meet keith cameron-smith

Keith is a finalist in the Individual Distinction category of the 2018 HESTA Aged Care Awards. 

This award recognises an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to aged care in Australia over time, through development or provision of high quality care to ageing Australians.

Many nursing home residents come into care close to or near the end of their life’s journey. Recognising that death and grief are common realities for family members and aged care staff, Keith developed a number of initiatives to help people say goodbye.

These include the introduction of twice yearly memorial services as well as a Guard of Honour to remember those who have passed. These services have helped ensure that people are honoured and remembered in a respectful and thoughtful way. It is also an outlet for staff and family members to grieve and has helped address the challenge of managing the reality of death and the associated grieving process with dignity, compassion and sensitivity.

On being named a finalists Keith says he's very humbled.

"It is unusual to gain such recognition. It's profoundly humbling."

Keith’s leadership has enabled McKenzie Aged Care to embrace the solidarity that comes with caring for ageing Australians, promoting a sense of community and wellbeing for residents, their families and aged care staff.