with dementia. An audit conducted by Dementia Australia at Mercy Place Parkville identified areas for improvement, and the organization is working to enhance the living conditions for residents with dementia.“The environment is critical for individuals with dementia,” says Douglas. “Simple changes can make a huge difference in how comfortable and secure they feel.” In addition to environmental improvements, Mercy Health has introduced technologies to enhance the quality of life for residents with dementia. One such tool is Paro, a robotic seal designed to provide comfort and companionship to agitated or distressed individuals. “It’s amazing to see Paro’s calming effect on residents,” says Douglas. “It responds to touch, making seal noises and moving, and it helps residents feel more relaxed.” Mercy Health has also adopted “Hug,” a therapeutic device miming the sensation of hugging another person.This tool is particularly effective for residents who may feel isolated or agitated, providing them with the comfort and security of physical touch. SUPPORTING A DEDICATED WORKFORCE Mercy Health’s commitment to excellence extends to its workforce, comprising 10,000 employees, including approximately 4,500 within the Healthy Ageing division. The organization takes pride in providing opportunities for staff to grow and advance in their careers. “We have several people in our organization who have progressed through multiple roles, starting as personal care attendants (PCAs) and advancing to leadership positions,” says Douglas. Mercy Health actively supports the career development of its staff, offering training and educational opportunities through partnerships with universities such as Australian Catholic University. These partnerships provide students with hands-on experience in aged care settings, often leading to permanent employment within the organization. Douglas emphasizes the importance of these relationships: “We want to help people start their careers with us, grow with us, and stay with us.” INVESTING IN INFRASTRUCTURE As Mercy Health continues to expand its footprint, the organization is investing heavily in new infrastructure and facility upgrades. One of its most significant projects is constructing a new 120-bed facility in Mentone, Victoria. This facility, which follows the small household living model, will consolidate residents from three smaller homes into a single, state-of-the-art building. The project is set 36 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx