Karen Slater is excited about her new post in the Nambucca Valley after relocating here from Laurieton where she was the Director of Care Services at The Whiddon Group, an aged-care facility with 39 hostel beds, 20 dementia specific beds and 62 retirement units.

Eight days after starting in her new position, Ms Slater encountered an unexpected visit from the accreditation agency for an unannounced support contact visit.

“I am happy to report that Autumn Lodge got through with flying colours, and the assessors were very pleased with the positive feedback they received from both residents and staff,” Ms Slater said.

“We were commended on having good systems in place for our clinical care.”

Ms Slater said it was obvious that the staff were very caring and committed to providing excellent care for all the residents.

“Autumn Lodge is a facility that I would be proud to place my mother.”

Ms Slater had commenced an annual planning process beginning by completing a full systems and accreditation review.

“This is in addition to our Continuous Quality Improvement plan which is well underway,” she said.

“I have had the pleasure of meeting some of our dedicated and invaluable volunteers, to whom I say a wholehearted thank you for your contribution.

“We couldn’t do it without you, you are all one in a million,” Ms Slater said.

“I am sure that together we will achieve great things now and well into the future.”

Autumn Lodge had vacancies and welcomed talking to anyone who may be interested in respite care or permanent placement in either low care or high care areas.