Jennifer Hill1, Kim Page1
1Masonic Care Tasmania
Abstract:
Outline of Presentation: In May 2017, a $250,000 dementia research and demonstration project was successfully launched. The Improving Dementia Care Program is an exciting collaboration between Masonic Care Tasmania, Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre and the Masonic Centenary Medical Research Foundation.
This presentation will share the journey and update of a new demonstration project that looks at how to model new roles for graduates of Bachelor of Dementia Care from University of Tasmania that will support the development of dementia care practice in residential aged care.
The project is being run over two years across three Masonic Care Tasmania aged care sites, including two dementia specific units and will explore how Bachelor of Dementia Care graduate, Kim Page, is shaping a new model of dementia care in aged care practice.
By drawing on skills Kim has gained from her degree she is able to implement evidence based practice in clinical improvements, managing behaviours and utilising the skills developed upon completion of a degree.
Why presentation/ topic of interest to participants: This is an important step for the industry in determining new ways that can ultimately assist the complexities of caring for those living with dementia in aged care facilities.
Biography:
Jennifer Hill trained as a Registered Nurse in Tasmania in the late 1970’s. In her formative years, she held positions in both the public and private sector. She has over 20 years experience in Aged Care in various roles from clinical practice, education and training, dementia care and management positions. She was a nominee in Rotary Pride of Workmanship Award 2001 and ANMF Aged Care Nurse of the Year 2010. She was appointed as the Director of Care Services at Masonic Homes of Northern Tasmania, in 2007 and was recently appointed as Executive Director – Clinical, Masonic Care Tasmania.
Kim Page has been working with Masonic Care Tasmania since July 2008 as an Extended Care Assistant and graduated from the University of Tasmania in 2016 with a Bachelor of Dementia Care. Kim’s great interest in dementia has seen her quickly excel and she now plays an integral role in this new research and demonstration project.
