Benetas

Benetas has welcomed the Australian Government’s announcement that price caps on services under the Support at Home program will commence from 1 July 2026. Support at Home provides us with a once in a generation opportunity to redesign the system and enable a better experience for Australians who choose to remain in their homes as they age. Allowing providers the flexibility to set their own prices for the first 12 months places the sector in a more sustainable position to appropriately implement changes of this magnitude. Older Australians have a right to expect that the new program will be set up for success by allowing providers enough time to establish and deliver new operating models, models of care, processes, systems and training. We acknowledge the crucial work of Aged & Community Care Providers Association in advocating on behalf of the industry for this important change. Statement attributed to our CEO Sandra Hills OAM.

Benetas has announced the appointment of its new Chair Julia Pryor. Ms Pryor takes over from Michael Urwin who has led the aged care provider through unprecedented growth over the past six years while navigating a period of significant change across the aged care sector.   A former lawyer, Ms Pryor is the Chief Risk Officer, Wealth at AMP. She joined the Benetas Board in 2019, bringing more than two decades of experience in legal, governance, risk and compliance fields.   Ms Pryor is highly experienced in risk and compliance management and corporate governance within the financial services sector, bringing a tactical and pragmatic approach to overcoming obstacles. She has a track record of leading businesses through major transformations and regulatory reforms.   Ms Pryor is well equipped to lead Benetas’ next chapter with her knowledge, experience and her strong focus on the customer.   Mr Urwin will serve on the Board for another 12 months, culminating in nine productive years where his valued counsel has helped usher in a range of initiatives that have benefitted residents, clients, family members and employees.   During the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr Urwin led with great empathy and care as the organisation responded to and managed the day-to-day threat and impact of the virus on older Australians and their families.   For more information visit https://lnkd.in/guv4myCt

Our CEO Sandra Hills OAM recently shared her thoughts with Australian Ageing Agenda on how Benetas is boosting digital inclusion by running technology sessions that improve online confidence and competence for seniors. #Cybersafety #digitalinclusion #agedcareaustalia

This month, we had the pleasure of celebrating the dedication and significant contribution of our team members who have devoted 10, 15, 20, and 30 years to Benetas, at our Regional and Metro Employee Long Service events. This year, a total of 51 team members marked 10 years, 30 celebrated 15 years, seven celebrated for 20 years, three were commended for 25 years, and three were honoured for 30 years of service. Congratulations to all our long-service award recipients for their outstanding contributions. These milestones reflect a commitment to compassion and service that has a lasting impact on those we support.

During October, we hosted the Benetas Spectacular, a vibrant month-long event across our care homes to celebrate our residents. Each of our care homes created a uniquely themed day, as residents embraced the events and immersed themselves in the festivities, creating memorable moments. Themes included Musical Oklahoma, Circus, Woodstock, Day at the Races, Arabian Nights, Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, Regal and Roaring 20s. The atmosphere across our homes was filled with joy, laughter and happiness, and it was heart-warming to see our residents engage in this wonderful celebration. #PositiveAgeing #ResidentCelebration #agedcareaustralia #agedcare  

Today, we observe Remembrance Day, honouring the bravery and sacrifice of all those who have served in wars, conflicts and peace operations. Lest we forget.

Our CEO Sandra Hills OAM participated in a panel discussion at this week’s 2024 Aged & Community Care Providers Association National Conference in Adelaide. The discussion surrounded the essential process of fostering trust and lasting confidence across the aged care sector.   Sandra spoke about the importance of working with customers to improve services and build trust. By doing this we ensure our teams are appropriately skilled to provide care that is tailored to a customer’s specific needs.   Sandra also spoke about the role transparency and proactive communication play in creating a sense of confidence and security for customers and families.   The discussion was facilitated by Sue Peden AM FAICD, Chair ACCPA Consumer Advisory Board and Independent Director, ACCPA included Craig Gear OAM, CEO, OPAN, Gwenda Darling, Council of Elders and Lesley Forster, National Older Persons Reference Group, OPAN. Our General Manager of Residential Services Verity Leith also participated in a panel discussion, focussing on the Small Household Model of Care from a Provider’s View. Verity highlighted the pros and cons of the small household model and what Benetas had learned, leading to a transition from a carer-led model to one that includes registered and enrolled nurses for better clinical oversight. She was joined by Darrell Price, National Head of Health & Aged Care, Grant Thornton, Louise Greene, Director, Ideal Consultancy and Clare Douglas, Chief Executive, Mercy Health. #ACCPA2024 #agedcareaustralia #agedcare

Our General Manager, Community Health and Care Helen Kemp presented at this month’s Victorian Healthcare Week conference on the theme Unveiling Tech Transformation Strategies to Foster Digital Maturity in the Aged Care Sector. The discussion focused on digital maturity challenges across the sector and how aged care providers are dealing with large technology change programs. The presentation touched on the importance of having internal expertise to manage this challenge and a change management framework. Helen also joined a panel discussion that focussed on how to enhance support for ageing in place and seamless home care transitions. #agedcare #agedcareaustralia #techtransformations #homecare

Every day, our Veterans Home Care team provides a phone-based assessment service to more than 8,500 veterans in Victoria and Queensland, as a preferred provider of the Department of Veterans' Affairs. Based in our Blackburn office, the team coordinates service delivery and allocation for providers and helps veterans navigate the systems they need, facilitating service access and information. Recently, the team visited the Shrine of Remembrance to pay their respects and gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by Australian servicemen and women. The visit has fuelled the team’s commitment to continue to provide care and support to our veteran clients.

Meet Sonya Imbesi, Benetas’ Palliative Care Specialist. Sonya has recently joined the team and will work across residential aged care, retirement living and community health and care, to enhance Benetas’ end-of-life care. She brings extensive experience to Benetas as a physiotherapist, working in oncology and palliative care at Peter McCallum and Cabrini Hospitals. More recently, Sonya worked with the Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network, responsible for a range of areas, including improving access to palliative care at home and supporting primary and community care services. At Benetas, Sonya will lead the design and implementation of the organisation’s Model of Palliative Care to improve quality of care, update policies, ensure compliance and create innovative, sustainable palliative services. Sonya is excited to be joining the Benetas team and by the opportunity to work closely with healthcare teams to incorporate her project management and stakeholder engagement skills to make a difference for our residents and clients.