Linda Stainton is in aged care because she is passionate about caring for people - she has been a nurse for a long time. An injury prevented Stainton from returning to acute care, hence a move into aged care, where she "absolutely loved it!"
Working across acute care, as a school nurse and for multiple nursing agencies has meant a varied depth of knowledge. Working on the floor as a Clinical Care Manager and a Quality Care Manager all shaped her ability to manage support as a Homage Care Specialist.
Before working at Homage, Stainton's management skills took a 30-bed facility from the most poorly performing to one of the best. She encouraged and supported staff to prioritise spending more time with the residents, caring for and listening to them, and offering companionship-oriented support and routine management. Working with the team made the facility a livelier and more inviting place for everyone. Fostering a collaborative relationship between core staff meant everyone could work well together and focus on caring for residents. Accepting students from training authorities and working with them before offering permanent roles also ensured the maintenance of this high-quality care.
The role of a Homage Care Specialist is multi-dimensional, supporting Care Professionals, Care Recipients, their families and the internal teams. A key part of Stainton’s role is conducting In Person Care Assessments, meaning that she can provide essential information to Care Professionals in a detailed Care Plan regarding the type of care required to support recipients correctly.
Stainton provides advice to Homage's internal Care Advisory, General Support and Live Operations teams and workshops support and resolutions for any issues or incidents with care recipients. In addition, she helps care professionals consolidate their skills and progress in their caring careers.
The beauty of in-home care is that the care offered is one-to-one. Instead of managing over 30 care recipients, staff have time to provide attention, care and even companionship to one person. Building a strong rapport with the care recipient makes them more relaxed. Something Stainton wished more people understood about working in aged care - just how rewarding and fun it can be.
"The people we care for don't want to sit around being serious all the time, so it is lovely to uncover the care recipients' sense of humour and have a laugh together. We are sharing the last part of their lives, so get in there, get to know them, and share the joy there."
There are, of course, some challenges in the industry. The baseline change with Covid-19 was using PPE and following testing requirements to ensure Stainton and her staff were healthy enough to provide care to those in need. In addition, she also had to ensure that caregiving continued despite new waves and constant regulatory changes. The current staffing crisis also provides challenges, but not necessarily new ones. Even before Covid, aged care staff were facing long hours and shortages. Not having international students took a significant toll on the industry - many would come to Australia to complete a Certificate III that allowed them to work in aged care while completing nursing degrees. Furthermore, registered nurses need to have wage parity with acute nurses because the amount of work is the same, if not more.
"It's unfortunate that working in aged care is not seen as desirable as it's such a rewarding role. It would be good if the new government could implement the changes in the Royal Commission to bring the right staff ratios for aged care."
On the other hand, Homage Australia supports its aged care workers well. Workplace safety is a key priority at Homage; if an unpleasant incident occurs during a visit, Stainton supports the Care Professional and follows up as much as necessary. There is an 'open door' policy to contact the team about any questions or concerns.
For Stainton, the most rewarding aspect of being a nurse is supporting recovery and being able to get people back on their feet. In aged care, it's about making the final years of someone's life happy and as dignified as possible. Interacting with the older community and learning about their histories and the life they have lived keeps her going.
As a Care Specialist, it can initially be challenging to conduct in-person care assessments for families who don't fully understand what's available. It can be tricky for families to know how to get in touch with the right services that correctly support their loved ones with the necessary equipment and home updates.
The number one priority for any facility should only be caring for the residents. In the future, Stainton hopes to see a new elder care model focusing on funding to cater to seniors' needs. She also hopes for a bipartisan government collective offering quality care and support to people who have dutifully paid their taxes and supported the economy all their lives.
While the concept has now become more mainstream, one of the most innovative things she experienced in the industry was when the Lifestyle Coordinator at a facility she previously worked brought in a group of kinder kids. The residents were so excited to watch and play with the four-year-olds. The kids were a bit tentative at first, but after a few weeks, they bounced off the walls.
"I'm so happy this caught on in the care industry as it is a fantastic way to support both sides - some kids don't have grandparents, so they learn how to interact with older people. For the elderly, so many of them love interacting with the young kids and the vibrant energy they bring into the facility!"
Stainton’s top tip is to find enjoyable employment for a healthcare professional just entering the workforce. If you are not enjoying it - find something else. Burnout is one of the worst things for the staff and the care recipient. Nurses tend to hang on too long because they care about their clients, but it doesn't end up benefiting anyone.
Linda Stainton feels incredibly lucky to have had such a well-rounded nursing career but is also looking forward to the next stage of life and being on track for retirement.
"I'm not there yet, but it's definitely in my future! I feel that having found Homage at the end of my career is the perfect full stop! I love being part of the team."
