Altaira
Inside Altaira's journey of career pathways and community commitment
Altaira— a residential aged care placement agency— was founded in 2008 by Gaynor Giro, a registered nurse who spotted a gap in the market and wanted to do things better whilst imparting her generous knowledge in healthcare and nursing staffing solutions.
Starting from a one-person establishment—a boutique agency run from home— Altaira has grown to a national agency based in Campbelltown with two dozen staff and more than 3000 workers on their database but have still retained their family feel. 'The fact that we haven't lost the ability to laugh and run this as a family unit is my favourite thing about this organisation,' said Jelena Giro, Director.
To nurture that family feeling, management consciously encourages regular roundtable discussions where everyone is included in the decision-making, encouraging ownership and contribution of ideas and solutions. 'It's irrelevant what department or role a staff member is in; if they have a solution, we will try it. And if it doesn't work, that's okay,' said Jelena.
Supporting career pathways
One of the key differences of this organisation is that they truly believe in supporting career pathways from the get-go. That's why they've developed comprehensive graduate nurse programs and understand that newer employees can have much to offer even if the experience isn't there yet. With their own onsite training facility, these training and graduate programs ensure that placements are more than equipped for the role. Plus, they genuinely appreciate the need to develop their placements long-term. This means they strongly focus on building loyalty and integrity, even amidst a traditionally transient workforce.
Another central facet of their success is keeping ahead of the game. The organisation is very tech-embracing, helping to deliver its services and support nationwide whilst retaining a physical Campbelltown base. But without compromising their considerable face-to-face style to continue to foster the connection.
Commitment to community
But Altaira's services extend beyond just putting personnel into place. Their commitment to the industry and the local community is incomparable, underpinning their ethos. ‘Altaira would not be here without the support of our clients and staff and we therefore value opportunities to give back to our community,' said Jelena.
One of the key ways they do this is by working closely with Campbelltown City Council and their Ageing Well programs, including hosting twice weekly free classes for senior members, which has seen attendance numbers triple in the recent past. The aim of this program is primarily to offer health and wellbeing benefits as well as enhanced quality of life to those over 65 years old whilst cultivating interaction, friendship and companionship amongst this group. To the point where the group has taken their own initiatives, including fundraising and social activities, reinforced by the relationships they have developed. Additionally, these programs provide a sense of purpose and reduce loneliness whilst fostering the value these community members offer.
Positive change
Positive change is one of Altaira's foundational values, which underpins how they approach their core service and role in the industry, whilst always proactively seeking and forming constructive relationships and prioritising their presence in and contributing to the community.
'Honesty is the best policy,' according to Altaira, and they feel it's integral to creating and maintaining fruitful relationships. And that means offering— but more importantly, receiving— transparent feedback or having difficult conversations with a vision to improve continuously. This is particularly important when ascertaining the best outcomes for residents because, at the end of the day, they are the priority aspect of our service.
With a deep understanding of the trials that face the industry, such as the all-too-familiar burnout, mental health challenges, and high turnover, Altaira genuinely focuses on addressing these issues at a foundational level. Such as buddy shifts, clinicians on call, health and wellbeing perks and programs, personal and professional development coaching, access to meal services and more. All demonstrating that the support system goes beyond just placing people in jobs. Notably, they have partnered with organisations such as Healthcare Heartbeat, a dedicated platform to assist workers' mental health and wellbeing.
Following on their community investment, Altaira supports local sporting groups, Southern Cross Care Foundation's Care Car program, World Youth International, Dementia Australia, Little Heroes Foundation and more.
Going forward, the organisation is looking forward to increasing its Allied Health and Wellness Centre and its offerings, which include physiotherapy, remedial massage, and more classes to assist the community even better.
‘Campbelltown City Council is a very communicative and responsive council, and its interest in creating a relationship and being a conduit to mutually beneficial partnerships makes us feel highly guided on our journey. We're fortunate to be in this Council area,' reported Jelena.
Business Tips
Jelena's business tips are:
- Don't be afraid of risk.
- Don't be scared of change
- Surround yourself with people who are more intelligent than you. And be sure to take their advice when they offer it!