Page 5 - Hardi at Home Autumn Newsletter 2022

From the CEO ...
When I have been asked by friends or colleagues (actually pretty much anyone) about how I've been going over the past year, my standard response has been that, "I'm Living the Dream."
"Living the Dream," is definitely not what I, you, or anyone else that is actively involved in the aged care sector would say about the last couple of years. From 'outbreaks' to 'exposures', to managing staff shortages due to the challenges of Covid-19 exposures/infections occurring in the community, and working in an industry that is sometimes not recognised for the important work it does. To additional demands on governance and compliance, that while necessary in many areas, add yet another layer of responsibility and pressure onto already stretched staff.
And by our side throughout these challenges, have been our families and their loved ones, who have lived the impacts of the pandemic with us and have been on the crazy rollercoaster that I've termed, "Living the Dream."
More recently though, it has become evidently clear that Covid is here to stay and we must rise to the challenge of rebuilding 'our new normal', moving forward on future planning, and putting an end to the focus on Covid-19 only.
It's time to start to refurbish and renovate our homes, to provide an environment that is uplifting for our residents and their families. One that reinforces the Hardi vision of providing quality of life for every resident in our care. This vision is now more important than ever, as we look for hope, comfort and enjoyment in our surroundings. Goodness knows that our family, the Hardi family, are ready for positive change!
So, what does this positive change look like you ask? Well, let me give you some insight into what we have in store.
On the next page, we set out what we have in mind for renovation and refurbishment at Summer Hill, Guildford and Manly Vale, with larger works scheduled for our Seven Hills, Penrith and Blacktown homes. We will obviously be seeking input from residents and families at each facility.
One thing we have known for sometime, but has been reinforced by our experience during the pandemic, is that we need to create more space for our residents, which in some instances means a reduction in bed numbers. So, if there are outbreaks, the impact is reduced through the ability to minimise any spread. This decision though, comes at a significant financial cost to Hardi, however it is one that we believe we need to make as part of our plans going forward for the benefit of our residents.
We have also been working hard on trying to fill the void of the reduced ability for visitation through access to the new Hardi CIC App and by providing opportunities for alternate means of connection. We appreciate that there is no substitute for the real thing, but when the real thing is unavailable at least we have some good alternatives on offer.
One of these alternatives has been adding the Vegepod gardens at each of our homes to allow residents who have always loved to garden, the ability to still be able to do so.
Rest assured we are working hard to initiate positive change for all, and I look forward to a future where we can all genuinely say that at Hardi Aged Care, we are "Living the Dream."
Robert Oxford
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