the Aged Care Today magazine featured articles

A standout is the new ‘Heartprint’ model, which has earned St Vincent’s Care national recognition with a nomination in Ageing Australia’s You Are ACE! awards, an initiative that celebrates outstanding achievement, commitment and excellence across the aged care sector.

From the moment you step into St Vincent’s Care Heathcote in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire, the difference is palpable. At the reception desk, 78-year-old resident Grace Wilson works alongside staff member Jennifer Dacron to greet visitors who arrive at the home. A former office manager, Grace moved into St Vincent’s after losing her husband, seeking a sense of purpose and belonging in her new home.

“It’s a natural fit for me and I enjoy doing the work,” says Grace, who now staffs the reception desk four days a week. “It makes a difference for new residents and families when they see someone who lives at the home in a front of house role,” she says. Grace was also appointed by fellow residents as the Chair of the Residents’ Advisory Committee, which consults on everything from ideas for outings and social events, to garden planning.

The Heartprint model has now been fully embedded across St Vincent’s Care homes nationwide, cementing this innovative approach that recognises the ongoing value and contribution older people make to the community. By consulting with residents to identify their skills and interests, and how they would like to see their role in the aged care home, the model is helping to break down barriers around ageism, in a win-win move for staff and residents alike.

Tom Symondson, Chief Executive Officer of Ageing Australia, says the Heartprint model is a shining example of the sector’s ongoing commitment to excellence. “Quality aged care isn’t just about clinical excellence, it’s about connection. The best providers understand this and they’re leading the way in creating places that feel like true homes for residents.”

Mark Aros, Manager of St Vincent’s Care Heathcote, says the shift has given residents like Grace an opportunity to not just feel truly at home, but also feel valued as a person. “Grace is certainly a very valuable member of our team, both as a resident and as a colleague and friend,” Mark says. “We know that making a contribution to where she lives is important for Grace – it’s important for her mental health and we have plenty of laughs and fun along the way. When residents are empowered to shape their lives here, the whole community thrives.”