2006 Award Winner and Citations of Honor

Excellence in Ageing Services Award Winner

DutchCare Ltd
Carrum Downs, Victoria, Australia
Program Title: The Polder Model

A "polder" is a block of land reclaimed from the sea through dikes and drainage. Holland has been famous for the polder model for centuries as the system of tight cooperation between players. Due to the geographical position of the Netherlands, it would have been impossible to live together on a strip of land that is largely below sea level without compromise, consensus and co-operation. At DutchCare the tight cooperation between all our players – staff, residents and family members and particularly within the staff -has resulted in a team model which focuses on skills rather than position. The DutchCare Polder model calls for the same staff being allocated to the same residents whenever they work. They get to know the residents intimately and the residents get to know the staff. Staff spend time developing relationships with the elders and know when something is not right in their world. Aged care staff come into this industry to make a difference and at DutchCare we give them every opportunity to do so.

For more information please contact Petra Neeleman

2006 Citations of Honor

Beth Shalom Care Center
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Program Title: The Magical Wishing Lady

The Magical Wishing Lady is a program whereby the idea of a fairy lady is –even physically- introduced to the clients. They can make a wish to the Lady and the Lady makes their wish come true! As the wishes in general are very modest, the program can be organized on a regular basis, for instance twice a year. The strength of the program is the individual and personal approach of each client.

For more information please contact Paul de Leenheer

National Care Forum
Coventry, West Midlands, England
Program Title: The Care Ambassador Scheme

Care Ambassadors are qualified, committed, and experienced care workers who are involved in programmes of working with schools, providing presentations at careers sessions, and helping to facilitate taster sessions and the inclusion of care in work experience programmes. The Care Ambassador Scheme empowers young care staff to be ambassadors for their profession and give positive messages to young people about the many career opportunities available in the sector.

For more information please contact Des Kelly

Nightingales Medical Trust
Bangalore, India
Program Title: Elders Helpline

Elders Helpline addresses elder abuse. Elders in distress, within the Bangalore city limits (a city with one million elders), call the Helpline seeking for help and intervention, when they are helpless and in need of help. Prompt and reliable support is provided. Trained counselors, social workers and volunteers at the Helpline respond to the calls with concern and sympathy.

For more information please contact Dr. Radha S. Murthy