Embleton multi-skilled carer, Joan Stevenson, has been named WA’s top aged care employee in this year’s prestigious Excellence in Care Awards announced by the sector’s peak body, Aged and Community Services WA.
A passionate and dedicated Juniper staff member, Joan works within the Memory Support Unit at the City of Bayswater Hostel, a friendly and much loved 70-place residential aged care facility, operated and staffed by Juniper.
Vaughan Harding, chief executive at Juniper, said Joan is a widely respected employee and the award acknowledges Joan’s huge contribution to excellence in care.
“Joan has a natural ability to calm, nurture and connect with residents who have limited means of communication. Her initiative, artistic talents and creativity have also resulted in a much improved living environment for our residents. We are delighted to see Joan’s work celebrated by the aged care sector,” he said.
Among her many achievements, Joan designed and personally created a new Sensory Room for residents – transforming storage space into a calming sanctuary with forest-themed decorations, artificial grass on the floor, massage chairs and aromatherapy diffusers.
Joan has made numerous other improvements to the Memory Support Unit, re-decorating the outdoor area, dining areas and corridors to create a welcoming and calming environment.
“This is a home for our residents and if it feels clinical or unloved, how can they possibly warm to it?” said Joan.
The care facility’s residential manager, Toni Fyfe, said Joan’s focus on the comfort, happiness and wellbeing of the residents in her care is unwavering.
“Joan has created the Sensory Room and our other themed rooms in her own personal time by coming in on weekends and crafting decorations at home, and she has made such a positive difference,” she said.
“Dementia care is one of the most challenging areas in aged care and Joan is a wonderful example to our team. Her selfless commitment to residents and her exceptional work in improving the quality of our service, truly makes her a worthy recipient of this award.”
For more information on the 2016 ACSWA Excellence in Care Awards, visit acswa.org.au.
Top image: Joan Stevenson alongside a mural she organised to have installed at the City of Bayswater Hostel.