Nursing - Dementia

Masters in Clinical Nursing (Neurology); Graduate Diploma in Nursing Management; Graduate Certificate Aged Care & other qualifications

Kathryn had extensive experience in Dementia Care, when she joined ARV, attracted by the organisation’s “genuine desire to make a difference.”

She says, “They were keen to bring fresh ideas into the organisation while developing the Nurse Practitioner role. Often organisations will employ specialists / consultants and then ignore the advice. But ARV has shown genuine commitment, and has financially supported and implemented the recommended strategies.”

“Dementia is recognised as a major health issue. … (This role) provided an exciting opportunity to make a significant difference to the lives of people in the residential and community settings at ARV.”

One of Kathryn’s first projects was to develop a health promotion strategy across the organisation. As a result two ARV Memory Enhancement centres known as ‘BrightMinds’ have opened across Sydney to give access and support for people concerned about memory changes.

According to Kathryn, “This is a first-of-its-kind initiative in residential care - both proactive and innovative.”

After witnessing the red tape and politics of the hospital system, she describes working within ARV as “a breath of fresh air, less red tape and much more transparent.”

“It is a very supportive environment; you get a sense of joining an extended family. We all have the same goal: to improve the lives of older people. Providing Christian care means ensuring the best possible care available. I’m glad I made the switch and I would recommend it to anyone.”