BlueCross chief’s “invaluable” sleepover at aged care facility

An aged care chief recounted her sleepover at a residence as an "invaluable experience".

Ingrid Harvey, chief of BlueCross, stayed overnight at BlueCross Box Hill with ACCPA chief Tom Symondson.

Ingrid said the idea of staying overnight was raised during a conference in October last year when she suggested it to Tom.

"As CEOs, both Tom and I feel strongly that to make the best decisions on behalf of older Australians; we need to be able to truly understand and experience living in a residence," Ingrid told Aged Care Insite.

"Spending the night in a residential aged care home and talking to residents about their fears, joys, and concerns is just a part of building that knowledge."

"To walk in their shoes was a truly humbling and rewarding experience."

BlueCross is a leading provider of residential and home care services across Victoria. BlueCross has over 4,000 employees and cares for more than 3,500 residents and clients.

Unfortunately, a resident passed away that afternoon.

In between the tune of Frank Sinatra and teary-eyed residents and staff, Ingrid had a dawning realisation about her team.

"The team remained on site after a long day for a fond farewell – a guard of honour formed by staff and residents when they say goodbye to a resident," Ingrid said.

"At that moment, I gained a deeper understanding of the remarkable compassion exhibited by our team and felt proud that we honoured the lives of our residents with such respect and dignity."

Ingrid said the experience surpassed her expectations and opened her eyes to the changes and expectations needed for future staff and residents.

She said the experience was an opportunity to shape and improve the present and future of aged care and encouraged leaders to sleep over at an aged care.

"I would encourage all leaders responsible for critical decisions that impact lives of older Australians to spend the night in residential aged care, or at a minimum, talk directly with these wise and wonderful people," Ingrid said.

Ingrid now plans for more executives to engage in a similar experience or discussions to improve the residential homes.

"The next step is to advocate for more CEOs to undertake similar experiences, potentially turning it into an annual event and shedding a positive light on the sector," Ingrid said.

"This is our opportunity to shape and improve aged care in the present and future."

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