Respect

Every year on the 7th of August, Aged Care Employee Day invites us to honour the 370,000 residential care, home care and retirement living staff who care for more than 1.5 million older Australians.   For all of us here at Respect, the day is an opportunity to celebrate and recognise our many team members across the country, their ongoing dedication and commitment, and the wonderful work they do impacting lives in local communities.   Whether it is across our aged care homes, retirement living villages, or in the support we provide older Australians through home care, our values and sense of community sit at the heart of everything we do. This is driven by our amazing people and teams, who all share a passion for ensuring older people receive the care that they need.   It's our staff who make our communities feel so special, and today we celebrate them and say thank you! #agedcareemployeeday #thanksforcaring

❄️ Winter has been buzzing with activity at Respect! Our latest quarterly magazine is out now, filled with stories and updates from across our aged care, home care, and retirement living communities. To have a read online, follow the link below.

👋 Meet Bina, Enrolled Nurse at Peacehaven Bina Gurung’s thirst for knowledge led her across the world. But when the pandemic hit in 2020, she made the decision to commit herself to a career in aged care, so she could make a difference to the lives of others. Bina grew up in Pokhara, Nepal, and soon after finishing high school, she journeyed to London, following her dream of studying overseas and experiencing a foreign culture. Only 20 years old at the time, she began studying a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management, which also provided her an opportunity to start work as a PCA in her spare time. “This was my first role in healthcare, and I learned so much. It was a great experience.” she says. “I did that for two years during my studies but once I finished, I wanted to take a bit of a break and return home. I was pregnant with my beautiful daughter, so it allowed me to be surrounded by family and spend time with them… something I hadn’t been able to do too much during my time away.” But only a couple of years later and Bina’s drive and determination to learn more, and gain further professional experience abroad, saw her land in Sydney, where she commenced a master’s degree in business analytics. It was during this time that the Covid pandemic hit, along with all its challenges and feelings of uncertainty, particularly for someone living away from family, in a foreign country. “The whole pandemic was eye-opening; I saw the health system was under so much pressure. I already had experience as a carer and I decided I wanted to do something related to nursing. "The selfless nature of my mother – who helped others in hospital with Covid during the pandemic – inspired me to do what I could to help others, particularly those in need." Looking for course opportunities, as well as a new home, Bina chose Launceston – which she says was an easy choice, especially thanks to the support of her husband. “I already had friends here, who I had visited a couple of times. It’s so beautiful. The rivers and mountains even remind me of Pokhara, back home,” she says. “So I signed up to TAFE, began my studies, and started at Peacehaven in 2022, and haven’t looked back!” Bina is adamant that her and her husband have found their new home in Tasmania, and she says she continues to be driven and inspired, daily, by the residents and staff at Peacehaven. “Everyone at Peacehaven is like one big family. The staff are so friendly and cooperative,” she says. “In particular, Nicole Bonner [Care Manager] has been a huge support for me. She helped me transition from PCA into EN and has encouraged me to apply to do my Bachelor of Nursing, which I hope to start soon. “In terms of the most rewarding thing, it’s the residents. I learn a new thing every day. I have some residents who are 100 years old and the humour and friendliness they share with you makes you feel like you’re a member of their family. It’s hard to explain in words, but it’s just amazing.”

Intergenerational programs are transforming aged care homes across Australia, fostering meaningful connections between older adults and younger generations. At Respect, we are proud to host vibrant intergenerational programs that bring joy, purpose, and emotional well-being to our residents while building stronger, more inclusive communities. Some of our homes, including Tyler Village (TAS), Coates (VIC), and Cooinda (NSW) are making a positive impact through collaboration with local schools and day care groups. From heartwarming show-and-tell sessions to engaging pen pal initiatives, these programs are breaking down age-related stereotypes and creating lasting memories. Read more about the incredible benefits and heartwarming stories from our homes. 👇 #IntergenerationalPrograms #AgedCare

Residents from Alcheringa in Victoria recently enjoyed a visit to the Swan Hill Men’s Shed, rekindling their community ties. As part of Men’s Health Week, this visit highlighted the significant impact of local connections on mental and emotional wellbeing. Alcheringa’s Social Care Coordinator, Mariya Hicks, shares touching moments of residents reuniting with old friends, engaging in meaningful conversations, and learning about the supportive role of the Men’s Shed. Have a read of our story in the link below.

👋 Meet Tamika Stretton, Social Care Assistant at Tyler Village in Prospect Vale, Tasmania. When, as a fresh-faced 19-year old, Tamika first joined Tyler Village, little did she predict she would still be there 14 years later. But she is adamant she wouldn’t have it any other way! ‘Community’ and ‘connection’ mean a lot to Tamika. Through her work as a social care assistant, she is passionate about creating opportunities for resident engagement and inclusion. And, when reflecting on her time with Tyler Village, she warmly recalls the experience of ‘growing up’ as part of the home’s community. “I have three boys now – aged nine, 10 and 12 years old – and it was so lovely becoming a mum while being part of Tyler Village. Many of the residents, some still here today, watched me go through each pregnancy and met my babies… and I still love bringing the boys in today to help out and get involved in events,” Tamika says. While Tamika shares she has “always been a carer at heart”, it was her move to Tyler Village’s social care team four years ago that further sparked her affinity with aged care. “I find working in social care so rewarding. My favourite part is being able to build close, interpersonal connections with residents and their families,” she says. “Even if it’s just being able to spend quality, one-on-one time with them, away from our group activities. “We’re very focused on person-centred care at Tyler Village. Our team’s focus is on building connections with each resident and uncovering what they need and want to improve their time with us. And then it’s about doing our bit to help make it happen… trying to go above and beyond to improve their quality of life.” As Tamika explains, resident feedback plays a key role in developing the home's engaging social care calendar. And a recent activity that has created significant buzz around the home has been the launch of a new intergenerational program for Tyler Village residents. “I have a friend who runs ‘Little Sprouts Family Day Care’. Each fortnight, we organise for her to bring in her day care children, about six of them, who range from six months to four years old. The residents absolutely adore them,” she says. “There have been three sessions thus far and residents have had very positive feedback. Last week’s session was really beautiful… the kids brought in items for show and tell and they spent time going around and talking to each of the residents individually too.” Away from work, Tamika says when she isn’t running around with her boys, she loves exploring the natural wonders of Tasmania and all the hiking trails on offer. She’s also a bit of cake whizz! What started out as a hobby has grown into a full-blown passion and she is regularly tapped on the shoulder by friends and relatives to bake and decorate cakes for a wide range of celebrations. Tyler Village residents and staff are lucky indeed!

Our staff and residents at Tongala Memorial (Tongala, Victoria) recently celebrated the unveiling of our newly renovated facilities with a special afternoon tea for the community. These significant upgrades, including enhanced shared spaces and a modernised Memory Support Unit, aim to greatly improve the quality of life for our residents. We extend our gratitude to the Grummitt family for their extraordinary generosity and ongoing support. Read the full story below.

Cohuna Village, in Cohuna, Victoria, has been proudly supporting local families since it first opened its doors more than five decades ago. And now, thanks to a multi-million-dollar redevelopment project, our beloved aged care home is excited to continue its great legacy of providing the community with the highest level of service and care. The significant investment has modernised the home’s facilities to create an even warmer aesthetic environment to ensure the home’s strong culture of high-level service and support can continue for generations to come. Not only has Cohuna Village expanded through the construction of a new wing (complete with modern ensuite bedrooms linked by an attractive courtyard and garden space developed by Tanya Black at Cohuna Garden Supplies), but our home now also features a brand-new hair salon and café for residents to enjoy. Jith Jyothirmayan, General Manager at Cohuna Village, says the home’s renovations have already been greeted with tremendously positive feedback. “We’re looking forward to seeing the impact of these renovations on our community, among residents as well as staff,” Jith says. “Not only have these upgrades create a warmer, and more aesthetically pleasing environment, but the spaces are more functional too, and this will only further support staff to provide the highest quality of care and service for our residents.” A huge thank you to the following people and businesses who have been involved in completing this project: Mark Grigsby (Smith + Tracey Architects) Owen McLoughlan (OT McLoughlan Constructions) Martina Doolan-Cheyne (MDC Interior Concepts) Tanya Black (Cohuna Garden Supplies) Homecare Furniture

🌺 Staff and residents at our residential aged care home, Cooinda in Lithgow (NSW), were excited to say a big 'Bula vinaka' to six new carers who joined the team from Fiji earlier this month. Our new colleagues, who were recently introduced to the Lithgow community through a memorable morning tea, are the latest team members to join us via the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. PALM offers opportunities for people from ten Pacific Island nations to work in regional Australia for up to four years in industries experiencing shortages. Not only do our new team members bring unique skills and experience, but their support for our Cooinda community, including residents and fellow team members, will also be impactful. We warmly welcome our newest colleagues as they settle into their new home and a big thank you to all staff supporting them! 👏

🏵 Meet Claude Conlan, a true gem of our Lindisfarne community in Greater Hobart. For over a decade, Claude's dedication and kindness have touched countless lives at our retirement villages and our aged care home, Derwent Views. Have a read of the heartwarming story of how Claude, now 93, has made a lasting impact, spreading joy and companionship. From his love for his late wife, Frances, to his passion for volunteering, Claude's journey is inspiring and selfless...