BOANDIK Lodge has announced a new chief executive officer – Dr Pamela Alde.
Ms Alde joined the organisation in October 2022 and has been the interim chief executive for the past three months following the resignation of Glenn Rappensberg.
She was previously the chief client officer heading the organisation’s client and clinical service portfolio.
Ms Alde’s career includes healthcare, aged care and management with a dedication to enhancing the quality of life for older people.
She said she remained committed to upholding Boandik’s “legacy of exceptional care”.
“This organisation has a rich history of providing exceptional care to all, regardless of background, and I’m committed to building upon that legacy,” Ms Alde said.
“I am honoured to join Boandik, an organisation that has been working across regional South Australia since its inception in 1956.”
She said serving alongside Boandik’s remarkable team of staff and their “genuine commitment” to the “provision of outstanding care and services” was a privilege.
Ms Alde first started her career 35 years ago completing formal studies in nursing and pursuing an academic career which spanned almost a decade.
“A focus on people has been central to every role I have held throughout my career and, together with the entire Boandik staff, we will build on that as we continue to serve the residents, clients, and families across the communities of the Limestone Coast,” Ms Alde said.
“I’ve seen firsthand through my own family and friends that life as you age can be challenging.
“I am committed to building genuine connections between our clients, residents, families, our staff, and partner providers”.
Ms Alde acknowledged while there was plenty of hard work ahead with the pending implementation of the new Aged Care Act and the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, she welcomed the changes these initiatives would bring, adding they would further assist in the commitment to continually improving care and services to all older Australians.
“I am excited at what the future holds for Boandik and the care of all older Australians,” Ms Alde said.
“Statistics released by the Federal Government (Intergenerational Report) is forecasting that over the next 40 years the number of older Australians aged 65 and over will more than double and the number of those aged 85 and over will more than triple.
“As a nation, we need to be proactive in our approach to addressing the many complex and dynamic issues associated with aging and importantly, the need for the voice of older people to be the loudest.”
Boandik board chairperson Vicki Quinn expressed confidence in Ms Alde’s ability to lead the organisation through the challenges and opportunities ahead.
“Pam’s extensive clinical and leadership experience will ensure that Boandik responds proactively to challenges and opportunities associated with all reforms and sector growth in the years ahead,” Ms Quinn said.
“The board is pleased to have attracted someone as talented as Pam to preserve our strong tradition of providing the highest level of care and support to our residents, clients, families, and staff not only in Mount Gambier but also across the upper and lower South East.
“This appointment represents a significant milestone for Boandik as it continues to prioritise the well-being and quality of life of its clients and residents. With her leadership, Boandik is poised to remain a leader in aged and disability care, providing compassionate and dignified care.”
