Care chief’s big shoes to fill

Narrogin Cottage Homes’ newly appointed acting chief executive Sharon Bryce says she hopes to make the company more financially viable while maintaining a focus on residential care.

Ms Bryce said she would look to make changes to benefit the company wherever possible.

“I’m here with fresh eyes just to make changes where there needs to be changes,” she said.

“Aged care at the moment is very difficult financially, so I’m looking at ways to reduce costs, looking at viability and cutting costs where I can, but not in the care sector.”

Ms Bryce has been involved in aged care for at least 40 years and has spent time working in the South West, as well as a short stint in Dubbo.

Her predecessor, Julie Christensen, who has taken 12 months leave, was in her role for 18 years.

“Julie is taking a much-needed rest,” Ms Bryce said.

“Eighteen years she has worked to develop this and she should be commended.

“It was a very small facility and it has just grown.

“I know the community appreciate her and I hope to maintain it until she gets back.”

After starting in the position in January, Ms Bryce said she wanted to develop a company stra-tegic plan for the next five years.

“I also hope to maintain how the residents feel about Julie being away and maintain their comfort and safety, as this big change can be quite upsetting,” she said.

“In my role I can make a difference, and there were so many things I saw as a younger woman that I wasn’t happy about.

“I started off as a carer and worked my way to where I can make changes, make it better and all about the residents.”

Also stepping into new roles are property manager Chantel Roosendaal and human resources manager Narelle Rowe.

Ms Roosendaal has been with NCH since December and is responsible for visiting and selling the more than 60 units available to seniors.

“I love being involved in aged care,” she said. “It makes me think back to my days when I was in South Africa with my grandparents, and it just makes you miss them and appreciate aged people way more than not being involved with them at all.”

Narrogin Cottage Homes has 50 residents.