TEN QUESTIONS


10 Questions with... Suzi Viljoen


Each issue we ask an industry professional the Tomorrow’s Care 10 Questions. This month, we chatted to Suzi Viljoen, Head of Sales from Supra UK Ltd.


1


HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE CARE INDUSTRY?


When I first started working at Supra UK 15 years ago, it wasn’t within the care market sector or key safe side of the business at first. When I moved across to this side, which provides key safes to care homes and vulnerable homeowners, I wanted to learn more and understand the care industry. This then developed into learning more about adult social care and telecare. The passion and dedication of people within the industry is contagious and something I thrive upon. I have now been a Dementia Friends Champion for two years and this is just one way of giving something back.


2


WHO, IN ANY OTHER INDUSTRY, DO YOU MOST ADMIRE?


That’s a really tough one as I don’t admire one particular person. I admire people that are leaders as opposed


to managers and who take the time to advance those working with them. I have been enjoying the positive messages on LinkedIn from Oleg Vishnepolsky lately.


3


HOW DO YOU THINK THE CARE SECTOR COULD BE IMPROVED?


I think we are all well aware of the issues with funding in the care sector and this is not an easy issue to solve, which I’m sure is partly the reason that the long-awaited green paper has been delayed so many times. One simple way things can improve is for the public to recognise how important it is to be a carer, so the stigma can be removed and what they do be appreciated. It would be nice if this led to greater job satisfaction and keeping carers in these important roles rather than the current high staff turnover.


4 5 6 7 - 48 -


IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPERPOWER FOR A DAY WHAT


WOULD IT BE? I think that if people could understand the issues that others face, there would be far more cooperation, so I would love to blast a ray at everyone that would open up that extra-sensory perception, even just for an hour.


WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING THE CARE INDUSTRY TODAY?


Despite all the talk of joined up working, organisations are still working in silos. Dynamic leadership is needed to bring the relevant organisations together.


IF YOU COULD HAVE A DINNER PARTY WITH ANY THREE PEOPLE,


DEAD OR ALIVE, WHO WOULD IT BE? The recently deceased Stan Lee, along with my two sons as they are huge Marvel fans.


WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU COULD GIVE TO SOMEONE NEW


COMING INTO THE CARE PROFESSION? www.tomorrowscare.co.uk


Take the time to listen to the people working in this industry. They are the most generous, giving people you will ever meet and will be more than happy to explain what they do and the impact they can achieve.


8


WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN A FUTURE ISSUE OF TOMORROW’S


CARE? There are so many pieces of new technology coming onto the market that it can be confusing. An independent comparison of similar products would be beneficial to those looking for tech and also for those whose job it is to recommend it.


9


WHAT DO YOU THINK THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR THE CARE INDUSTRY?


We recognise that we cannot carry on the way things are so changes are needed. I don’t know what form those changes will take but, in many areas, there is increased consumer input. I think there will be more personal budgets so people can choose their own care. Suppliers will need to find a way to engage directly with these consumers and provide them with services and products that they actually want. This will include redesigning products so they don’t scream, “I have a care package”.


10


JACKIE POOL, DIRECTOR OF MEMORY CARE AT SUNRISE


SENIOR LIVING UK AND GRACEWELL HEALTHCARE, ASKED: If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be?


I think it would be awareness. Unless you are in the care industry or find yourself in need of a care package, you probably wouldn’t even know what a key safe is.


www.keysafe.co.uk


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