Teamwork and Mateship at RSL Care Treetops

Nestled in the heart of New Farm, walking distance from the Brisbane River is the RSL Care Treetops residential aged care community. In comparison to other RSL Care sites Treetops is significantly smaller, with only 88 residents living in this three story building.  

The buildings small size and unique shape make it a very lively and sociable place to live, comments Diversional Therapist Pauline Mammino.

“These corridors are very busy, but the residents like it as they say they never feel lonely here, they are a lovely sociable group of people and I love the atmosphere,” she said.

Walking through the halls Pauline stops to greet every resident she passes, her warm and caring nature nothing short of extraordinary, however, this is nothing unusual at Treetops.

Treetops have an amazing workforce with over 100 staff members who collectively come from an impressive 23 different nationalities. This diverse team harmoniously work together and think so highly of each other, when it came time to submit nominations for the prestigious Nurse of the Year Award; the Treetops team submitted ten nominations.

Clinical Manager Jane Narain was not surprised to hear her team had nominated so many of their colleagues.

“They are a truly special group of people to work with; the whole team operates together as a unit. They are always willing to stay back and get the job done. I can always rely on them to come in on their days off to cover a shift if someone is unwell,” she said.

Ashwini Prakash an Enrolled Nurse credits the good work of her team to a highly skilled and dedicated management system.

“I have been working here for 10 years and everyone is always keen to help out.””

It is not uncommon at Treetops for staff members to jump in and help out in a different area to their own.

Sonja Mawer, Team Leader of Hotel Services took on the role of Laundry Services and Cleaning in the absence of a manager in that space. Sonja took on this temporary responsibility with a smile on her face the whole time.

Tina Donovan an Enrolled Nurse speaks very highly of her fellow team members especially when someone needs assistance.

“If we are ever having difficulty with a resident you don’t hesitate to ask your other team members for help,” she said.

“They are always willing to help you out and show you what techniques work for them.”

Physiotherapist Blair Davids also speaks highly of her colleague as she recalls an incident where a resident fell ill and was nursed back to health by Tina. 

“Tina went above and beyond her duties to ensure the resident recovered; her level of care dramatically changed his prognosis and improved his quality of life,” she said.

Kushal Thapa, a Registered Nurse, comments on how supported he felt starting out as a Graduate at Treetops.

“The team were so willing to help me in areas where I lacked confidence and I am privileged to work with them. I really can’t imagine working anywhere else,” he said.

The team often receive written feedback from family members highly praising the efforts of all the staff in caring for their loved ones.

The team maintain good relationships, not only with the residents but with their families as well. Most of the residents have become permanent after coming to Treetops for respite care after they have seen the positive and nurturing environment of the site.

The residents at Treetops are the reason the staff get up in the morning, they will do anything to make them smile. Personal Care Worker Seiko Koji will happily dress up, sing and dance for the residents and she is not alone.

Personal Care Worker Kalpana Naidu will go out of her way to ensure the residents look and feel their best, she will spend time perfecting the ladies hairstyles and matching outfits with accessories.

Registered Nurse, Sangita Shrestha speaks highly of her colleague Personal Care Worker Jean Wapau and the way she takes care of the residents.

“Jean will always advocate on behalf of the residents, she consistently goes above and beyond her duties to ensure a high level of care is delivered,” she said.

Pauline will rearrange the outdoor furniture every morning so a resident can walk around the garden in just the way she likes to for her morning exercise.

“I move all the furniture for her every morning and when she’s finished I move it all back; it’s no trouble at all,” she said.

“This is her home.”

Click here to find out more about RSL Care's aged care services.

Pictured: Jane Narain (Clinical Manager), Tina Donovan (Enrolled Nurse), Blair Davids (Physiotherapist), Pauline Mammino (Diversional Therapist), Sangita Shrestha (Registered Nurse), Jean Wapau (Personal Carer), Kushal Thapa (Registered Nurse), Ashwini Prakash (Enrolled Nurse), Kalpana Naidu (Personal Care Worker), Seiko Koji (Personal Care Worker) and Sonja Mawer (Team Leader of Hotel Services).