Esther Westra
Executive Services
Southern Cross Care (SA, NT & Vic)
Esther is an aged care executive with over 20 years of experience in the sector, currently
overseeing operations for both residential and home services at Southern Cross Care (SA, NT &
Vic). With a foundation as an Occupational Therapist, her expertise spans systems thinking,
transformative leadership, and change management. Driven by a passion for improving lives
through care, Esther is committed to fostering a person centred culture that promotes health.
SESSIONS
Day 1
4:40
Panel: Aggression or anxiety? The language that builds cultures
Language shapes perception, which influences behaviors, which then become the culture, reflecting the importance of the words the workforce uses on a daily basis
What if so-called “challenging behaviours” are simply expressions of unmet needs?
Learn how language reframing can improve empathy, care quality, and team culture in dementia support
Moderator: Esther Westra, Executive Services, Southern Cross Care (SA, NT & Vic)
Jillian Kidd, National Manager – Behavior and Wellbeing Support, Regis Aged Care
Jacqueline Wesson, Senior Lecturer Discipline of Occupational Therapy, Sydney School of Health Sciences Faculty of Medicine & Health
Jenny Houston, Dementia and Behaviour Support Specialist, Uniting