A TWEED Shire organisation has been recognised for its work in helping elderly people remain in their homes.

Minister for Ageing and Richmond MP Justine Elliot visited the Tweed office of the United Protestant Association on Friday to formally present the organisation with a national Minister’s Award for Excellence.

Ms Elliot said the awards recognised best practice and innovation in residential and community aged care, and UPA won the award for Innovation in Staff Recruitment and Retention.

“On behalf of our community I congratulate the staff and management for their success in these awards,” she said.

“They are a win for UPA clients and for our community.

“These awards recognise aged-care services that provide exemplary care to older Australians and it is encouraging to see the success of UPA, who provide care to so many older people in our area.”

UPA Tweed Shire provides community care packages and respite and emergency respite care.

“People tell me that as they age they want to remain in their own homes and communities, close to their families and friends,” Ms Elliot said.

“We recognise this and are providing practical assistance through community care services to help older people retain their independence. We are providing more service to more older Australians than ever before.”

UPA’s award recognised the organisation’s success in developing and implementing an integrated staff-recruitment and retention strategy, with a strong focus on person-centred care for its community care workforce.

Ms Elliot said their recruitment strategy offered a paid orientation system with a buddy program that was supported by senior staff with experience in mentoring others.

“The innovation and dedication of aged-care providers and their employees to continually seek new and creative ways to provide even better care is commended,” she added.

Minister’s Awards for Excellence nominees were judged by an independent panel representing the skills industry and aged-care sector.