Facebook
One of Australia’s leading female aged care executives is shining a light on the incredible women who make up the heart of the sector in celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8.
Lanna Ramsay, Ozcare’s Chief Operating Officer – Aged Care, oversees over 2,600 staff caring for over 1900 residents yearly at 19 facilities across Queensland and will mark her 27th anniversary at the not-for-profit provider in 2025.
Ms Ramsay is among an aged care senior leadership in Australia that awards key roles to women. The residential aged care services sector boasts 51 percent of women as CEOs, compared to the national average of 22.3 percent across all industries (Australian Government Workplace Gender Equality Agency, 2020).
With this year’s IWD theme, Accelerate Action, Ms Ramsay believes she is a part of change where it matters most – supporting the women who care for our elderly and ensuring they have the resources, respect and recognition they deserve.
“Women make up 86 per cent of the aged care workforce – nurses, carers, cleaners, cooks, activity co-ordinators and volunteers, all working tirelessly to provide comfort and dignity to older Australians,” Ms Ramsay said. “I am passionate about giving these women a voice, creating career pathways, and making their work easier through better systems and support.
“At Ozcare, we see the incredible work that women do every single day. They are the ones holding hands, wiping tears, sharing laughs and making a real difference in people’s lives. We need to be doing everything we can to support them.” Through mentorship programs, leadership development, and a strong focus on staff wellbeing, Ms Ramsay is ensuring that aged care workers are not just seen as caregivers but as skilled professionals who deserve respect and opportunities to grow.
“Ozcare’s team support is a major focus, but we’re always looking for ways to improve the quality of care for our residents. Ozcare has been an early adopter of industry-leading technology to improve care outcomes. These initiatives have reduced staff burnout, enhanced resident experiences and brought aged care into the future,” she said.
She said these key changes have included:
- More time for care – Introducing AlayaCare Residential software, a cloud-based system to cut back on paperwork and free up staff to focus on residents.
- Less strain on staff – Bringing in autonomous mobile robots at Hervey Bay, Toowoomba and Mackay to handle heavy lifting, so staff can spend more time with people, not tasks.
- Streamline screening for visitors – Implementing digital sign-in devices at every facility to safeguard residents and staff against illness.
- Specialised dementia support – Expanding Ozcare’s Dementia Advisory Program to ensure families navigating dementia get the support and guidance they need.
- Improving care outcomes – Using AI-driven tools like PainChek to assess pain so more effective treatment is given to residents who may have difficulty communicating, including those people living with dementia.
- Better medication management – Implementing E-Scripting to enhance accuracy and safety in prescribing medications.
- Enhanced coordination of care – Transitioning to Electronic Medical Records (EMR) to ensure real-time access to vital health information, improving communication between healthcare providers.
“In 2025, we are rolling out our new cloud-based system to improve oversight into clinical services and reduce administrative burdens and allow caregivers to focus more on residential care,” Ms Ramsay said. “No piece of technology can replace a kind word, a familiar face, or a warm touch. But if we can use innovation to make sure our staff have more time for those moments, then we’re on the right track. While some of her female counterparts are focused on research to bring about improvements, Ms Ramsay is on the ground, working alongside her teams, listening to residents and making real changes where they matter most.
“I have a simple vision and that is for aged care workers, especially women, to feel valued, supported and inspired,” she said “Our older Australians deserve high-quality care that prioritises dignity, connection and respect. And the future of aged care should be filled with warmth, compassion, and innovation that puts people first.”
Her leadership of the sector extends beyond Ozcare, with a strong influence on aged care reforms nationally and internationally. As a former member of the Aged Care Advisory Group, Ms Ramsay was involved in shaping the My Aged Care system, ensuring the national framework prioritised people over process – making it easier for older Australians and their families to access care.
Ms Ramsay remains focused on setting and upholding the highest standards of care, safety and workforce support in her current role within the International Standards Organisation (ISO) Committee for Ageing Societies.
“As a female leader in a sector in which women make up the vast majority of the workforce, the role is more than operational – it is about advocating for the voices of women in aged care, ensuring they have recognition, resources and career pathways whether they are trained in Australian or overseas,” Ms Ramsay said.“It is easy to focus on policy and numbers, but at the heart of aged care are real people and we need to make sure that every decision we make improves their experience – whether they are a resident, a home care client, a family member, a staff member or a volunteer.
“International Women’s Day isn’t just about celebrating women – it’s about making real change for them. Women are the heart of aged care, and they deserve to get opportunities and support. Many of these women face the challenge of having the dual role of caring for others at home.
“At Ozcare, we are continuing to raise the standard of aged care and providing leadership is more than strategy; it’s about heart and realising it is always not just an individual’s efforts but the great team that comes along with you on the journey.”