HammondCare CEO Andrew Thorburn has announced the appointment of Jenny Summerton as Executive General Manager Residential Care, a role overseeing 18 dementia care villages and homes in three states.

Mr Thorburn said Ms Summerton has already proven herself as a leader with deep understanding of dementia care and relationship-focused clinical care in her past three months acting in the role and in previous leadership roles with Dementia Support Australia.

Ms Summerton, who replaces Angela Raguz, was appointed following an extensive national search including the support of an executive search firm.

“Her passion for our mission, extensive knowledge and experience in dementia care, along with leadership experience in frontline clinical residential care, truly set her apart,” Mr Thorburn said today.

“Jenny will bring practical and clinical expertise to the role after a diverse career spanning residential aged care, and scientific diagnostics and research,” he said.

A Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Applied Science degree, Ms Summerton was most recently National Program Manager for Dementia Support Australia before becoming acting GM Residential Care.

Growing HammondCare’s national footprint while driving innovation in person-centred dementia and palliative care would be objectives for her in the new role, Ms Summerton said.

“I’m honoured to lead Residential at HammondCare, building on our strong foundation of relationship-focused care,” she said. “It’s a privilege to work with a team so dedicated to improving the lives of residents, especially those with complex dementia needs,” she said.

HammondCare has care homes in NSW, Victoria and SA, employing 2712 staff. The care homes offer a sense of belonging and being at home.