Lorraine Kelly came to Moran Sylvania in 2012 after serving as Councillor and Mayor of Sutherland Shire. She wanted to return to her roots as a Registered Nurse and chose the new Moran Aged Care Home at Sylvania which, at the time, was in a phased opening with less than 100 beds occupied. Lorraine moved quickly into the role of Clinical Nurse Educator, then Care Manager and in 2020 became the General Manager just as the COVID era was beginning.
Interestingly Lorraine named COVID as both her biggest challenge and her biggest highlight, having only been in the GM role for 2 weeks when aged care went into lockdown. Lorraine said “we learned to be resourceful and creative with our lifestyle and wellness programs, we became closer as colleagues, staff/resident/representative bonds grew as we supported each other and worked as a team to enable resident communication with their loved ones. It really was a unique time and hopefully not one the industry will ever have to repeat.”
With too many highlights to mention, it is meeting the challenges that residents and families face when transitioning to aged care that are top of mind for Lorraine.
“It is so gratifying to see residents who come to us from home, who have been socially isolated and lonely…watching them blossom, make connections and friendships is wonderful. Watching residents who are reluctant to enter aged care flourish in their later years and whilst we know that aged care isn’t the same as home, listening to them call Moran Sylvania Home is very satisfying.”
In speaking at Lorraine’s farewell, Moran Sylvania resident Kevin Cashman AM said
“Lorraine, you have helped so many residents in facing their greatest challenge, the last chapter of their life. Your compassion, your support, your words have been of unmeasurable help to them.”
“I entered the aged care industry straight from being Mayor of Sutherland Shire and at that time I thought managing local government was equally challenging and complex. If you had told me that 10 years later, I would be General Manager of a 180 bed residential aged care facility I would have laughed. I now realise that the mayoral role really was preparing me for managing, supporting and collaborating with 200 employees, 180 residents and over 500 family members at any one time” said Lorraine.
As for her retirement, Lorraine is preparing to put her phone on silent, enjoy some peaceful days and focus on family and her own self-care. She plans to spend more time with her 95 year old Mum, embrace the role of becoming a grandparent for the first time and enjoy making some of the adventures long discussed with her husband a reality.
Lorraine’s professionalism, energy and creativity will be sorely missed by residents, team members and families…her final message to everyone is that there’s a saying “You are only as good as the people around you. I have been blessed to have had the benefit of working with an amazing team, a community of wonderful residents and their representatives and a very patient and supportive husband and family. Thank you to everyone at Moran Sylvania.”
Lorraine Kelly served as Councillor from 2003 to 2013 and Sutherland Shire Mayor from 2008 to 2010.
Her final project at Moran Sylvania has been to commission a new 22 bed Household called Gardenview Terrace, specifically for those who are living with mild cognitive impairment and need some additional support, activities and redirection.
Lorraine leaves behind a highly experienced and strong leadership team who are ready, willing and able to step into her shoes.
To find out more about how you can join the friendly community at Moran Sylvania please contact us for a chat.
