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We are delighted to welcome to our Board, Helen Jones, Executive for Quality and Service Development within Australian Unity Independent and Assisted Living.
As an advocate for innovation, change and teamwork, Helen has undertaken global research to identify alternatives that may add value to the Australian senior service industry. She was also the first aged care recipient of the Endeavour Executive Australia Award, and as a SAGE Tourist, Helen has on two occasions visited and observed practice in various environments across the United States and Canada.
In 2012, Helen’s international research culminated in a 9-week stint observing practice across the Extra Care Charitable Trust in the United Kingdom, and an immersion workshop on the Green House Model in the USA.
“I became very interested to participate in Common Age from the first meeting in Australia when Andrew Larpent highlighted the variance in aged care service standards across the Commonwealth,” explains Helen.
“Given the personal growth benefits I have received from participating in international study of aged care, I was delighted to take the opportunity to contribute to assist colleagues in other countries, share learnings and raise aged care standards globally,” she says. “I am a very proud advocate of the Australian aged care industry and consider we have much to offer other countries in terms of learning and leadership, whilst continuing to improve the outcomes for our own seniors.”
After four years of weekly commutes in Australia between Brisbane and Melbourne, Helen and her partner, Darryl, moved their family home to Melbourne in July 2014. “Settling in to the Victorian way of life means learning about how to dress for the changeable weather, how to understand AFL and enjoying the great cultural experience that is Melbourne!” says Helen.
CommonAge Chairman Andrew Larpent says: “We are delighted to welcome Helen to the Board of CommonAge. Helen brings a depth of experience and skill to the board and her international perspective will be invaluable as we work to promote the growth and development of services and support systems for older people throughout the Commonwealth.”
Read more about Helen’s experience here
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