partnership with Alzheimer’s Australia in order to evolve with consumer expectations of the sector.
Opal Aged Care managing director, Gary Barnier (left), with Alzheimer's Australia NSW chief executive, John Watkins.
“The rebrand is not just a name change. Our new name signals a new direction for us as a company, and a determination by us to provide outstanding customer service to all our residents. This is one of the reasons why we are investing in specialist training for our staff in response to the changing needs of Australia’s ageing population,” said Gary Barnier, Opal Aged Care managing director.
“With the number of Australians living with Alzheimer’s disease projected to increase to 900,000 by 2050, we have taken seriously our responsibility to provide high quality support from expertly trained staff to help residents with dementia maintain their individuality and dignity,” Mr Barnier added.
Through the Alzheimer’s Australia partnership, Opal Aged Care has developed a new model of care that puts residents at the centre of their own care plan and will train more than 5,000 staff in the provision of dementia care.
John Watkins, Alzheimer’s Australia NSW chief executive, said the partnership with Opal Aged Care was a good indication of the industry responding to the needs of Australians with dementia.
“Understanding and respect is integral to the wellbeing and care of people living with dementia, and it is vital for staff in aged care to have specialist training, that is why we’re delighted to partner with Opal Aged Care on this initiative,” Mr Watkins said.
Ahead of implementation of the Living Longer. Living Better aged care reforms, the rebrand will also see Opal Aged Care reinforce its industry leader position with the appointment of new positions including Head of Hospitality, to guarantee high standards of customer service and dining, and Head of Lifestyle, to ensure Opal’s residents remain as active and healthy as they want.
The company will also be refurbishing existing sites while working over the next decade to double the number of beds it operates to meet the country’s growing demand for quality aged care.
With 56 homes across Australia, Opal Aged Care provides high care for its residents through the dedication of more than 5,000 staff, with a singular focus on improving outcomes for their residents through fresh thinking.
Mr Barnier said aged care can be a difficult decision for many families and individuals.
“Families often feel an overwhelming sense of guilt by choosing to move their loved one into residential aged care. We intend to help families and potential residents make the right choice, by having an honest and open conversation with the community about the real emotions of aged care and changing perceptions of the sector,” Mr Barnier said.
The re-brand also sees Opal Aged Care invest in the wellbeing of their staff, as well as residents.
To further strengthen their relationship with their staff, Opal Aged Care has designed a fully customised employee wellbeing program which includes tools, resources and programs to help staff in all roles across the business achieve good health and balance. It is delivered online, enabling staff to access it anywhere and at a time that suits them.
For more information, visit www.opalagedcare.com.au or call 1300 362 481.
