thompson health care news · welcome to the 17th . edition of thompson health care news. 2016 has...

ISSUE 17

Thompson Health Care News

Graduations Page 78

In this issue:

Our stunning new home Wahroonga House Page 3Meet our DONs Page 4

Welcome to the 17th edition of Thompson Health Care News. 2016 has been a fulfilling year for residents and staff.

In May we opened Boronia House, our first home in Sydney’s West. Within three months every bed was full and residents are now enjoying their wonderful new home. This comes off the back of the successful completion and opening of Abbey House last year, which I am proud to announce won our third Excellence in Housing Award for Aged Care Buildings with our builders Northside Constructions Pty Ltd. Thompson Health Care places extreme importance on quality construction, as a first class building makes it so much easier for staff to fulfill residents’ needs.

As always, our staff have strived to achieve many educational awards this year. We have had over 400 staff graduating from various courses at University, TAFE New South Wales and other training providers and workplace activities. Education is the key to giving all our residents the best of care, so we are proud to provide our staff with opportunities to continually learn. My family’s reward is hearing the satisfaction of loyal staff and the appreciation of residents and relatives who benefit from their skills. In this issue we feature a few appreciation notes from relatives that have touched staff and reinforced their desire to provide outstanding care to all. We are lucky to have such a strong team of employees, headed by 12 outstanding Directors of Nursing.

It is my continuing honour to work with eight family members to run our 12 homes. As a team we are able to give attention to the small details, providing our residents with homes they love. From managing the outstanding staff through to exceptional recreational programs, original artworks, interior design and home cooked meals; these are the little touches that set our homes apart from others. Knowing we can make a difference in the lives of residents is what keeps the Thompson family striving for excellence.

A note from Douglas Thompson AM

Thompson Health Care

In this issue we catch up with all the news from each home, looking at the fun and care they provide. We look at the successful cookbook projects from two homes that gave a wonderful boost to residents, as well as visits from a popular rugby league team. Our three graduation ceremonies also feature, with photos and news from each event. Warm wishes,

Douglas Thompson AM Proprietor

ContentsUseful Contacts 02

Welcome to Wahroonga House 03

Meet our Directors of Nursing 04

Abbey House 06

Avalon House 12

Boronia House 18

Bowral House 24

Macleay Valley House 30

Milford House 36

Mona Vale House 42

Seabeach Gardens 48

Tarragal House 54

Terrey Hills Nursing Home 62

Turramurra House 68

Visits from the mighty Sea Eagles 74

Cooking up memories 76

Highlands Graduation 78

Macleay Valley House Graduation 80

Sydney Graduation 82

On our cover: Sandy Moreton and Yanfei Deng with The Hon Brendan Nelson AO

Both Sandy and Yanfei received prolific leaners awards at graduation for completing over three courses each. In addition to these achievements, both have recently been promoted to the position of Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Sandy at Terrey Hills Nursing Home and Yanfei at Milford House.

Two employees very worthy of a front cover.

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Useful ContactsMy Aged CarePhone: 1800 200 422

www.myagedcare.gov.au

Australian Aged Care Quality AgencySydney Office Level 9, 111 Phillip Street

PO Box 674 Parramatta NSW 2124

Phone: (02) 9633 2099

www.aacqa.gov.au

Department of Veterans’ AffairsPhone (General Enquires): 133 254

Phone (Regional Callers): 1800 555 254

www.dva.gov.au

Department of Human Services (Centrelink)Phone: 132 300

www.humanservices.gov.au

Aged Care Complaints CommissionerPhone: 1800 550 552

www.agedcarecomplaints.gov.au

Help at HomePhone: 1800 200 422

www.myagedcare.gov.au

Alzheimer’s AustraliaPhone: (02) 9805 0100

www.fightdementia.org.au

National Dementia HelplinePhone: 1800 100 500

www.fightdementia.org.au

Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association NSW INCPhone: 1800 451 488

www.cpsa.org.au

Seniors Rights ServicePhone: 1800 424 079

www.seniorsrightsservice.org.au

Diabetes AustraliaPhone: 1300 136 588

www.diabetesaustralia.com.au

beyondbluePhone: 1300 224 636

www.beyondblue.org.au


Thompson Health Care 3

Thompson Health Care is proud to be welcoming residents to our newly opened Wahroonga House.

Located on Sydney’s Upper North Shore, this beautiful heritage listed house has been completely renovated and adjoins a new build offering the best in aged care. Surrounded by beautiful cottage gardens typical of the area, lucky residents have spacious rooms with private ensuites, flat screen televisions, Foxtel, Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Natural light floods through oversized windows overlooking the sunny internal courtyard or lush gardens.

Living areas have been interior designed and feature unique local artworks, perfect for relaxing with a cup of tea and a good book. Residents will enjoy the home’s own cinema, hair and beauty salon, chapel, library and computer space. The in-house coffee shop is the perfect spot to enjoy a cappuccino with new and old friends.

Our resident chef will prepare home cooked favourites every day, served in one of the many dining rooms. The recreational staff have prepared a program to suit everyone, with daily activities from bus outings, live entertaining and art classes, through to card games and theme days. Life can be as busy or relaxing as you like. Of course residents have access to the home’s physiotherapist and exercise classes, as well as a complimentary aromatherapy program.

“Our newest home in Wahroonga is sure to please our residents and their families, providing outstanding comfort and the best of aged care. It’s a truly a place they will be proud to call home.”

Douglas Thompson AM, Proprietor, Thompson Health Care

Director of Nursing Melissa Yan has worked with Thompson Health Care for ten years. After a few years managing another THC home she is happy to return to Wahroonga House, greeting old and new residents and staff. Melissa brings a wealth of knowledge to her role including years of experience in Aged Care, a Masters of Health Service Management, Bachelor of Civil Engineering, Bachelor of Nursing and a Graduate Certificate in Commerce. She promotes a strong emphasis on support for her residents and their families.

Melissa is joined by Lianne Hannah and Aimin Wang as Deputy Directors of Nursing. They both bring many years of experience with Thompson Health Care to their roles. Aimin has a well-rounded knowledge as a previous Clinical Nurse Specialist and RN, and Lianne has many years experience working as an RN in oncology, palliative care, dementia, behaviour management and wound care.

Welcome to Wahroonga House

Deputy Directors of Nursing Aimin Wang and Lianne Hannah

with Director of Nursing Melissa Yan

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Meet our Directors of Nursing


Angelika Adams Abbey HouseYears of service with THC: 3 years

Sandy Matthews Avalon HouseYears of service with THC: 9 years

Natasha Begum Boronia HouseYears of service with THC: 6 months

Sherrie Toon Mona Vale HouseYears of service with THC: 14 years

Michelle Ossington Seabeach GardensYears of service with THC: 5 years

Sue Warby Tarragal HouseYears of service with THC: 24 years


Jenny Jones Terrey Hills Nursing HomeYears of service with THC: 20 years

Fiona Flood Turramurra HouseYears of service with THC: 10 years

Melissa Yan Wahroonga HouseYears of service with THC: 10 years

Collette BeaufilsBowral House Years of service with THC: 7 years

Wilma Sims Macleay Valley HouseYears of service with THC: 6 years

Suzanne Hobart Milford HouseYears of service with THC: 14 years

Meet our DONs

This new home is filled with happy residents and outstanding staff who enjoy full social lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands. With lots of knitting, movie watching and events, residents here are enjoying life every day.

AbbeyHouse

Donna GladwinDeputy Director of Nursing

Donna has been a Registered Nurse for almost 30 years and has spent many of those years in Aged and Palliative Care. Since joining Thompson Health Care six

years ago she has completed Certificate IV in Palliative Care, Certificate IV in Dementia as well as studied wound management. She is currently enrolled in an Accreditation course and a leadership and management course. “I enjoy working in a happy, friendly and supportive environment with amazing staff at Abbey House,” she says. Donna has three adult children and two grand children. She loves visiting the beach, swimming and spending time with her family in her time away from work.

Simone MacKenzieDeputy Director of Nursing

Simone has been working in nursing since she left school, first as a Nursing Assistant then as an Endorsed Enrolled Nurse, and she finished her nursing degree when

she was 29. She has spent time working across different sectors as well as 10 years in an Emergency Department as a Registered Nurse. Having been with Thompson Health Care for almost two years, she is currently enrolled in an Accreditation course and a leadership and management course. “I enjoy interacting with people and ensuring residents’ lives are enriched each day,” she says. Originally from Sydney, she has been in the Highlands for three years with two children and two fur babies. She loves to spend time at Lake Alexandra with her kids and Sammy the dog.

Abbey House 7

Welcome to Abbey House

Meet Our Staff

Karen SandalRegistered Nurse

Karen has worked at Abbey House since 1990, taking time off to have children and a year’s experience in disabilities. When she started at the Abbey it was named Elizabeth

Balvers. She originally worked mainly evening and night shifts as an Enrolled Nurse. She then completed the medication course and became the first Endorsed Enrolled Nurse for Thompson Health Care.

After doing many different courses, three years ago she decided to study her Bachelor of Nursing and graduated last year. Karen has continued working at Abbey House ever since graduating. “I enjoy aged care and wish to continue my studies in palliative care so residents benefit from my continuing education,” she says.

Carole FordNurse Assistant

Carole is entering her thirteenth year as a Nurse Assistant with Thompson Health Care. Prior to starting at Abbey House she worked in a bank and as a hairdresser when her three

children were young. She became an NA because it always interested her and she wanted to give back to people, as she considers herself to have had a lucky life.

Carole currently works in the Special Care Unit with a wonderful team, ensuring the best care is given to all residents. “New residents are welcomed into the family fold and a wonderful environment, where new and fun experiences are had,” she says.

Kerri SelbyGeneral Services Officer

Kerri Selby began working at Abbey House 11 months ago as a cleaner and has since moved to the very busy laundry. She loves working for Thompson Health Care. “All the staff

are great and I really enjoy talking to the residents, helping them wherever possible,” she says. Prior to this Kerri worked as a delivery driver for a pharmaceutical company.

In her spare time she loves spending time with her family, cooking and gardening. She has been married to her husband for 31 years and they have two children and three grandchildren.

Blake Marden Recreational Activities Officer

Blake Marden came to Abbey House on a work placement from the University of Western Sydney where he was in his second year of a Degree in Therapeutic Recreation. Blake

soon proved he could make a valuable contribution to the Leisure and Lifestyle team. Fortunately, a place became available and he was offered fulltime employment.

Blake has been at Abbey House for over a year now and during that short space of time his skills have developed enormously. He does not shy away from new tasks, in fact he relishes the challenge. Residents have a great fondness for him and him for them, which shows in his work.

Roshan AcharyaGeneral Services Officer

Roshan came to Australia in 2008 from Nepal, leaving behind his parents. He studied for a Bachelor in Business Administration and gained his degree before leaving. Since living

in Australia he has worked in a dental hospital and the Marriot Hotel in Sydney.

He moved to the Southern Highlands last year and worked at Bowral Hospital before joining Thompson Health Care at Abbey House. He is well liked by residents and staff. Roshan has a son and his wife Sushma also works at Abbey House.

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Recreational Activities

Music is a big part of life in Abbey House, and not just for those in the Special Care Unit.

Residents love to sing along to their favourite performers such as Merry Music Makers, opera singer Andrew Jones, Sing Australia, Kerri O’Keefe, and Jenny Stovold who volunteers to

play the home’s baby grand piano every second Friday. Every Monday afternoon Shirley visits the Special Care Unit and plays the ukulele for the residents.

Each month Abbey House residents are treated to a day spa.

Their feet are soaked in warm aromatic water and the aromatherapy team massages legs and feet for relaxation and to improve circulation and lymphatic flow. Time spent in the day spa is uplifting, relaxing and provides a great social outlet with lots of chatting and laughter.

Music for the house

Monthly Spa

Abbey House is lucky to have beautifully groomed lawns that enable residents to play mini putt putt in the courtyard.

“The residents absolutely love this activity,” says Julie Gordon, Recreational Activities Officer. Putt Putt is a great way to stay social, enjoy a bit of competition and to get out in the fresh air. The residents are so keen that they will even play indoors if necessary.

Mini putt putt

Abbey House 9

It was Abbey House vs Bowral House when Abbey House hosted its own version of the Olympic Games with guests coming from Bowral House for the day to compete in events.

There were smiles galore as residents received medals and prizes on the day and our guests enjoyed a Brazilian themed gourmet lunch. “It was such a pleasure to host our sister house for the day,” says Julie Gordon, Recreational Activities Officer. One of the highlights of the day was the Staff Olympics, laughter and fun reigned as they competed in an Egg and Spoon Relay, Balloon Relay, Wheelbarrow Race, Tug-O-War and Hug-a-balloon Relay.

A group of crafty residents have formed a card making group who meet each week.

The cards are sold with money going to charities of their choice. The group has also made spring hats, spring paper flowers, a maypole, fascinators for the Melbourne Cup, and reindeer keyrings for the volunteers’ Christmas presents which will be wrapped together with the Abbey House Cookbook.

The café space at Abbey House is the hub of the home. It is always buzzing with residents, visitors and staff enjoying a cup of coffee and a treat from Chef Derek’s kitchen.

The residents enjoy all of the slices and cakes that come from the kitchen and can’t choose a favourite. A lot of the home’s activities are held in the café area and a volunteer comes a couple of mornings a week to serve in the café.

There is also a beautiful replica train set depicting the Highland stations of Scotland that can be driven by residents and grandchildren – it’s a great way to pass the time over a warm cuppa.

Café life

Craft creations

Highland homes’ competition


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Holistic Care

As I sat at my window and watched the rainThe wind blew the gumtrees with wild refrainThe sky grew dark as the sun disappeared behind the cloudsThe black cockatoos screeching out loudScreeching, screeching as they flew in hasteTo reach the safety of their placeHigh up in the tall gumtreesWhere the wind-drafts still reached them with consummate easeWay down below the ants go scurryingHigh above their nests where it’s not so worryingThe moon rises high in the sky An eagle goes soaring byAhhh the smell of the earth when the rain has goneThe sound of the frogs in the paddock pondBring back the memories of summers goneThe sound of the Crickets, Galahs and Magpies tooFlying, squawking, swooping Remind me of our White Cockatoo He made such a din we had to block our earsHe was such a characterWe laughed so much, we forgot all our fearsOnce the din has died downWe settle down and listenAnd watch the raindrops glistenOn the old gum tree Where the tinkle of the bellbirds Fill me with glee

by Abbey House residents studying through the University of the Third Age Artwork hangs in Abbey House by artist Megan Barrass

Raindrops in the Outback

Abbey House’s Educator Irene Westera runs regular training sessions on medication administration.

This is for nurses with Certificate IV or those who are interested in undertaking the advanced role Nursing Assistant, which involves medication administration. This training ensures safe practices, so staff have better knowledge of medications such as the purpose, side effects, expected outcomes, procedure and policy.

Medication knowledge

Endorsed Enrolled Nurse, Nicky Nash is undertaking a Bachelor of Dementia Studies.

She is currently at Graduate Diploma level. As part of her role at Abbey House, Nicky assesses the residents as part of the admission process. Staff member Julie Gordon is also undertaking the same Bachelor degree so Abbey House will continue having a strong, educated team for dementia treatment.

Dementia studies

Music stimulates memories and these are usually associated with wellbeing and happy times, while dancing is an exercise that releases endorphins – the feel good hormone or natural happy therapy.

Extra music therapy for the Special Care Unit residents began in September, with African drums, percussion instruments, piano and singing. On Wednesday morning RAO Julie Gordon runs a music therapy session where residents enjoy using shakers, bells and drums. And of course all Abbey House residents enjoy weekly live entertainment.

Dancing for healthMovement to Music activities are lots of fun with the staff joining in and sharing a dance with the residents.

Abbey House’s physiotherapist David and Physio Aid Tony lead residents through regular gentle exercises on Monday and Saturday mornings.

Falls preventionApart from the social and fun aspect of these classes, the main aim is to maintain strength, which helps in fall prevention for residents.

Abbey House 11

Holistic Care

Living in the bohemian village of Avalon, where ocean meets bush, is something residents in this luxury home love. With Pittwater on one side and the ocean just minutes away, everything is at their doorstep.

AvalonHouse

Jenny Rose Deputy Director of Nursing

Jenny has worked for Thompson Health Care for five years. She has previously worked in community nursing and as a Registered Nurse in Orthopaedics and a Clinical Nurse

Specialist. She has recently completed a management and leadership course with the Macquarie Graduate School of Management. “Being able to mentor staff to give great care to our residents is one of the things I enjoy about my job,” she says. Jenny lives in Avalon and enjoys swimming in the ocean rock pool every morning before work. In her free time she likes cooking and has two young adult children.

Jean Hart Administrative Assistant

Jean is always the first person to greet visitors to Avalon House. Being front and centre of the home means she brightens the day of passing residents, families and staff.

Jean has worked for Thompson Health Care for seven and a half years. She left the United Kingdom in 1969 as a new bride and has lived on the beaches ever since. She is widowed and has a son and two grandchildren who she loves to spoil. In her free time she likes to cook and travel. “I am so fortunate to work with an amazing group of people,” she says.

Welcome to Avalon House

Naomi StringerRegistered Nurse

The team and residents at Avalon House are what Naomi most loves about her position as RN. “I also love the clinical aspect of nursing and learning new skills on a daily basis,”

she says. She recently moved to Sydney after completing her Bachelor of Nursing in Queensland, and prior to that grew up in Indonesia with her Australian family. Over the last 18 months with Thompson Health Care she has studied wound management, palliative care and dementia courses. Naomi was an accredited gymnastic coach at university, and currently enjoys hanging upside down doing aerial silks acrobatics in her spare time. “Naomi is thoughtful and caring and as a new graduate it is wonderful to see her grow in confidence,” says Sandy Matthews.

Tenzin TsedupNursing Assistant

Tenzin fled his homeland of Tibet in 1998, arriving in India without any of his family. After several years he received the opportunity to migrate to Australia where he has made a life

for himself, married and had a son. Tenzin has worked with Thompson Health Care for seven years. He says, “I want to become the best nurse to support our older residents.” After studying certificates in Aged Care and Cleaning, Tenzin has since completed Certificate IV in Assistant Physiotherapy. He works as Avalon House’s Physiotherapist Assistant and runs the Walk Assist program. Jenny Rose, Deputy Director of Nursing at Avalon House says, “Tenzin always goes the extra mile for our residents, bringing them smiles and joy.”

Maria Garay Recreation Activities Officer

Making residents happy puts a smile on Maria’s face. Having worked for Thompson Health Care for almost three years, Maria came from a background of midwifery and nursing

in her native Philippines, and originally worked as a Nursing Assistant before studying her Certificate IV in Leisure and Health and becoming an RAO. “Making a difference in residents’ daily lives and working with my team is what I enjoy most,” she says. “Maria is always full of ideas on ways to entertain our residents and she loves singing, dancing and dressing up with them,” says Sandy Matthews, Director of Nursing, Avalon House.

She also has a special interest in cooking with residents who have dementia. This comes as no surprise as Maria loves to cook seafood for her husband and three children in her free time. After arriving in Australia in 2001 she settled in Pittwater. “I can think of nowhere better in the world to live,” she says.

Kapil SharmaGeneral Services Officer, Cook

Kapil relishes the chance to work with the residents on a daily basis. “Everyone is so friendly and helpful,” he says. He likes to receive feedback on his food from residents and cook

their favourite dishes. Sandy Matthews says, “he is a great team leader and takes pride in his work.” He’s worked for Thompson Health Care for seven years and recently helped commission the new kitchen services at Seabeach Gardens.

Kapil completed university in his native India before coming to Australia in 2013. He has since studied Certificate III in Commercial Cookery, settled in the local area, married and had a beautiful daughter. In his free time Kapil likes to cook for his family. He also enjoys swimming and cricket. “He is always happy and ready to assist anywhere, anytime,” says Sandy Matthews.

Harriet EarlNursing Assistant

A weekend job in the kitchen of Avalon House while finishing high school, led Harriet to her chosen vocation of nursing. She worked briefly as a Recreation Activities Officer and

is now studying for a Bachelor of Nursing, which allows her to work as a Nursing Assistant until she graduates. “I love working in such a friendly environment, I enjoy caring for my residents and getting to know them,” she says. Living in Palm Beach means she can ride her bike to work and spend her free time at the beach, running and gardening. Sandy Matthews says, “Harriet has wonderful empathy and loves making a difference, she will be a wonderful RN!”

Meet Our Staff

Avalon House 13


Arriba, Arriba Avalon!


Mariachi music, outstanding decorations and food straight from a Mexican cantina turned Avalon House into a true fiesta.

Residents enjoyed Mexican chicken and beans, chocolate dipped churros and Sangria. Everyone, including the staff, dressed in colourful ponchos and sombreros tapped along to the live Mariachi band, and of course, the Macarena. The fun continued with games including a piñata and pin the tail on the

Mexican donkey. Recreational Activities Officer Maria says, “Our Mexican fiesta party was one of the best parties we have ever hosted, residents loved looking at the decorations and commented how beautifully it was done.”

Sometimes a bus trip to a local destination is all it takes to clear the mind and brighten up a resident’s week.

Day tripping

This year Avalon has been busy with local day trips to places like Akuna Bay, Palm Beach and Davidson Park. Our monthly men’s lunch is always a success, bringing the men’s groups of Avalon House, Mona Vale House and Terrey Hills Nursing Home together, alternating which home hosts the event. Resident golfers love visiting the Bayview Golf Club together to watch other players out on the green. And it’s always a hit when residents get to gaze out at our spectacular Sydney skyline from beautiful McMahon’s Point.

Avalon House 15

Avalon Recreation staff organised a memorable activity to help residents reminisce about their weddings of long ago.

Clyde the resident Ragdoll cat joined Avalon House a couple of years ago as a young kitten with his sister Bonnie.

When together they were not very interested in the residents and the staff as they only had eyes for each other. But, sadly Bonnie succumbed to a tick and Clyde became king cat around the home.

He is very clever and has worked out how to persuade visitors to the Home to let him in to the lift so he can access the gardens.

In the early days, after Bonnie died, staff would spend ages trying to coax him out from under the building and back into the home as they were fearful he’d meet the same fate as his sister.

Now he returns all by himself, and sits patiently at the front door until someone notices him and lets him in. As residents approach him he flops over on to his side and demands a tummy tickle.

Once upon a time

Staff members dressed in wedding gowns and residents and family members provided photos and other wedding items for all to enjoy. It was fantastic to compare photos and wedding gowns from different eras. Residents were delighted as staff members visited each room. It was a very emotive and meaningful activity for residents and their families.


King Clyde

It’s an activity where residents and staff gather together for some exercise, fun and laughter. Pool noodles become rackets, balloons are the ball, and just like regular tennis the objective is to hit the ball back and forth over the net. Everyone works together in their teams, with lots of cheering for each other and giggling going on. This is a great diversional therapy tool, where residents can be social, competitive and physically active – giving them a combination of cardio fitness, joint mobility, hand-eye coordination and dexterity.

Grand slamResidents at Avalon House love to play tennis, with a balloon!


Avalon House Educator Lynne Douglas runs a busy and active program inspired by so many staff who are always keen to learn.

New startSome of our wonderful Registered Nurses who studied and trained overseas have recently completed an Australian conversion to enable them to continue with their chosen profession here.

She says, “Staff at Avalon are actively learning on a daily basis from visiting education specialists talking abut nutrition, wound care, palliative care, grief and bereavement and medication management.” Education is also delivered each day at the handover by a Registered Nurse. This focuses on a specific topic each month in order to meet the standards set down by the Quality Agency.

Families are also keen to learn with many of them joining staff on a fantastic course run through the University of Tasmania called Understanding Dementia.

The course is run online over nine weeks and staff and family alike have found it very helpful in understanding all aspects of dementia care.

Inspired learning

Holistic Care

TENA Award recipientPreety Chauduary, Nursing Assistant, is the proud recipient of a TENA Award given to a Thompson Health Care facility that demonstrates quality and efficient continence management for their residents.

Congratulations Preety!

Registered Nurses Bella Ahmadi, Kabita Dhakal and Sandy Moreton all bring their clinical expertise to Avalon House. They’re all well known and loved by residents as they worked for Thompson Health Care as Nursing Assistants while completing their conversion.

Avalon House plays a role in the small community, allowing those needing palliative care to stay close to family in a homelike environment.

Care for all

It’s also a place for local families to seek transient respite care for their loved ones when planning a holiday or needing a break, and this will sometimes lead to permanent care.

Director of Nursing Sandy Matthews says, “We have two young residents; their families initially did not want them to be in an aged care home but have come to realise we have so much more to offer.” With many young staff, these residents feel at home, especially as they always have family, friends and their pets visiting – they’re all welcome at any time and have fun

participating in activities within the home. Avalon House also provides a homely and relaxed environment for many local elderly residents who seek respite or palliative care when needed.

Providing holistic care is very important at Avalon House – it is not just about the clinical or nursing care, with medications, wound care and management. Residents need an approach that creates both a healthy mind and a healthy body.

The whole package

Often residents arrive at Avalon House after being isolated or lonely in their own homes. Once they have begun programs in aromatherapy massage, pet therapy and they start to participate in the diverse recreational activities, their outcomes start to improve. Avalon House is extremely welcoming of residents' families and friends, which is part of the holistic approach to maintain happiness and mental health for residents.

Avalon House 17

Holistic Care

BoroniaHouse

Newly opened Boronia House offers luxury aged care in the heart of Sydney’s West. Our residents receive 24-hour Registered Nurse care from our dynamic new team of professional and dedicated staff.

Sabrina KhanDeputy Director of Nursing

Sabrina has been working at Boronia House since it’s opening in June 2016. She has worked in Aged Care for 20 years in various rolls from Registered Nurse to

management, and prior to that worked at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. Sabrina has a Post Graduate Certificate in Gerontology and a Diploma in Management and

Leadership and is looking forward to further education with Thompson Health Care. She enjoys her personal interaction with the residents each day. “Being part of a great, hardworking, optimistic and joyful team of staff is wonderful,” she says. Originally from Fiji, Sabrina migrated to Australia as a teenager and completed her high school and university studies here. She is happily married with one son. “Sabrina is an excellent team player and very well respected by all the staff, relatives and residents, it’s a pleasure working with her in the management team,” says DON Natasha Begum.

Boronia House 19

Jo BradleyGeneral Services Officer, Cleaner

Jo has been with Thompson Health Care for five months and was previously a cleaner for a five star hotel, and ran and owned a lawn

mowing business. She has done a manual-handling course since starting at Boronia House. “Seeing and speaking with residents everyday and helping them with what they need; they make me smile and I hope I put a smile on their faces too,” she says.

Jo has been married for over 20 years and has two fur kids (kelpies) that are her life. She and her husband have just completed building their first new home in Ropes Crossing and love living there.

Anisha MathewRegistered Nurse

Anisha has been working with Boronia House since July. She has almost a decade of experience as a Registered Nurse as well as qualifications in critical cardiac care and Certificate III

in Aged Care, having worked in the aged care sector since 2009. Since joining Thompson Health Care she has done customer service and manual-handling education. “I love my job very much and I’m happy to work with a great team and looking after older people,” she says.

Anisha is originally from India and came to Australia in 2007. She loves spending time with her three children and in her free time she enjoys cooking traditional Indian cuisine, learnt from her mother. She is also an avid reader, gardener and loves watching movies and taking evening walks with her family.

Welcome to Boronia House

Meet Our Staff

Ellen AdamsAdministrative Assistant

Ellen has been working at Boronia House since it's opening, having come from a background in administration. “I love getting to know residents and staff and every day brings

new experiences,” she says.

Ellen was born in England and came to Australia as a child. She has two grown sons and in her free time she loves to spend time with family and friends, going to the beach, zumba and the gym. “I love the working environment here, it’s a joy to come to work each day,” she says.

Preetika ChandNursing Assistant

Preeti has been with Boronia House for three months and has previously worked as a Nursing Assistant in Aged Care. She has Certificates III and IV in Aged Care. “I have a passion for

Aged Care and love working with the elderly,” she says.

Preeti is originally from Fiji and in her free time she loves cooking and spending time with her family.

Felice Dumpleton Nursing Assistant

Felice has been with Boronia House since opening in May 2016. She has a background as a Nursing Assistant, home care, and a respite carer for kids with disabilities. She has

her Certificate III in Aged Care and is about to start Certificate IV with Thompson Health Care.

“There is never a dull day, everyday is different and the residents and their families become extended family,” she says. She loves working with a supportive management and team. Felice has four children, two boys and two girls, who she adores. She loves music and has also dabbled a bit in photography. When she has time she enjoys travelling and taking her camera out to snap some photos and family portraits.



Boronia House residents enjoy a good sing-along on a weekly basis.

The songs are usually all the classic hits of yesteryear. It’s a great activity as residents remember the songs that take them back and help them to reminisce of days gone by.

Residents gather around, tapping toes and clapping to the music, smiling as they sing and hum. A great time is had by all every week.

A number of lovely Boronia House ladies gather each week to knit together.

Their current project is knitting 'twiddle muffs' for residents in the Special Care Unit. The group was founded on the idea of keen knitter Mrs Beryl Morrison, one of our original residents. Beryl is joined by a number of other crafty residents who enjoy the pleasure of each other’s company whilst knitting for fellow residents. Twiddle muffs are woollen gloves covered in buttons, ribbons, beads etc to keep twiddling fingers busy. The twiddle muffs seem to be a hit with all the special care residents.

Karaoke classics at Boronia

Knatty knitting group

Boronia House 21

Since opening, the residents of Boronia House look forward to visiting all the amazing places in Western Sydney, also a mere hop skip and jump away from the amazing sights of the Blue Mountains.

Boronia residents visit historical homesteads such as Mamre House, Richmond Air Base and Wentworth Falls, enjoying the beautiful sights along the way.

Out and about

Boronia House has a treat for residents and visitors alike.

A hand built train set surrounding a real German village called Urbach, east of Stuttgart. It measures four metres by one and a half metres and took over 250 hours to complete. By coincidence, resident Elfriede grew up in the neighbouring village Schonrdorf, about five kilometres from the village this train set is modelled on. The village is renowned for it's

famous resident Gotttlieb Daimler who was a major partner in the Mercedes Benz Company. Boronia resident Elfriede well remembers that the railway was the lifeblood of the town and she would catch the train with her parents to Urbach and she even recognises some of the buildings in the model set.

All Aboard! Train ride from Germany to St Marys



Holistic Care

A number of residents enjoy a daily walk around Boronia House.

No matter the weather there is a place to walk at Boronia. Some days they do the figure-8, which involves a walk inside the home around all the corridors forming a figure-8 finishing at the coffee shop or one of the three internal courtyards.

Other days some residents venture with staff along the street footpath to see what is happening in the neighbourhood. A construction site next door is a point of interest at the moment, not to mention the outdoor climbing centre as part of the St Marys Leagues Club that resembles a pirate ship from a distance with flags and rope ladders. Walking is a great way for residents to maintain strength and coordination and building fitness levels.

As a brand new home we are proud to have already gathered a great team of staff.

Everyone has worked well together to make Boronia House a home for 123 residents that have chosen to be part of the Thompson Health Care extended family.

We continue to learn and develop our skills and enjoy spending our time with our valued residents and their families at any time of the day or night.

Our wonderful staff

Fitness first

Holistic Care

Once a month residents celebrating their birthday in the current month enjoy a birthday cake for all to share.

In our special care unit, Wattle Wing, this seems to be something particularly anticipated. Staff find the celebration inspires residents to reminisce about the past and the gifts they use to receive, which seem very simple compared to the tech-savvy presents expected by youth of today. Residents enjoy a sing-a-long and sometimes a dance and of course a piece of cake for morning tea.

After two years of construction Boronia House finally opened its doors to the western suburbs on 1 June 2016.

There are a small group of eight residents who were the very first to stay in the beautiful new facility.

They all remember the feeling of being the luckiest ones in St Marys newest resort.

At the time there were as many staff as residents and it was a great way to get to know each other.

Week after week they have watched the corridors fill with newcomers and have been here to welcome them into their next stage of their life.

Special care big birthday celebrations

The very first eightStanding (left to right): RAO Puner, Doreen C, Audrey, Beryl M and Special Project Manager, Sarah. Seated (left to right): Donalda, John H, Christine, Jack, Norma.

Boronia House 23

BowralHouse

“Our home has a warm and loving environment thanks to the outstanding staff who offer our residents their genuine care, compassion and professionalism each and every day.”

Collette Beaufils, Director of Nursing, Bowral House

Joanne NellesteinDeputy Director of Nursing

Joanne has worked as a Registered Nurse for 20 years. After graduation from the University of Western Sydney, Joanne worked at Concord Repatriation General

Hospital working as a Registered Nurse, a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Gerontology and then a Nursing Unit Manger. She then spent five years working in private community nursing with Veteran Affairs clients. Since joining Thompson Health Care six years ago she has

done a management and leadership course with the Macquarie Graduate School of Management. Joanne enjoys the warm, family environment at Bowral House. “I love working in Aged Care, and feel greatly rewarded by sharing each day with the lovely residents and families,” she says. Joanne has lived in the Wollondilly area most of her life and has two beautiful teenage children. She enjoys reading, musicals and sporting activities. In her spare time she can be found watching her children play netball, soccer and cricket. “Joanne is a pleasure to work with and has excellent clinical, communication and team skills and will go the extra mile to help our residents,” says DON Collette Beaufils.

Bowral House 25

Welcome to Bowral House

Ashlee WhyteEndorsed Enrolled Nurse

Ashlee started working at Bowral House as a Nurse Assistant three and a half years ago. During that time she started and completed her studies as an Endorsed Enrolled Nurse and

was quickly snapped up by Bowral House to work as an EEN. Ashlee enjoys this role at Bowral House because she is able to provide individualised care to each resident. This year Ashlee has completed the Dementia Skill Course run by Thompson Health Care and has thoroughly enjoyed putting her newly acquired skills into action.

Ashlee was raised locally and enjoys all the outdoor activities that the Southern Highlands has to offer and one of her passions is showing cattle at rural shows over NSW.

John LeeGeneral Services Officer, Cook

John started working casually at Bowral House straight after finishing high school. He has now been working at the home for six years. He has certificates in food safety and

Cert III in Nursing and he is currently looking at studying to become a chef. “I love making residents happy when we provide appetising and nutritious food,” he says. He also enjoys the opportunities to study and work at different roles around Bowral House.

John is originally from the Philippines and came to Australia with his family in 2009 to finish high school. In his free time he enjoys playing guitar, collecting action figures, cooking and bushwalking and he is getting married next year. “John is well liked by staff and residents and we look forward to him commencing study as a chef,” states Collette Beaufils.

Louise DalleyNurse Assistant

Louise relocated from Cronulla to Bowral 18 years ago with her husband and children. Louise has worked for Thompson Health Care for several years, originally starting

as a General Services Officer in the kitchen and slowly transitioning over to her current role as a Nurse Assistant. She has embraced education during her time at Bowral House having recently completed a Certificate IV in Aged Care, five modules of the Endorsed Enrolled Nurse course and also the Dementia Skills Course.

Louise loves working in Aged Care at Bowral House and helping residents and their families, as she enjoys giving back to the community. Louise enjoys working part-time as it gives her the opportunity to have an ideal work life balance and enjoy her yoga and social network.

Peter DennellyRecreational Activities Officer and Trainer/Assessor

After more than two decades in Engineering at BHP Port Kembla, Peter made the career change to Bowral House. His love of working

with the elderly and his vibrant and happy personality made him perfect for the job.

Over the last six and a half years he has completed Certificate IV in Leisure and Lifestyle, and Certificate IV in Trainer and Assessor, as he is the Fire Safety Manager for the home. “I have a special affinity for the theme days we have and love bringing residents and their families so much pleasure,” he says.

Peter immigrated from England in 1970 and has been married to wife Judith, a Registered Nurse, for 38 years. They have four children, six grandchildren and another on the way. He can be found watching rugby union in his free time or sailing catamarans, cooking or playing music. Collette Beaufils believes “Peter is the life of the party, he ensures all residents are involved in as may activities as possible."

Meet Our Staff



Famous for their themed parties, Bowral House residents and staff were treated to a Christmas Cruise party, which was an amazing success.

Welcome aboard our Christmas Cruise

Residents, guests and staff had a fantastic time with great food, Christmas cheer and lots of dancing. The staff, residents and their families all embraced the theme and dressed to impress in various nautical attire. Everyone was amazed with the decorations and the transformation of Bowral House into a luxurious cruise liner. The most popular props were the courtyard wharf, boat and beach scenes, the ocean scenes in the foyer and dining areas which provided many photo opportunities and the table decorations enhanced the nautical ambiance.

A DVD of the day was put together and it has been made available to residents and family. Also family photos taken on the day were emailed to families and residents.

Bowral House resident Mrs Jill Chauncy recently received a Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2016 Queens Birthday Honours List. Her medal was presented to her at Government House on Saturday 10 September.

Mrs Chauncy was recognised for her service to people with disabilities and to the community of Moss Vale. The list of Mrs Chauncy’s achievements is long and includes Founding Member of Riding for the Disabled Moss Vale Branch in 1975 and she is now their Patron. She also volunteered for several community groups including Legacy, Red Cross, Bowral Hospital Shop, Quota and Bowral House before she became a resident. Mrs Chauncy said it was a great honour to receive an OAM and she felt very humbled by the experience. At Bowral House she leads a weekly knitting group.

OAM honour for resident

Bowral House 27


As part of a Dementia Training Course a group of care staff including Ashley Whyte, Linda Hoffman, Louise Dalley, Jennifer Potts and Tania Summers implemented a small dementia research project evaluating the effects of music and dance on residents with dementia.

The project involved identifying residents’ preferred type of music and all our residents chose upbeat music. Several music and dance sessions were held and at the commencement and end of each session resident happiness was measured using a scope of validated tools. At the end of each session, residents involved in the activity were reported as having increased happiness, positive wellbeing and elevated mood levels. Staff are now keen to implement this activity on a regular basis as part of the recreation program which also includes live entertainment, bus outings and even in-house bowls tournaments.

Activities for wellbeing and fun

Flamenco dancing and smooth Latin guitar were all the rage at a recent extravaganza at Bowral House.

Residents, guests and staff dressed in authentic outfits to set the theme. Level one of Bowral House was transformed into a real Mexican cantina complete with genuine saloon bar, jugs of sangria and Corona beer to accompany the tapas and other Spanish food delights.

The scene was transformed with vibrant colour including lanterns, flags, piñatas, fresh flowers, cactus and desert scenes. The music and atmosphere made flamenco dancing irresistible and the dance floor was overflowing.

Holy guacamole! It’s a Latin fiesta at Bowral House


Holistic Care

The families of residents are as important as the residents themselves. Their presence brings joy to the residents and a feeling of home to Bowral House. Family are encouraged to visit whenever they want and to participate in theme days, parties and even just pop-in for a cappuccino in the café, like Sandra and her father, resident John Milledge (pictured). Staff at Bowral House know they have the privilege of caring and loving the residents on behalf of their families. This enormous responsibility is most important when residents are in their final stages of life.

Collette Beaufils recently received a beautiful letter from the family of a deceased resident, which reminded staff of the importance of their roles in residents’ lives.

Caring for familiesDear Bowral House staff,

When Marcia’s sister Maxine passed away very peacefully today, she was in her bed, holding her toy companion Murray, the songs of Edith Piaf playing and at her bedside were a scented candle, flowers and photos of friends, relatives and her darling late husband Ken. The fact that she was surrounded by the things she loved, and was so perfectly comfortable, was just one example of the extraordinary lengths you and your colleagues went to, to make her last days as happy as they could be. We will be forever grateful.

From Collette and the RN’s to the nurses and young people looking after her daily needs, thank you. Max was made to feel a part of a loving, caring family. To those who organised the Christmas Party and to those who constantly ensure the most professionally-run home in Australia, thank you. We will never forget the nurses coming into her room to give her a kiss goodbye and the stroking of her hair and kind words and other signs of affection that proved the special bond that existed between you and Maxine.

We had experienced hospitals before and even other homes like Bowral House, but it is important that you realise that what you offer is simply extraordinary and something of which you should be very, very proud. The personal caring relationship that you have with your residents goes far beyond the expected. It provides the greatest loving support to the residents, and also to their families and friends.

Thank you once again.

Neil and Marcia

Collette Beaufils and Joanne Nellestein have worked successfully together for some seven years.

With Collette starting out in the role of Deputy Director of Nursing and Joanne as a Registered Nurse, they are now the DON and DDON team at Bowral House. The key to their successful teamwork is harmony, positive attitude and mutual respect. Both are keen to help other staff further develop their own team performance and the working relationship they have makes for a harmonious atmosphere for all their staff at Bowral House which means a wonderful environment for residents.

Teamwork benefits all

Bowral House Dental Program is now into its second year of very successful operation.

Management at Bowral House set up the dental service following a quality review of existing practices and several oral and care plan audits which identified a need for an onsite dental service.

Bowral House was fortunate to recruit the service of a local dental practice to provide regular clinics and ongoing dental treatments to all residents. The program consists of dentist, dental nurse, dental technician and hygienist visits, oral assessments, care plan review, denture labelling and bathroom signage.

This program has been a valued addition to the clinical services we provide and ensures we are providing best practice in the prevention and management of periodontal disease.

Dentists in the house

Education doesn’t just apply to staff.

Following a resident suggestion a series of guest speakers were invited to present an informal lecture followed by a discussion group with the residents.

The program consisted of lectures on various topics such as travel experiences in third world countries, an interactive Japanese tea ceremony, an ecologist discussing conservation

of a local brush tail wallaby, actress Noeline Brown visited to speak about her life and experiences in show business, OAM awarded Annabelle Chauncy (grand daughter of resident Jill Chauncy OAM) talked about her experiences in establishing School for Life Foundation in Uganda, and residents have learnt computer literacy skills. Also Jane Lemann spoke about local bush regeneration. The series was well received by our residents and the guest speakers stimulated ongoing discussion.

Ever learning

Associate Professor Vince RocheBowral House General Practitioner

Associate Professor Vince Roche has been a GP in the Southern Highlands since 1986. He is a regular face at Bowral House as he visits his many resident patients. He leads a large group general practice of 15 doctors, including supervising five registrars training to be specialist GPs.

He is a regular lecturer at the University of Wollongong Graduate School of Medicine. In his other life, he has a passion for horses and equestrian events, and is acknowledged as an expert in the organisation of the Olympic Games Equestrian Events at the Sydney, Athens and Beijing Olympics. Dr Roche’s dedication to aged care has made him a much loved and valued member of the Bowral House care team.

Bowral House 29

Holistic Care

Macleay Valley House

Norma GoreDeputy Director of Nursing

Norma worked as a Nursing Assistant while completing her Bachelor of Nursing. She has completed advanced training in continence assessment and

management and is also an accredited fire safely officer. Since starting as DDON she has completed training in Aged Care Funding Instrument assessment and claiming. “I enjoy the friendships I make with my residents and families and the satisfaction I get from caring for them in the later years of life,” she says. Norma is married with two children and three grandchildren. She has three dogs that are an important part of their lives, and in her free time she enjoys canoeing and gardening. She has recently explored Asia with her two granddaughters.

Fiona RaeDeputy Director of Nursing

Fiona has sent the last 19 years in Aged Care. Apart from being a Registered Nurse, she has a Diploma of Applied Science, Associate Diploma in Community

Health, Diploma in Aged Care with management and education units. Since joining Thompson Health Care 10 years ago she has completed courses in dementia understanding and treatment, infection control and palliative care. “I love assisting residents and their families to settle into the Aged Care environment,” she says. Fiona lives on 80 acres of land in Millbank. She has two sons and enjoys cooking, cake decorating and gardening in her free time.

Residents here enjoy the best care on the Mid North Coast, with award winning staff, in a home set amongst the beautiful surrounds of farmland, rolling hills and leafy courtyards and gardens.


Rumbi ManjoroRegistered Nurse

Rumbi has been working at Macleay Valley House for four years. She has her Bachelor of Nursing and since joining Thompson Health Care she has studied more on healthcare leadership

and palliative care as she is part of the Palliative Care team at the home. “I constantly gain knowledge by working with a wide range of people from all walks of life,” she says. She loves caring for the residents and making them feel at home.

Rumbi came to Australia 10 years ago from Zimbabwe as a student nurse. “I am a proud mother of one and I enjoy spending time with my daughter,” she says. Rumbi lives in Kempsey and likes dancing and watching television with her beautiful daughter. “Rumbi is quiet, caring and dedicated and is a much loved member of the team,” says Wilma Sims.

Janelle ConomosRecreational Activities Officer

Janelle has been working at Macleay Valley House for almost five years. Her background is in Family Day Care, which she ran while her own children were young. Since working for

Thompson Health Care, Janelle has completed her Certificate IV in Leisure and Health and various training in dementia. “I love the company of our residents, many of their life stories are truly inspiring, and I am also surrounded by a great team of staff,” she says. Janelle has lived in beautiful Macleay Valley all of her life and she and her husband Michael have three sons James, Jake and Joel. When she gets some free time she enjoys cycling in various challenges, competing in surfboat carnivals and life on their farm.

Karen Witchard Nursing Assistant

Karen has been at the home for 5 years and has a background in Aged Care. She has her Certificate III and IV in Nursing and also trained as a physio assistant and in wound care. “I most

enjoy providing individualised care to each resident and seeing them smile,” she says.

Karen has lived in the Valley for most of her life and she and her husband are proud parents of three children. “Karen is always positive in the workplace and willing to help colleagues and residents,” says Wilma Sims.

Tania RowlandsGeneral Services Officer, Night Cook

Tania has been with Macleay Valley House for almost four years. “I enjoy walking into work and being greeted by our residents and staff, it’s such

a positive and friendly atmosphere,” she says. Tania has a background in service hospitality, and is hoping to continue her career with study in Commercial Cookery. She loves fulfilling special requests from residents and knows how an enjoyable meal can lift spirits. Originally from Sydney, Tania now lives on 20 acres with her partner and has three beautiful grandchildren. In her free time she loves to play guitar, garden and watch the parrots enjoy her garden. “Tania is our quiet achiever and always delivers exceptional service and is willing to go the extra mile,” says Wilma Sims.

Welcome to Macleay Valley House

Mandy MillerAdministrative Assistant

Mandy has come from a diverse background that includes customer service in luxury travel, wine and food hospitality, nature conservation and radio and television. Despite her

extensive background in these industries, she says this is the most rewarding job she has had. Mandy has been with Macleay Valley House for five years. “I love the opportunity to help residents and their families in their transition to care – if I have helped make a resident’s or staff member’s day brighter, then I’m happy,” she says.

Mandy has lived in the region for 25 years, she has a son and daughter in Sydney and four grandchildren who love nothing more than a beach holiday at “Mimi’s House.” She has a passion for playing African drums in a band, daily yoga, cycling to the beach, swimming and music festivals.

Meet Our Staff



Living in the beautiful Macleay Valley, it’s not difficult to find a special place for a scenic drive, or a spot to enjoy morning tea overlooking the rivers, mountains or sparkling ocean.

Residents love spending time viewing the beautiful region. Macleay Valley House bus driver, Trevor Riley, is a member of the recreational team and takes the residents on many excursions and day trips. They might find themselves enjoying a picnic by the mighty Macleay River or watching whales frolic out to sea. Recently residents visited the newly opened Slim Dusty Centre in Kempsey, and others enjoyed a lunch outing to a local working Buffalo farm.

A day away The Recreational Activities team members at Macleay Valley House are all about residents having fun and enjoying life.

Apart from the dedicated dementia care unit activities, bus trips, theme days and scenic drives, the home is kept busy and exciting with many weekly happenings. The ladies craft and beading groups continue to be very popular and the items made for sale sell like hot cakes.

For the men, the men’s shed group, run by community volunteers also produces some lovely wooden children’s toys and they have recently started restoring some old furniture.

Having fun

Friday happy hourThe recreational team at Macleay Valley House make sure every weekend gets off to a great start.

Happy hour is held each Friday in the main entertainment lounge and provides the opportunity for casual socialising, live entertainment and of course a glass of wine or beer. Families and friends are always welcome and often join the fun.


Supporting memory

Music has always been a huge part of life in the home, with weekly live entertainment in the main lounge.

This year dementia care unit staff undertook a small research program on the effects of music and dance on the physical and mental wellbeing of residents. This culminated in a dinner dance for residents and their families with all staff contributing to the evening with beautiful gowns, manicures, make up and hairstyles. The results speak for themselves as seen in the photos from the evening.

"To the Staff at Macleay Valley House, specifically those at Wattle unit.... an ENORMOUS and very belated THANK YOU for such a wonderful night at the Dinner Dance. I was so encouraged to see my dear brother Ian Kidd enjoying himself so very much; "The best night of my life," he said. Keep up the great and demanding work."

Dale Kidd, sister of resident Ian Kidd, Macleay Valley House.

With the 38-bed expansion of Macleay Valley House’s award winning dementia care unit, Thompson Health Care will continue to provide the most progressive dementia care on the North Coast.

The dementia care unit organises various group recreational activities that replicate everyday tasks to assist residents in the maintenance and strengthening of memory.

The cooking group provides popular hands-on activities in a kitchen dedicated for the use of dementia residents. The residents are assisted by recreational and care staff to whip up their favourite recipes of the past. Being a true country kitchen, recipes include lemon and passionfruit butter, choko pickles, and of course various jams used on freshly baked scones. Some spectacular soups have come out of this kitchen and have been enjoyed with the evening meal.

The gardening group is also an integral part of memory support for dementia residents, as many of them have come from farms or big country gardens.

Together the residents and staff plan, plant and maintain their herb and vegetable patch where produce is grown and used by the cooking group. They also do seed raising in a small greenhouse. Any seedlings not transplanted into the garden beds are potted and sold or given as gifts to staff and family.



Holistic Care

Cath Laird, Nursing Assistant, is a proud recipient of a quarterly TENA Award.

Cath is the ACFI (Aged Care Funding Instrument) support nurse for Macleay Valley House and is also the continence management nurse. She received this award for maintaining the daily allocation system and continence assessments for each resident as well as attending to staff education, stock control and ordering. Congratulations Cath!

TENA Award recipient

This year Macleay Valley House has expanded their pain management, exercises and mobility programs.

New physiotherapist, Ian Payne, has joined the team of Exercise Physiologist Jade Fraser, Mobility Assistant Nurse Michelle Moroney, Aromatherapist Kathy Sabathie, Registered Nurse Wendy Jones the palliative care team leader and Registered Nurse Carol King who provides pain massage. Ian had his own practice in Tasmania and has extensive experience in providing aged care services to large groups of residents in aged care facilities.

The team is integral in maintaining physical strength and mobility, and reducing pain, which is the key factor in the overall wellbeing of residents. With such a fantastic group of staff members, our residents are certainly in good shape.

Pain management expansion

Possum and Sammy are trained miniature ponies that enjoy human contact.

Pony therapy is known to have a here and now focus that promotes awareness of the world and relationships to others.

Local Equine Assistance Therapist Michelle Wass owns and trains these ponies and visits Macleay Valley House fortnightly. The residents love being able to pat the ponies’ beautiful coats. Many of them say the smell of the horses brings back lots of wonderful childhood memories as most of the residents grew up riding ponies, often to school.

Pony therapy

Macleay Valley House dementia care staff have been the first Thompson Health Care home to implement a new model of care.

“The program is less institutionalised and more of a ‘household’ care model,” says Wilma Sims, Director of Nursing. The program encourages residents to continue to participate in daily activities as well as maintaining social and community contacts. Residents are encouraged to make decisions and choices within the home.

It has provided greater levels of improved wellbeing and happiness, and staff have witnessed increased social participation and a slowing in the progression of skills loss from the disease. Families also play a vital role in the program and are actively involved in resident care. The program will be implemented across all Thompson Health Care homes.

This year Macleay Valley House staff have undertaken 2500 hours of education.

A new way of delivering care has been introduced with Registered Nurses now taking on a clinical leadership role. They are supported by our newly trained Certificate IV Nursing Assistant staff taking on the very important task of medication administration. This supports the RNs and allows them to focus on the more complex clinical care of our residents. The RNs are able to utilise their knowledge and skills to a higher

level and to work more closely with our GPs to ensure all clinical care needs are identified and met in a timely and professional manner.

Our Certificate IV Nursing Assistants have undertaken additional training in medication administration and this has encouraged several of them to consider further studies in nursing at diploma or university level. By supporting and encouraging professional development of staff we are helping to secure the RNs and Endorsed Enrolled Nurses of the future, hopefully for the aged

care sector. The Macleay Valley House Educator has also overseen staff to complete courses in Allied Health and Mental Health Ageing support this year, as well as Diplomas in Leisure and Health, and Dementia Dynamic through Flinders University.

Education for new ways of care

New model of care


Holistic Care

Milford House

With strong ties to the local community and a great social life for residents, this home offers outstanding aged care to Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.

Karen MuirAdministrative Assistant

Karen has been greeting visitors and residents at Milford House for just over a year. She came from a background as a long-term administrator for a gaming machine

manufacturer, so moving to aged care was a huge change. “I have loved every minute of it,” she says. Karen spent three years as a fulltime carer for her dad. When he

passed away Karen felt she could help put a smile on the face of others, not just her dad. “Everyone has a story and I love to listen to them,” she says of the residents. In her spare time Karen’s passion is her dogs. At one stage she even had her very own nursing home for dogs with three of them over 12 years old, including her dad’s miniature bullterrier.

“Karen brings a breath of fresh air to the home, her warm and welcoming smile and natural rapport with visitors adds another dimension to the customer service role at Milford House,” says Suzanne Hobart, Director of Nursing.

Milford House 37

Andrew RoyPhysiotherapist

After graduating with a degree in Psychology and Philosophy from the University of New South Wales, Andrew travelled to Canada to complete a degree in Kinesiology

at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver. When he finally returned to Sydney he completed a Masters of Physiotherapy at Sydney University.

Andrew has been at Milford House for three years and has established some great relationships with residents, which he says is critically important for good quality aged care. He is responsible for all mobility, strength and conditioning aspects of the residents’ lives. He and the mobility team run twice-weekly exercise classes as well as individual sessions for those needing extra assistance.

“I thoroughly enjoy my role at Milford and feel that good outcomes with residents are reliant on establishing a rapport and trusting relationships,” he says.

Welcome to Milford House

Meet Our Staff

Kane ValvoNursing Assistant

Kane has been part of the care team at Milford House for just over a year. He loves to study and learn new things so his background is diverse, with time spent in small business management,

running his own cleaning business, and website design and business marketing. After his mum suggested a change into Aged Care, Kane studied hard and completed his compulsory 120 hours of work experience at Milford House. He is now part of the team and loves the work. Not having grandparents of his own he enjoys the opportunity to share quality time with the residents as if they were his own.

“One of the things I like most about working here is the opportunity to further my studies through Thompson Health Care’s education program like my Certificate IV Allied Health Physiotherapist Assistant,” he says. He enjoys applying his newly acquired skills to make the residents more comfortable. In his time away from work, Kane is a busy single father to his daughter.

Wei LiuAromatherapist

Wei moved to Australia from China when she was 13 years old. She graduated with a degree in commerce and worked as an auditor for four years. Deep down she knew her life’s

calling lay elsewhere. In 2006 she travelled to India hoping to find the answers. She became interested in healing and natural therapies, which led her to study aromatherapy and other holistic methods including massage, craniosacral therapy and Ayurvedia medicine. She ended up travelling to 25 countries, learning their traditional ways of healing.

“I feel it’s very special to work as an aromatherapist at Milford House, it’s rewarding to be part of a team who can help,” she says. Wei explains that Aromatherapy works on smell and touch, which are often the last senses to deteriorate as we age. When residents have experienced loss of cognitive function and senses, aromatherapy helps Wei to connect with them. “This is deeply humbling,” she says.

Shirley SheihkRecreational Therapist

Among the quiet achievers at Milford House is Recreational Therapist Shirley. Armed with fresh and innovative ideas Shirley facilitates residents to enjoy a vast seven-day

activity program and theme days, which are meaningful and individualised for residents’ enjoyment.

Ready with an activity to suit everyone Shirley makes a house call to residents rooms for those who like one on one conversations, and also organises an individual library service to deliver books fortnightly to those avid readers with a particular preference for a reading genre. Residents who have an interest in art and drawing are also catered for with painting and drawing opportunities provided and live entertainment weekly.



Word has spread of Milford House and Tigger’s Honeypot preschool TIME Project, which brings together the youngest and oldest members of our community.

The project has revealed significant mutual benefits for both the residents and children. Residents engage with the children and often forget their other worries, improving their moods and perspectives. The children delight in seeing their favourite people and sharing their news with them.

For a brief period each week, age is no barrier to fun and laughter.

The program has been such a success that the University of New South Wales is currently conducting a research study at Milford House to validate much of the positive benefits witnessed so far.

Grand parenting Milford style

Milford House 39


Meet one of Milford House’s most popular therapists.

New to the role Molly is a friendly little pug who has quickly found a way into everyone’s hearts with her charming expressions and readiness to be patted.

Molly seems to sense residents needs and seeks out quiet or restless residents and brings her own calm, warm presence into their world.

She is much loved and even when memories are poor, no one forgets Molly’s name.

Molly the four-legged therapist

Residents at Milford House are very lucky to have the Queen of Cakes as their own chef.

Morning and afternoons are eagerly anticipated because the treats coming from the kitchen are always so delicious. Of course no birthday or occasion passes without one of Cora McLeod’s fabulously decorated cakes, including special and gluten free versions if necessary.

Cake time


Holistic Care

Nurse Assistants Kane and Kisa have recently completed a Certificate IV as Physiotherapy Assistants and represent the exceptional staff at Milford House.

The year-long course added another set of skills for the duo, enabling them to assist residents with their mobility and exercise programs.

Forming a Walking Club proved to be an innovative way to showcase their newly acquired skills and encourage residents to maintain and improve their endurance and mobility with the club operating twice a week.

Not many can say they’ve just stepped out of a day spa, but residents at Milford House can.

Wei, the Milford House Aromatherapist, has many talents in meditation, Reikki and healing massage, but most importantly she has a genuine passion to give pleasure to residents through spa and massage techniques. Wei is able to weave magic by changing a room into a spa paradise, complete with foot therapy hand and leg massage. And, just when you think

it can’t get any better, a meditation session transports the residents into a world of relaxation. Regular aromatherapy spa days are wonderful for all. Residents senses are enhanced and emotional bonds are forged which transforms an ordinary day into something fun and special.

Road to relaxation

Pep in your step

In August last year Suzanne Hobart, Director of Nursing at Milford House, and Julie Occhiuto, Director of Tigger’s Honeypot preschool, were invited to speak at the Hawaii Intergenerational Global Conference.

Their presentation was on the reciprocal benefits for the youngest and oldest members of our community joining together to share time.

The TIME Project, as outlined on the previous page, has been operating at Milford House informally for the last three years and is a success for all involved.

Warm up to workPhysiotherapist Andrew Roy discovered a passion for working with the elderly very early in his career.

Andrew is a key member of the Milford Team, reviewing residents’ mobility on admission or after a hospital admission, and he is active in planning a path to recovery or improvement for every resident in the home.

Always hands on and ready to help, Andrew is also enthusiastic about staff health, believing fit staff are an asset for any team-oriented program.

With this in mind he has devised a 60 second warm up for staff at the start of their shift to reduce the potential for staff injuries and promote a healthy awareness of good posture and attention to each residents’ specific mobility needs.

Aloha

Milford House 41

Holistic Care

Mona Vale

House

Staff and residents pride themselves on the beautiful ambience of their home, situated on Sydney’s gorgeous Northern Beaches.

Jelena Vuletich Administrative Assistant

Jelena has been greeting visitors and residents at Mona Vale House for seven years and it is her first role working in Aged Care.

She brings her gorgeous dog Bintang to spend time with the residents each day. Jelena loves spending time with residents and making a difference to their lives. “I know they’ve made a difference to mine,” she says. She enjoys working for Thompson Health Care and a great team of fellow staff members.

Mona Vale House 43

Julie WebsterRecreational Activities Officer

Julie is a born and bred Mona Vale girl and even attended Pittwater High. After attending Art school she started as a Nursing Assistant many years ago. Julie has worked

for Thompson Health Care for over 15 years and has seen many changes in that time, but throughout it all she says she has enjoyed every year.

This year she has started to put her artistic background to good use. “I have now been given the opportunity to work as an RAO. I am very excited to join the team and offer my love of art to the residents while spending time getting to know them even more,” she says. She recently found out that one of the residents went to primary school with her dad. “This is what I enjoy, being able to reminisce with them,” she says.

Margaret HampsonRecreational Activities Officer, outgoing

Margaret was born and raised in the Sutherland Shire. After a short career on stage she moved into office work. She has been working in Care

for over 12 years and found her niche at Mona Vale House working as an RAO. “My time at Mona Vale House with such a dedicated team has been the highlight of my working years,” she says.

However all good things must come to an end and Margaret is sorry to be retiring, but delighted that Julie Webster will be taking her place. All residents and staff will miss Margaret. “I have every intention of becoming a volunteer here at Mona Vale House, so watch out I may be dusting off those dance shoes,” she says.

Carla CucinielloGeneral Services Officer, Cleaner

Carla grew up in Italy and came to Australia in 2003 where she met and married her husband. She lives on the northern beaches which is a far cry from her hometown in Italy. “I started

work at Thompson Health Care in 2014, being at Mona Vale House I have found my second family, everyone is so helpful and understanding and nothing is too much for them,” she says. She especially enjoys talking with the residents and helping. “Carla is loved by everyone, she is always there with a smile on her face and making the bad times good, her smile and laughter have the same effect as sunshine in the mornings,” says Sherri Toon, Director of Nursing.

Manju Pandey SadaulaNursing Assistant

Manju was born in Nepal and came to Australia in 2015. She completed high school in Nepal and is hoping to study for her Nursing degree here in Australia. Manju came to Australia

with her husband after a huge earthquake in Nepal. She has settled in very quickly and enjoys the Australian way of life. She started at Mona Vale House in January 2016 and says she feels very lucky to be given this opportunity to work at Mona Vale House and especially for Thompson Health Care. “The staff and residents have made me feel very welcome and even though I miss my family in Nepal I feel that I have a second family here at Mona Vale House,” she says.

Seonaid Beaumont Registered Nurse

Seonaid was born in Sydney and is of Scottish decent. She grew up on the Northern Beaches and trained at Mona Vale Hospital. She previously worked in a busy surgical ward and

then came to work for Thompson Health Care and has stayed for 15 years. “The great team I have the privilege to work with, and the residents I care for are what keeps me here, Mona Vale house is my second home,” she says. She loves that Thompson Health Care focuses on providing staff education so they are up to date in their roles. “But what is most outstanding at Mona Vale House are the Chef’s scones, you have to try them, they are delicious,” she says.

Welcome to Mona Vale House

Meet Our Staff



Meet Bintang. He’s been part of the team at Mona Vale House for six years.

Bintang always meets and greets relatives and family members at reception with a smile and a wag of his tail. He walks around with his owner Jelena and the Recreation Team to say hi to all the residents and give them lots of love. He really makes their days brighter.

Master of the House

At Mona Vale House residents go on bus trips twice a week. There are always new places to see and it’s especially lovely visiting parts of Sydney that residents grew up in.

“They love telling us where they used to play, where they lived and how much it’s changed,” says Margaret Hampson Recreational Activities Officer. Sitting at the Opera House with a cup of tea and watching the boats on the Harbour has been a highlight this year.

Residents are so lucky living with one of the most beautiful beaches on their doorstep and enjoy the ever changing views.

Bus trips are such a popular activity, as the residents never know where they will visit next.

Bus time

Mona Vale House 45

What a difference six months can make. Dianne Edwards, Recreation Activities Officer, thought what a great idea it would be to start a Mona Vale House choir.

It started with about six residents and now has 15 residents who have formed a lovely choir. Everyone has great fun and the home has a volunteer who comes in to play the piano. Practice is twice a week and the choir is looking forward to performing at Christmas.

Singing together

Residents come to art therapy sessions and the first thing they usually say is that they can’t paint or draw or that they were never good at art and won’t enjoy it.

Painting for fun

Recreational Activities Officer Julie Webster puts them all at ease and before they know it they are participating in every session and creating some great artwork.

“Some of the things we are working on at the moment are pot painting, hand artwork with the local school children

and getting ready for Christmas,” says Julie.

It is always a fun packed time for all involved.



Holistic Care

Mona Vale House residents are so lucky to be able to go for a short walk and end up at the beach, watching the waves and enjoying the sea.

This exercise is not just helpful for mobility and strengthening, but is a calming experience. Residents often take a drink and a slice of cake to enjoy while watching the boats and any whales that may be around. Everyone who participates in this activity enjoys the serenity and how relaxed they feel after a trip to the beach. It’s truly a mind, body and soul experience.

Thompson Health Care provides continual education to ensure best practice techniques in clinical care.

Two Registered Nurses from Mona Vale House recently completed a wound care course through the University of South Australia, and most RNs in the home attended the biannual Smith and Nephew wound care management courses to keep updated on the latest wound product knowledge. Mona Vale House also consults with the Northern Area Health Nurse Practitioner to keep updating wound management skills.

Wound care

Beach walks

Holistic Care

Communication is a key component of a holistic approach in Aged Care.

Staff have regular care conferencing where they discuss various resident care expectations, including the often-difficult sensitive end of life wishes. Relatives are also invited to give their input in providing and assisting to meet the needs of the residents. The holistic approach includes not just clinical care, but every aspect of daily living. Residents’ individually tailored care programs may see them participate in exercises such as Tai Chi for balance

and strength, and regular visits from Todd Williams, the home’s physiotherapist, to work on fall prevention and agility. Meal times are important for residents and the chef welcomes feedback and visits residents to discuss any preferences or suggestions. Aromatherapy and massage are another way of looking after residents, providing some relaxation, pain relief and skin conditioning. Caring in a holistic way involves the entire Mona Vale House team so residents settle well and feel at home and receive the best care possible.

Gay Summerson recently accepted the role of Educator at Mona Vale House. Over the next year she will be rolling out training on many topics including pain management, with a focus on the effectiveness of complimentary therapies. Along with aromatherapist Helen Mascall, she will be giving more training to staff on reflexology style massage. “I will also be sharing information on a new initiative from Mona Vale Hospital (BRACE team) which provides very good information on signs and symptoms in residents having an acute episode in our facility and exactly how staff should manage them,” she says.

Staff education is an integral part of Mona Vale House with very good participation from staff and all areas of resident care are covered. Training is delivered through Gay as well as the Aged Care Channel and invited health care professionals.

Working together

New Educator

Mona Vale House 47

“I am so happy here. I have made friends with other residents and have a loving relationship with all the staff here.”

Joyce, Seabeach Gardens residentSeabeachGardens

Barbara SullivanAdministrative Assistant

Seabeach Gardens has been lucky enough to have Barbara in charge of reception for almost eight years. The residents are the thing she loves most about her job. “Talking with them and learning the individual stories of their lives and

watching them develop friendships is wonderful,” she says. Barbara greatly admires the incredible work the nursing staff do to ensure the residents are comfortable and happy. Before coming to Thompson Health Care, Barbara worked in administration and community work and is a mum of five. Barbara is married and has four grandchildren. In her free time she loves to garden and sew and she teaches and participates in Physical Culture (physi). She says she enjoys “making new families feel welcome and a part of our little home.”

Seabeach Gardens 49

Welcome to Seabeach Gardens

Nerida RobertsonRecreational Activities Officer

Nerida has been working at Seabeach Gardens for almost six years. She has over 25 years of experience in the Aged Care industry, having worked in nursing homes across New South

Wales. She has her Certificates III and IV in Aged Care and a Diploma in Dementia Care.

Since being with Thompson Health Care she has completed Certificates in both Allied Health and Leisure and Lifestyle. “I love how our lifestyle program is run, things change from day to day and no day is the same,” she says.

Nerida has a wonderful husband and is the proud mum to two sons who are her everything. She lives with her family, her lovely mother-in-law, a dog and a cat. In her spare time she can be found walking the dog around her home suburb of Warriewood. “I love being part of such great team that works so well together,” she says.

Malia Fa’aumu Nursing Assistant

After working for a supermarket chain, Malia decided she needed a challenge. She studied for a Certificate III in Health Service and was lucky to do her practical

placement with Thompson Health Care. She is now working at Seabeach Gardens and loves every moment.

Malia says, “I love caring for my residents and seeing them smile and be happy, it’s such a rewarding and satisfying job.” She moved to Australia from New Zealand eight years ago, and is married with three beautiful children. “My hobbies are my family, I just love being around people that love me,” she says.

Colleen LitjensRegistered Nurse

Colleen trained at Sydney’s Royal North Shore Hospital forty years ago. After having her three sons she returned to work in Aged Care and has stayed in the sector ever since.

“I have enjoyed caring for residents from the time I started in 1986 and continue to enjoy it every day,” she says.

Colleen has been married for 40 years and now has three grandchildren who she adores. “I enjoy quilting in my spare time, it’s a wonderful stress reliever,” she says.

Alison OssingtonRecreational Activities Officer

Alison has been working at Seabeach Gardens for a year and has her Diploma in Leisure and Health. “I love meeting the residents and helping them,” she says. Alison is 18 years old and lives

in Collaroy. She enjoys reading in her spare time, and catching up with her friends.

Annalise FraiettaNursing Assistant and Physiotherapist Aid

Annalise has been working at Seabeach Gardens for two years. She has a background in Aged Care, and since joining Thompson Health

Care she has completed her Certificate IV in Allied Health. “I enjoy caring for the elderly and being a helpful part of the community,” she says.

Annalise is Australian with Italian and Cypriot background. She loves animals, especially dogs. In her free time she enjoys long beach walks.

Meet Our Staff



The vertical garden at Seabeach Gardens allows green-thumbed residents to continue their love of gardening.

Being around vegetation is essential to wellbeing, and this garden also provides sensory stimuli which helps recall memories for the residents as part of their reminisce therapy. It makes a huge impact on residents’ lifestyle when they first

enter into a home and have to leave their gardens behind; this initiative encourages the residents to continue to care for gardens in their new home,” says Michelle Ossington, Director of Nursing.

Scrabble funRecently a resident’s family member designed and created a large floor scrabble board for the Seabeach Gardens’ lifestyle program.

Playing scrabble with the residents aims to keep minds healthy, active and stimulated while having fun. Scrabble engages various cognitive skills, drawing on memory and critical thinking needed to strategise. It also encourages social engagement which is important for mental, emotional and cognitive health.

Vertical garden

Seabeach Gardens 51

The leisure program at Seabeach Gardens helps to keep residents healthy and active.

The comprehensive program is designed in consultation with the residents who all have favourite activities they like to see repeated such as quizzes, discussion groups, garden club in summer and

knitting club in winter, board games, entertainers, bus outings and art therapy. Activities are changed each month and the home encourages family participation.

Happy and healthy

Developing vision problems can have a devastating impact on the wellbeing of a person who has a love of reading.

Thankfully Seabeach Gardens residents who have these issues don’t have to give up their hobby, as the home has purchased CD players so residents can enjoy listening to audio talking books from Mona Vale Library. The Library also provides them with a range of large print books and even caters for a variety of languages.

A love of reading



Holistic Care

Residents at Seabeach Gardens love using their mini iPads for a multitude of different purposes.

Used to help improve motor skills, provide memory stimulation and cognitive function, residents find the iPads

lightweight and easy to navigate. They can download music from their youth and family years to trigger past memories, and they also use various games and apps. Some residents use them as e-readers and also use the internet search features. The iPads encourage social interaction with other residents and staff and are especially helpful for residents with dementia.

Seabeach Gardens has been involved in an initiative known as BRACE (Beaches Rapid Access Care of the Elderly) model of care.

It connects acute aged care services with residential aged care facilities. Seabeach Gardens is able to connect with the BRACE team to establish an appropriate episode care pathway for residents that involves consultation with their home’s General Practitioner. BRACE provides access to rapid treatment and co-ordinates appropriate care in either the hospital or their home environment.

This care system aims to improve the health and lives of our residents with complex care needs. It also improves the knowledge and skills of aged care staff in assessing and recognising when a resident’s condition deteriorates. BRACE is available to all aged care facilities on the Northern Beaches.

Multimedia memory care

BRACE care

Seabeach Gardens 53

Holistic Care

Seabeach Gardens’ physiotherapist Dianne visits each week to provide comprehensive physical assessments on residents.

She assesses and treats a variety of neurological and musculoskeletal disorders and works on reconditioning the residents with pain management therapy and fall and injury risk minimization.

Dianne educates nursing staff to implement individually appropriate exercises.

She also provides training for manual handling and risk assessment to ensure safe resident handling, which is important for the wellness of both residents and the staff working with them.

Physio Aid Anna works in conjunction with Dianne to conduct the home’s walking program and the active and passive exercises using resistant bands or pool noodles.

Staying strong

TarragalHouse

“I am proud of the fact that Tarragal House has an outstanding reputation in the community, providing an excellent standard of care and a warm and friendly atmosphere.”

Sue Warby, Director of Nursing

Caroline FennellDeputy Director of Nursing

Caroline has been working in the Aged Care sector for 26 years. She joined Thompson Health Care 16 years ago, working first as an Assistant Director of Nursing

and now as the DDON. She has completed management, dementia, palliative care and mental health courses with THC. “I work with a great team of people and feel motivated and inspired by their dedication and commitment to the

elderly,” she says. “So many of our staff go the extra mile to ensure our residents and their families have people they can trust and rely on to support them.” She says this interaction with all the families and carers makes their journey a little easier. She enjoys the chance to care for a very vulnerable population and ensure their lives are lived in the best way possible.

As a small child, Caroline came from England with her family and grew up in Lithgow and Sydney. She has lived on the Central Coast for 30 years and enjoys spending time at home with her husband, cooking, travelling and relaxing with a good book.

Tarragal House 55

Welcome to Tarragal House

Meet Our Staff

Urna Polovineo Catering Assistant and Housekeeping

After living in three different countries, Mongolian born Urna has recently settled on the Central Coast with her Australian husband and two

children. Prior to that her husband’s work had taken them to live in Cambodia and China.

Mongolia is known as the Land of the Blue Skies, with beautiful land, amazing mountains, forests and the vast Gobi desert in the south. Urna and her family left Mongolia in the middle of winter on a -30°C day, arriving in Australia on a beautiful 25°C summer day. Her family is enjoying the fantastic lifestyle and weather and her five year old daughter is learning to surf.

Leonie DavidsonClinical Nurse Specialist, Registered Nurse

As a young HSC student, Leonie worked part-time at Wahroonga Nursing Home where her Grandma was also a resident. After finishing

school she worked as a Nursing Assistant, then after completing a Diploma in Lifestyle and Leisure, she enjoyed working as a Recreational Activities Officer.

In 2014 Leonie completed her Bachelor of Nursing and is now working at Tarragal House. “I love my job as I face different challenges everyday monitoring residents and their health and behaviours,” she says. Over the last few years she has studied several different courses such as Decisions Assist, Wound Management, Understanding Dementia and a new graduate program. A local resident, Leonie can be found taking her dogs down to the beach for a swim and a run in her spare time, and she loves pottering in her garden. “It makes my day to see the residents smile and laugh,” she says.

Sally WollenhauptRecreational Activities Officer

Originally from beautiful Rainbow Beach in Queensland, Sally moved to Sydney for marriage. She is now a resident of the Central Coast and has been working at Tarragal House

for almost five years. She started in hairdressing, before becoming an Nursing Assistant for Thompson Health Care after studying for her Certificate III in Aged Care and Certificate III in Home and Community Care. She has since completed her Certificate IV in Leisure and Health and is currently undertaking her Diploma in the same area. “Being part of our residents’ journey is very rewarding, being instrumental and involved in their meaningful leisure pursuits gives me great joy,” she says.

When she’s not busy at work, Sally is a mum to three children who are her world, and she loves going to the beach, travelling and spending lots of time with her family and friends.

Megumi ClaphamNurse Assistant

Born in Hokkaido, Japan, Megumi studied an Associate Degree in Nursing to become a Registered Nurse in her country and worked for more than eight years in Japan. She

has worked at Tarragal House since 2012 and has since completed Certificate III in Aged Care. “I like looking after people and talking with our residents and although it is challenging, it is a very rewarding job,” she says. Megumi lives with her Australian husband on the Central Coast and says the beautiful natural surrounds often remind her of her hometown. She enjoys going on road trips, eating at restaurants, and travelling overseas. She is currently undertaking courses through the University of Newcastle to gain entry into an undergraduate program.



Tarragal House residents look forward to a monthly performance from Ross Hamilton, who takes them all for a stroll down memory lane performing the old war time songs and classics.

The atmosphere at Tarragal is electric each time he performs, even drawing in family members and friends to enjoy. “I love every song he sings, it brings back memories of me dancing the night away with my husband,” says one resident. Ross is also a member of the band Stringybark and has been performing for Thompson Health Care homes for over 10 years.

Music man

Tarragal House loves to party, so it’s no surprise they celebrate every possible occasion.

In June the residents were treated to traditional Chinese dancers, led by a staff member Shelley, who also sang. The home was decorated with beautiful Chinese dresses, ornaments and vibrant lanterns. Shelley explained Chinese astrology to residents as well as writing their names in traditional Chinese water brush. Everyone enjoyed a delicious Chinese feast to round out the festivities.

St Patrick’s Day was a sea of green at Tarragal House, with Irish music, Guinness pie and a fun happy hour.

And of course you can’t celebrate Ireland without doing the same for Scotland. So residents enjoyed a traditional Scottish show with dancers and bagpipes.

The Scottish Day luncheon even included haggis thanks to a resident who sourced an authorised HACCAP approved supplier. One Scottish resident embraced the day, with the sounds of the bagpipes taking her back to her homeland.

To celebrate the Rio Olympics, staff and residents got into the spirit with games of their own. Staff dressed in their brightest Olympic attire as residents filled the stadium (the Piano dining room). The eight events were suitable for all athletes (that’s the residents) to compete in, including archery, shot put, rowing and basketball.

Unsurprisingly, Australia topped the medal tally, followed by Great Britain, Malta and Turkey. The national anthem played and medals were presented – many of them still being proudly worn the next day.

Having fun

Tarragal House 57


A surprise visit by two very large Clydesdale horses, Sonny and Lenny, bought fame to Tarragal House.

It’s not everyday that a horse enters a home and visits rooms, so Channel 10’s The Project was there to capture and share the moment. The visit also featured on page three of the Daily Telegraph and in the local Express Advocate.

But even better than all the fanfare caused by these beautiful horses was the resulting story of resident Joe Capello. At 96 years of age, Mr Capello climbed on one of the horses and happened to be noticed by a long lost family member watching The Project. The family has since been to visit Tarragal House and have reunited with Mr Capello and his wife Josephine after 20 years. Residents and staff are all hoping to welcome back Sonny and Lenny in the future.

Sonny & Lenny

Who doesn’t enjoy a relaxing manicure or hand massage every now and then?

The ladies of Tarragal House love the treat of a regular pampering session, and gain much pleasure and wellbeing from the soothing time spent chatting to staff and each other and sipping on a glass of champagne while having their hands massaged and nails painted.

Pamper time

Tarragal House has always had the fortune to have the invaluable support of lovely volunteers.

Some volunteers have been working at the home for many years as they have a fond connection through their own loved ones being past or present residents.

Seeing a familiar face brings great pleasure to many residents and enhances their quality of life – sometimes it’s a simple as sharing a cup of tea over a conversation, or it could be through bingo, the walking group, the knitting group or many other activities. These wonderful volunteers all have obvious and genuine care for the residents and the staff and play an integral part in the everyday atmosphere at Tarragal House. Life here would not be the same without them.

Keeping Tarragal ticking on



Local tripsTarragal House residents get to enjoy the benefits of the beautiful central coast.

The annual Brisbane Waters ferry trip includes volunteers, family members and friends joining their loved ones for a ferry trip and a barbecue afterwards at Lions Park, Woy Woy. Everyone enjoys the beautiful water views, and it’s a great day with lots of laughter and socialising out in the community. The enjoyment on the residents’ faces is an added bonus for staff.

The annual Hunter Valley Gardens day trip is always popular, using an extra bus from one of the Sydney homes the residents reminisce about memories of when they used to travel with their own families. After a delicious gourmet lunch in the gardens, residents board a private train tour and take in the Hunter Valley Gardens Rose Spectacular. The residents even get some behind the scenes access, which is a particular treat for the those who once loved to garden.

Tarragal House is lucky that Ray Johnson once found working for the Australian Tax Office so boring.

After leaving school and giving tax a go for six months, Ray worked as a jackeroo, in a meat factory and even constructing a dam in northern Queensland. On his return to Sydney he began to work for a landscaping company that then lead to a life spent in horticulture.

Ray studied for his Diploma of Horticulture at the Ryde School of Horticulture and also attained a Certificate of Greenkeeping and postgraduate qualifications in Landscape Design. He has also completed his Bachelor in Plant Biology as well as various management and training certificates. Ray was the Managing Director at the Memorial Park in Palmdale, and has also taught part-time at Ryde and consulted for Port Macquarie and Kempsey Councils.

Ray retired in 2005, but likes to keep busy so he took on the role of gardener at Tarragal House, gaining much satisfaction from appreciative residents and their families. The garden always looks spectacular, with plenty of blooms and beautiful trees for all to enjoy.

Gardener Ray

Tarragal House 59

At Tarragal House all nursing staff are shown techniques that can be used on a daily basis to assist the Registered Nurse masseuse and aromatherapists with their weekly massage of residents.

Each resident has an individually tailored mix of essential oils in a cream base that suits their needs. Residents with nausea, digestive and bowel problems benefit from abdominal massage using the Tarragal House aromatherapists’ stomach rub blend which contains sweet fennel and orange.

This encourages the bowel to work more efficiently, relieves pain and brings soothing comfort to residents. The stomach rub can also be used on the relevant reflexology trigger points on the feet for the same results.

Holistic care

Complete careLike all Thompson Health Care homes, Tarragal House runs a program of aromatherapy, massage and reflexology.

Run by a qualified aromatherapist as well as the Registered Nurse Masseuse, other RNS and Nursing Assistants, the program ensures all residents' chronic pain and comfort needs are managed with the use of non-pharmaceutical measures where possible.

Reflexology is incorporated into hand, foot and head massage via pressure points that are directly related to various body parts. This results in a notable effect in reduction of pain level.

A monthly day spa is enjoyed by residents, with the inclusion of fragrant flower petals, peppermint oil and Epsom salts in a foot bath followed by massage and quiet meditation.

This has become a highlight for residents as the warm nurturing effect of the foot soak coupled with human touch brings pain relief and an enhanced sense of wellbeing.

Holistic Care


Holistic Care

An important part of Aged Care nursing is the management of residents’ wounds – everything from simple skin tears to complex wounds that can be acute or chronic in nature.

Nicole Keelan is the Registered Nurse who has worked as the Wound Care Coordinator at Tarragal House for the past 20 years.

Over the years she has seen many changes in wound management techniques, and Thompson Health Care has provided her with educational opportunities to remain current with these advances. In addition she liaises with many professionals both in and out of the home for advice and guidance. “I also rely heavily on working closely with other staff, particularly the Nurse Assistants who I consider the backbone of the home and who are always willing to help me.”

Recently, Nicky and the team have had great success with several major, at times limb-threatening, wounds. For example, being able to save a resident’s leg with the use of negative pressure therapy. A wide range of staff,

Wound care

Exercising with family and friendsEach resident at Tarragal House benefits from regular physiotherapy, and an exercise and stretch program tailored to suit their specific needs.

The Physiotherapist Paul Kos and the physiotherapy team have developed a way to allow family members to assist their loved ones in this aspect of their care. The team is conducting individual sessions to give family members the skill and confidence to supplement the home’s care program with additional beneficial exercises, stretches and walks as appropriate to each individual resident.

in addition to external health professionals, worked very hard to achieve this amazing outcome, which was then used as a case study in best practice by the company who provides the equipment.

“Over the years I have treated many different types of wounds on our vulnerable residents,” says Nicky. She says that the wound care process allows her to have one on one time with residents, which she enjoys. “It is such an honour to care for our residents in the final phase of their lives, and I am so grateful to have that opportunity everyday.”

Holistic Care

Helen Rose, Educator of Tarragal House, is passionate about her job and has been an integral and vital part of the staff since the home first opened.

First she was an Enrolled Nurse and Receptionist while she was studying her Bachelor of Nursing degree, and then as a Registered Nurse as well as her role of Educator, Infection Control Coordinator and Fire Officer. She keeps staff busy with education sessions for every department within the Home. Helen uses various types of education such as traditional face to face sessions, the Aged Care Channel

programs, short sessions facilitated by the Registered Nurses at shift handovers, relevant external courses and online courses such as the MOOC Preventing and Understanding Dementia courses which runs over several weeks.

Education is also provided to residents and family, for example the fire education presented at the annual resident meeting.

Multifaceted educational approach

Music therapyA number of residents with end stage dementia have repetitive behaviour that can include agitation, restlessness, moaning and calling out.

Interventions such as medication, repositioning and massage are not always successful, so staff at Tarragal House use music therapy as a way to calm these residents.

When signs of repetitive behaviour begin, residents listen to the music through headphones. The program is being carefully administered and results are recorded so the outcomes can be assessed weekly.

Tarragal House 61

After a magnificent renovation and new build, Terrey Hills is a first-class home offering lucky residents an enviable lifestyle set amongst beautiful National Park bushland.Terrey

Hills Nursing Home

Lynda Trevenar Administrative Assistant

Lynda has been working at Terrey Hills Nursing Home for 3 years, her first day was the day the new home opened in 2013.

“Working with and caring for a wonderful group of people has made working at Terrey Hills Nursing Home a pleasure. I had never worked in Aged Care and I’m loving the experience," she says.

“Lynda is approachable and with previous experience as an event coordinator, she is a good multitasker which is important for a busy reception,” says previous Director of Nursing Melissa Yan.


Welcome to Terrey Hills

June BenjaminRecreational Activities Officer

June is a much loved RAO at Terrey Hills Nursing Home, who came to Thompson Health Care with a wealth of experience in aged care. Her love of craft including card making and

knitting has rubbed off on our residents who love June’s craft sessions on a Thursday and Saturday.

June has been at Terrey Hills Nursing Home for three years. “I feel very privileged to work at Terrey Hills. I enjoy organising and implementing meaningful activities that the residents look forward to participating in and enjoying. It’s very rewarding to bring a smile to someone’s face and to be told that you have brightened up their day when in fact it is my day that they have made,” says June

Pauline Fenley Registered Nurse and Educator

Pauline Fenley undertook her Registered Nurse training in Queen Victoria Hospital in Belfast, Northern Ireland. She immigrated to Australia and continued with medical and

surgical nursing in both acute and rehabilitation hospitals.

The opportunity of working with a medical retrieval company allowed Pauline to combine her passion for travel with care for acutely ill patients.

Married life, three children and a puppy, led to a change to Aged Care and a new passion in the form of Educator. “I thoroughly enjoy my joint role as Registered Nurse and Educator and hope to share my knowledge with all staff and inspire them to give the best care possible,” she says.

Meet Our Staff

Danielle MullanNursing Assistant

Danielle is a young enthusiastic Nursing Assistant who has worked at Terrey Hills for 18 months. Danielle came to Terrey Hills Nursing Home soon after school as a trainee and

has completed Certificate III and IV. Danielle wanted to experience working as a nursing assistant before applying to university to study Bachelor of Nursing. “Regularly working in the dementia wing is a challenging and rewarding experience. The residents do get to know you and I am continually learning from them and the other RN’s caring for them,” she says. “Danielle is a breath of fresh air,” says previous Director of Nursing Melissa Yan.

Nathalie FullerGeneral Services Officer

Nathalie has been with Terrey Hills Nursing Home for only eight months and in that time has made an impression on our residents. Her lovely smiling face is a hit with

the residents who love receiving breakfast and morning tea from Nathalie. Customer service has been a focus of Nathalie’s previous work experience, but this is her first role working with Aged Care. “I love working at Terrey Hills Nursing Home, the staff are great, the facility is beautiful, but by far my favourite thing about working here is the residents. I love serving them morning tea and having a chat,” says Nathalie.

Nicole HirschauRegistered Nurse

Nicole is one of the most experienced RNs at Terrey Hills and has been with Thompson Health Care on and off for 20 years.

Nicole is loved by all our residents and staff and certainly goes out of her way to make everyone feel special. Nicole starting working at Terrey Hills as a Nursing Assistant, before going on to completing her Bachelor of Nursing. “I have been working with Thompson Health Care since I first started my nursing career. During my years I have pursued other areas of nursing but have always come back to Terrey Hills as I enjoy the close knit atmosphere and community,” she says.



The Knit Purl group at Terrey Hills is popular with residents who like to knit or crochet, or just like to sit with the group for a chat and afternoon tea.

Overseen by Recreational Activities Officer (RAO) June Benjamin, all willing residents are encouraged to come along. The beautiful goods they make are used as gifts for family members, other residents, or are given to Bear Cottage hospice for children.

Knit one purl one

Making cards, jewellery and teddy bears are all part of the fun for crafty Terrey Hills residents who take part in the craft sessions run three times each week.

Run by the RAO team, residents make cards for all occasions as well as earrings and necklaces. The craft groups allow residents to socialise and also maintain fine motor skills and sensory stimulation.

Crafty residents



The Terrey Hills Nursing Home's resident choir has had an exciting year with performances both in-house as well as in neighbouring facilities.

In collaboration with Northern Beaches Christian School the choir produced a DVD that was distributed to members, past and present. The choir’s themes have included songs from the movies and Australian ballads.

Terrey Hills Nursing Home are proud of their music program which includes not just the choir, but up to eight live musical activities a week. There are sing-alongs, musical entertainment and choir practice and incorporate contributions from staff, residents and professional musicians.

Music is known to lift mood, improve sleep, reduce behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia and enhance communication.

Resident choir

Every Wednesday morning a group of Terrey Hills Nursing Home residents gather to play Mahjong and Bridge.

RAOs help to facilitate these games that keep minds sharp and competitive spirit flowing.

Game day


Holistic Care

Wound care

All Thompson Health Care homes offer a complementary aromatherapy program.

At Terrey Hills Nursing Home, the aromatherapists and care staff run a daily massage sleep program to encourage quality sleep. Each resident has an individual blend of essential oils, developed to cater for their specific needs. Hand and foot massage is also used to promote relaxation.

Aromatherapy sessions

Terrey Hills has nominated wound care sisters, Registered Nurses Sue Zvirblis and Brenda Okada, who oversee all complex and simple wounds by prescribing the most suitable type of wound dressing to promote healing.

Residents who need additional attention are often those with dry and fragile skin, reduced mobility, poor vision, or with cognitive impairment. Care staff aim to prevent skin tears for all residents by ensuring their skin is moisturized and by encouraging good nutrition and hydration.

Preventative measures are taken by staff using safe lifting equipment, residents using walking aids, and well lit rooms. The wound care program has resulted in minimizing infections and decreasing the duration of wounds.

Terrey Hills has introduced a program in palliative care education for all staff.

When a resident has been assessed by the palliative care team, a colourful decal is placed on their door to increase awareness of the change in their care and needs. The learning package covers 28 key topics to educate staff how to provide the best possible care and support. This package has been well received by staff, who now have the knowledge to ease suffering and improve the quality of life of those with a life limiting condition.

The palliative program

Holistic Care

Every resident has differing needs, and each one benefits from slight changes to their environment and how their care is approached.

Understanding that behaviours are often due to unmet needs, staff at Terrey Hills design individual care plans for each resident. Education is key to working towards this person-centered care, so all staff are trained to take a special interest in each resident’s life story and experiences. Well trained staff providing person-centered care enhances the lives of residents in Terrey Hills Nursing Home.

Education in person-centred care

Hotel services in Terrey HillsThanks to Chef Pascal Massa and his team, breakfast service is personalised at Terrey Hills.

Just like a hotel, it is served when residents are ready. This is important for residents to remain feeling independent and at home. Breakfast is a choice of a continental style or full hot breakfast. It can be served either in one of our dining rooms or in the privacy of their own room.


Residents like to take advantage of the beautiful gardens by enjoying daily walks and picking some of the fragrant roses for their rooms.Turramurra

House

Alicia TaylorDeputy Director of Nursing

Alicia’s nursing career has seen her working across a diversity of areas such as surgical, orthopaedic and midwifery. Since joining Thompson Health Care 11 years ago she has

worked as a Clinical Nurse Specialist and is now DDON at Turramurra. She has completed a leadership program at Macquarie Graduate School of Management as well

as studies in palliative care through Neringah Hospital. Alicia loves the daily interactions she shares with residents, relatives and staff. She says Thompson Health Care is always prepared to meet the needs of the changing nature of the Aged Care industry. “Our home is fortunate to have staff from many backgrounds and they all contribute actively and bring their kindness and energy in support of our residents,” she says. Alicia has a love of animals, which comes from growing up in the country. She has two wonderful adult children and loves living in leafy Pymble. In her free time she enjoys cooking and baking sweet treats.

Turramurra House 69

Welcome to Turramurra House

Meet Our Staff

Sabita MaharjanRegistered Nurse

Sabita moved from Nepal to Sydney eight years ago and commenced at Turramurra House as a Nursing Assistant. Although she had studied to be a Registered Nurse in Nepal,

Sabita’s qualifications were not recognised here. However her love for nursing was so strong she restudied her Bachelor of Nursing at the Australian Catholic University. Once completed, she continued working at Turramurra House as a Registered Nurse. Sabita enjoys the challenges and opportunities she faces and the expansion of duties and responsibilities she has in this role. Director of Nursing Fiona Flood says, “Sabita appreciates the support of colleagues and management and is a wonderful part of our team, providing quality care to our residents.”

Nicola HarrowRecreational Activities Officer

At Turramurra House, the Recreational Activities department offer a wide variety of special themed days and activities. “We listen to the residents’ activity

preferences and suggestions and incorporate their ideas when we structure and compile the monthly activity programs,” says Nicola. This excites the interests of residents and ensures there are activities for all to enjoy.

Puspa Panta Nursing Assistant

For the past six years, Puspa has been working at Turramurra House as a Nursing Assistant. She loves being part of the team and enjoys her job so much that she decided to upgrade her

qualifications. This year she started studying to become a Registered Nurse at the University of Technology, Sydney. “I think it’s important to strive to improve your knowledge and skills,” says Puspa. “Thompson Health Care support us for everything even for family life, social life and school life. They always encourage us to expand our knowledge and qualifications and to always continue to learn,” she says.

Fiona Flood says, “Puspa is passionate about caring for the elderly and ensuring all their personal needs are met. She is a wonderful nurse full of compassion for others.”

Stephanie Fitzgerald Recreational Activities Officer

Stephanie has been at Turramurra House for 12 years. She originally started as a Catering Assistant, but found her love was for the recreational program. Stephanie

is passionate about caring for residents and their families and ensuring what is personally meaningful and important to them is maintained. She organises an extensive range of activities and programs to suit all residents’ interests; from the mobile zoo, string quartets to belly dancers.

“Stephanie has a great passion and enthusiasm for her work which shows in the energy and effort she puts into caring for our residents,” says Fiona.

Rojina SthapitRegistered Nurse and Educator

Rojina has been working at Turramurra House for seven years. She completed a Registered Nursing degree in Nepal and worked as an Orthopaedic Nurse for one year. She

then decided to come to Australia for further education. As she had studied overseas she couldn’t get recognition in Australia, so she completed a Bachelor of Nursing from the Australian Catholic University in 2013.

Since joining Thompson Health Care she has obtained Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, and more studies on Parkinson Disease and Meditrax training. Rojina enjoys the personal fulfilment that comes from giving support to the residents and their family members and other staff. When she first came from Nepal she didn’t know anyone in Australia, so Turramurra House is like a family to her. Rojina likes watching movies, travelling and making pastries in her free time.



Turramurra House residents enjoy the loving comfort received from the home’s cats Puddy and Natasha.

Natasha is a rescue cat brought to the home by staff, and she is quiet and gentle and has been a resident for many years.

Puddy is a beautiful ragdoll cat with captivating powder blue eyes and a gorgeous soft coat. Her laid back nature makes her a steadfast companion for residents. She loves to be patted and cuddled and has her favourite residents to smooch and cuddle.

They are both well loved and lucky cats.

Fur time

Residents love to gather in the lounge room to listen to a wonderful mixture of familiar old tunes played by the very talented trombonist, Selwyan Kins, otherwise known as Jazz Kingdom.

Selwyan’s visits are organised by Recreational Activities Officers Stephanie and Nicola, who join in with willing residents who love to sing and dance along to his music. Selwyan’s renditions bring smiles to all and provide a wonderful social interaction and meaningful reminiscing for residents, with the songs triggering memories from earlier years. At the end of his performances, residents always ask when he will next be back.

Jazz Kingdom

Recreational Activities Officer Stephanie Fitzgerald runs weekly word games with residents.

Using their minds to recall words and sounds helps keep residents’ memories strong and minds sharp. Even better is when sunny weather allows for an outside game, giving everyone some fresh air in the beautiful gardens.

Fun with words

Turramurra House 71

To ensure residents are happy and feel at home, Turramurra House provides many opportunities to continue both old and new interests and activities.

The extensive recreational program includes church services, cooking, cards and other games, exercise classes, walking program, in-house movies, high teas, entertainers, pet therapy, and art and craft. Jade the art therapist visits the residents each month. She leads painting classes and many different forms of craft. Art therapy promotes creativity and confidence, plus residents enjoy learning new skills or strengthening past skills, with many talented residents displaying gorgeous finished artworks in their rooms.

Artists in residence

Turramurra House has seen lots of fun and live entertainment over the past year, with bands like the Golden Kangaroos Concert Band and Jazz Kingdom.

Along with the major holidays like Easter and Christmas, staff and residents also celebrated days such as St Patrick’s Day and Anzac Day. International Nurses Day was celebrated with Nepalese staff dressed in full traditional costumes and performing amazing dances for everyone. Afterwards there was a delicious traditional Nepalese lunch for residents, family and staff to enjoy. Of course, celebration isn’t just for special occasions, as Turramurra House residents also enjoy daily happy hour with a glass of beer or wine relaxing in the sitting room.

Celebration time



Holistic Care

In a busy 12 months of education at Turramurra House, staff have conducted and participated in numerous education sessions such as workplace health and safety, fire training, infection control, chemical safety and care sessions that are important to help with the understanding of delivering quality care for residents.

Many staff have attended external courses, and education is also delivered in a variety of ways internally, to meet the needs of busy staff. For example self-directed learning, such as the Aged Care Channel DVDs and group sessions conducted by visiting Allied Health professionals and companies.

Education doesn’t stop with the staff, with the support of the local community and Allied Health professionals, Turramurra House offers education sessions to residents and their families. Topics include education sessions from The Australian Hearing Association, Diabetic Association, loss and grief counselling and physio and podiatry education sessions.

Education

Alison ThomasAdministrative Assistant

Alison has been greeting visitors to Turramurra House for almost seven years. “My role sees

me as the go-to person, ensuring all runs smoothly, in addition to supporting the DON, DDON, residents, families and staff,” says Alison.

Alison grew up in the country NSW towns of Casino and Coonamble. She moved to Sydney after school and completed a business diploma. Her background is in hospitality, as an Executive Assistant in 5 Star hotels, and also as an owner of a café. Alison is married with two boys who are both students at Knox Grammar in Wahroonga. The school has a good relationship with Turramurra house, with many boys completing their Community Service at the home. “Alison is warm and friendly and provides superior public and customer relations,” says Director of Nursing, Fiona Flood.

Brigidine College student Rosie Spurr is regular a volunteer at Turramurra House.

After being nominated by staff at Turramurra House, Rosie was awarded the Youth Service Award for Services to the Aged, presented by the Lions Club of Australia.

The award honours outstanding contribution by young individuals for significant contribution to the aged. An exceptional achievement. Congratulations to Rosie!

Youth award

Every month residents are offered pampering and relaxation at the aromatherapy day spa run by the Aromatherapists and Recreation Activities team.

By 10:30am the residents have arrived, ready and waiting in the lounge for a morning of pampering. They can feel the magic with relaxing music, essential oils wafting through the air, electronic candles for ambience, and a sumptuous morning tea served during treatment.

Foot soaks with essential oils are given to the residents as their feet are gently lowered into the warm water, while the spa team observe the residents

beginning to relax. Often a sigh or deep breath is let out as anticipation turns to pleasure. Many residents comment, “oh, this is so lovely and relaxing I could fall asleep.”

“While sitting with their feet in warm water and enjoying morning tea, the conversations start to flow,” says Cathy, Aromatherapist.

After the foot soak, a gentle hand massage is given, and sometimes

residents stay for the rest of the morning to enjoy the atmosphere. Everyone leaves feeling relaxed, pampered and happily looking forward to the next Turramurra House Day Spa.

Day spa time

Turramurra House strives to improve quality care services by introducing new technology.

This year Turramurra House has introduced a new telecommunication system called Telehealth. It’s primary objective is to provide direct access to quality medical services at Hornsby Hospital for residents.

The introduction of this system has enabled residents to receive specialty care within a short duration of time. Residents can have direct consultation via camera access with medical personnel at Hornsby Hospital while remaining at Turramurra. Even wounds can be reviewed by camera; residents can be reviewed physically with the help of a Registered Nurse while talking directly to specialists. This system saves time and money and saves residents from having to go to hospital.

Telehealth technololgy

Turramurra House 73

Holistic Care


Visits from the mighty Sea Eagles


Thompson Health Care are ongoing sponsors of the Manly Sea Eagles NRL team, so Terrey Hills Nursing Home, Mona Vale House, Avalon House and Tarragal House were each lucky to welcome visiting players from the team this season.

All of these homes are in Sea Eagles territory, so the visits were a hit with residents, staff and families.

At Avalon House grandchildren, family and even a local children’s footy team attended when players Jamie Buher and Martin Taupau visited. Resident Thelma says, “I enjoyed listening to the children asking questions and their interaction with the players, they were so excited.”

Avalon House


Mona Vale House

Mona Vale had lots of fun cheering on players Matt Parcell and Lewis Brown with residents, staff and families all joining in.

Tarragal House

Tarragal residents, family, staff and children from a local rugby league team welcomed players Brayden Wiliame, Blake Leary and Dylan Kelly receiving signed balls and asking lots of questions.

Sea Eagles Visit

Terrey Hills Nursing Home

Terrey Hills Nursing Home welcomed players Jorge Taufua and Matthew Wright. They were interviewed by resident fan Mari Mears. She asked them a selection of questions gathered from the audience of residents, relatives, staff and friends including a number of children.

Resident Faye Barrack was thrilled to meet the players, as she and her family have been diehard fans for many years. She has attended many games, even bringing along her knitting as she got older.

Terrey Hills are convinced they brought good luck to the team as their season improved considerably straight after the visit.


Cooking up memories


The original inspiration came from Avalon resident Mary McHugh who wanted to share her favourite family recipes with staff. So together, Avalon House staff members Katherine Sheppard and Lynne Douglas, formed an idea to connect the resident’s past with their present lives at Avalon House through a cookbook. They turned this idea into reality with the support of Thompson Health Care.

Food from Avalon House, The Story of Us was so successful that Abbey House has now completed their own cookbook, Food from Abbey House, The Story of Us coordinated by Julie Gordon, Lifestyle Coordinator.

Each recipe was lovingly prepared and professionally photographed to produce stunning, colourful keepsakes.

Both books tell the stories of lives well lived, places left behind, adventures, celebrations, tough times, treasured times, loved ones and hopes for the future.

In the past year Avalon House and Abbey House have both been fortunate enough to produce cookbooks that celebrate the community and family spirit of each home.


Cooking up memories

On the evening of 26 May 2016, 70 local doctors gathered at Abbey House to enjoy an amazing degustation menu with matching local wines prepared by the home’s internationally acclaimed chef Derek Hamlen. Prior to working as Executive Chef at Abbey House, Derek worked at Milton Park and Michelin starred venues throughout Europe and the UK.


Highlands Graduation

Abbey House and Bowral House held a graduation for 71 staff who completed courses and qualifications in October.

Guest speaker The Hon Brendan Nelson AO, spoke on the importance of education, entertaining the attendees with delightful anecdotes. He then presented certificates to graduates with Douglas Thompson AM, Proprietor of Thompson Health Care. Wendy Bell from Training Beyond 2000, and Mandy Collin, Education Manager, spoke on the Movement to Music research project.

Abbey House included 10 residents in the graduation ceremony – the Leisure and Lifestyle team led by Julie Gordon facilitated the University of the Third Age modules Train your brain, Food for thought, Life and times of Henry Lawson, Kings and Queens of England, Antarctica – the frozen continent and

Climate change. For some it had been the first course they had ever had an opportunity to undertake and complete, a great achievement; evidence that education and learning is lifelong.

The evening ended with delicious food created by Chef Derek Hamlen. Thompson Health Care’s strong emphasis on education, being able to provide more skilled and qualified staff who are able to have a career path within the organisation is much valued. As staff increase their knowledge this is translated into better care for our residents, who are always the priority.


Abbey HouseBowral House


Highlands Graduation

The two lucky iPad winners!


Macleay Valley House held its 4th annual graduation presentation on Tuesday 25th October 2016.

One hundred and eight staff were recognised for their completion of education programs during 2016. This is an outstanding show of the commitment by staff to professional development and education, and to ensuring the care they are delivering to residents is the most up to date and best practice.

Education was delivered in many areas including dementia care, allied health support, mental health care, advanced medication management for assistants in nursing, palliative care and leisure and health.

Awards were presented by Douglas Thompson AM, Proprietor of Thompson Health Care, and Wilma Sims, Director of Nursing, Macleay Valley House. The ceremony was watched by family and friends.

Following the presentation everyone enjoyed a fabulous array of food prepared by our chefs Myree and Shane and their wonderful team.

Macleay Valley House Graduation




Macleay Valley House Graduation


Tarragal House

by Kate Mafoa, Communications Manager

On the evening of 15 November 2016 I had the pleasure of organising the graduation for 275 staff from our Sydney and Central Coast homes.


Sydney Graduation

The night was as amazing as I’d hoped. Our guest speaker, The Hon Brendan Nelson AO, spoke on the importance of education and he engaged the audience with his very pertinent and motivating words.

Our proud graduates were presented with their awards by my father Douglas Thompson AM and of course The Hon Brendan Nelson AO. The list of courses attained over the year was as inspiring and diverse as ever. Staff graduated from a variety of programs including Nursing, Management, Dementia, Palliative, Mental Health and Leisure. Awards were given to Yanfei Deng from Milford House for completing three courses, and Sandy Moreton from Avalon House for completing an impressive four courses over the year. Eleven staff were presented with awards for 20 and 25 years of service to Thompson Health Care. We also had two lucky winners who took home new iPads.

The highlight of the night for me was introducing head office staff members to staff from the homes; they are such a lovely, intelligent, friendly group of people who I am so lucky to work with. The management team from our new Boronia House attended too, and it was a great opportunity for them to meet everyone from the other homes.

As always, Miramare Gardens served some delicious food and wine, and a fantastic time was had by all of the staff and their partners. It was a pleasure to organise this night for our deserving and hard working staff. I’m already looking forward to next year’s Graduation.

Terrey Hills Nursing Home


Sydney Graduation

Mona Vale HouseSeabeach Gardens

Avalon House

Turramurra House

Milford House


25 years of service




Sydney Graduation

Douglas Thompson AM presented The Hon Brendan Nelson AO with a bottle of Louis Roederer Cristal as a thank you. Generously, The Hon Brendan Nelson AO immediately raffled off the bottle to staff, won by lucky Phurbu Tsering, Nursing Assistant from Mona Vale House. The Hon Brendan Nelson AO said he didn’t attend the evening for a gift but for his passion in education and pride in all the graduates.

20 years of service

Directory

Phone: (02) 8467 9333 Fax: (02) 8467 9334

PO Box 658, Gordon NSW 2072 Email: [email protected]

Head Office Suite 20, Level 4, 924 Pacific Highway, Gordon NSW 2072

General enquiries about Thompson Health Care

Abbey House300 Range Road, Mittagong NSW 2575(Locked Bag 1)Phone: (02) 4871 1085Email: [email protected]

Bowral House87-89 Kangaloon Road, Bowral NSW 2576Phone: (02) 4862 8900Email: [email protected]

Seabeach Gardens26 Darley Street, Mona Vale NSW 2103Phone: (02) 9997 6383Email: [email protected]

Terrey Hills Nursing Home42 Booralie Road, Terrey Hills NSW 2084 (PO Box 265)Phone: (02) 9450 1719Email: [email protected]

Macleay Valley House80-114 Macleay Street, Frederickton NSW 2440Phone: (02) 6561 0900Email: [email protected]

Avalon House14 John Street, Avalon NSW 2107Phone: (02) 9973 0900Email: [email protected]

Milford House2-4 Milford Street, Randwick NSW 2031Phone: (02) 9398 3659Email: [email protected]

Tarragal House107 Karalta Road, Erina NSW 2250Phone: (02) 4365 5066Email: [email protected]

Turramurra House34 Curagul Road, North Turramurra NSW 2074Phone: (02) 9144 2444Email: [email protected]

Wahroonga House

31 Pacific Highway Wahroonga NSW 2076Phone: (02) 9847 2400Email: [email protected]

Mona Vale House33 Bassett Street, East Mona Vale NSW 2103Phone: (02) 9910 7900Email: [email protected]

Boronia House183 Boronia Road, St Marys (North) NSW 2760Phone: (02) 9833 5600Email: [email protected]

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