Building confidence and compassion in palliative care

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Capecare nursing and care staff have taken part in specialised education and training during National Palliative Care Week, strengthening their skills and confidence in supporting residents, clients and families through end-of-life care.

Staff from our Busselton, Dunsborough and Community teams participated in the Program of Experience in the Palliative Approach (PEPA), delivered by an Aged Care Nurse Educator Charlotte Coulson from QUT Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre across two dedicated two-day training programs.

Our staff were freed from their usual workloads to fully immerse themselves in the learning experience, reflecting Capecare’s commitment to quality care and professional development.

The PEPA program supports the aged care workforce to build knowledge, practical skills and confidence in providing compassionate palliative and end-of-life care.

Through interactive workshops, discussions and scenario-based learning, staff explored communication, symptom management, advance care planning and ways to support residents and families during some of life’s most challenging moments.

At Capecare, we understand that compassionate palliative care is about far more than clinical support. It is about dignity, empathy, connection and ensuring people feel safe, respected and cared for throughout every stage of their journey.

This training helps equip our teams with the confidence and understanding to have meaningful conversations, respond to individual needs and provide comfort-focused care with compassion and professionalism.

The PEPA training was funded through an Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care grant.

We thank all staff who participated for their commitment to continuous learning and for the compassionate care they provide to our residents, clients and families every day.

 

Our Nurses Our Future – The many paths of nursing at Capecare

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This year’s International Nurses Day theme, Our Nurses. Our Future recognises the vital role nurses play in shaping stronger healthcare systems and healthier communities for generations to come.

At Capecare, that future is reflected in the many ways our nurses care, lead, educate and connect every day.

From graduate nurses beginning their careers to internationally experienced clinicians, educators, care coordinators and clinical leaders, nursing at Capecare is as diverse as the people who choose it.

Across residential aged care, community services and clinical leadership, Capecare’s nursing team brings compassion, expertise and humanity to every stage of ageing.

Learning and Leading

“I wanted to help develop the nurses of the future.” – Lisa Roberts

Lisa Roberts, Nurse Educator

For Nurse Educator Lisa Roberts, nursing has come full circle.

Originally from England, Lisa began her working life in aged care as a teenager and now supports and mentors nurses as Capecare’s Nurse Educator.

“I always wanted to be a nurse,” Lisa said.

“I worked from a Health Care worker up to Nurse Educator and learnt so much on the way from my peers and from the amazing people I have cared for.”

Throughout her career, Lisa has worked across acute care, community nursing and cancer services, experiences she says shaped both her perspective and her passion for teaching future nurses.

“I wanted to help develop the nurses of the future – how to care for people, to walk in their shoes and ensure they show dignity and respect.”

For Lisa, aged care nursing is deeply personal. “I feel it’s a privilege looking after our elders as they have so much life experience and tales to tell.”

Clinical Manager Satinder Gill also sees nursing as a profession filled with opportunity for growth.

After relocating from New Zealand, Satinder joined Capecare seeking new opportunities and leadership development.

“I chose Capecare for the growth opportunities and the chance to further enhance my skills and experience,” she said.

“What’s special about aged care nursing is supporting elderly people when they need it most while helping maintain their dignity and quality of life.”

Nursing careers can take many different paths

“One thing nursing has never been is boring.” – Kate Moore

Kate Moore, Primary Care Coordinator

Nursing offers diversity throughout a career.

For Primary Care Coordinator Kate Moore, no two days, or career stages, are ever the same.

“The best thing about nursing is the endless variety,” Kate said. “Every role brings new experiences, new people and new opportunities.”

Kate said her own experiences supporting ageing family members sparked a growing interest in aged care and helping people navigate complex systems.

“That experience inspired me to be part of making aged care more accessible, supportive and easier to understand for others.”

Rajesh Kharel also sees nursing as a profession filled with challenge, growth and constant learning.

Rajesh relocated from Finland to Australia seeking greater career opportunities and professional development within healthcare.

“Australia offers much better, faster career growth and higher-level opportunities for nurses,” he said.

Now working at Capecare, Rajesh says the diversity of nursing is what continues to inspire him.

“The different skills, emotions, challenges and opportunities make nursing a very exciting profession and I feel it makes me a better person every day.”

While acknowledging the emotional demands of nursing, Rajesh believes those experiences are also what make aged care meaningful.

“Working in aged care is a profound emotional journey – a mix of joy, attachment and loss.”

“It involves fostering deep, personal connections with residents and sharing in their life stories.”

Community Clinical Services Lead Lee Winning agrees that nursing opens unexpected doors.

“The diversity of career options and the flexibility to work regionally and remotely has allowed me to continue to grow in my role,” Lee said.

Lee’s nursing career has evolved from mental health and community nursing in the UK through to diabetes education, care coordination and clinical leadership roles in Australia.

“From there I moved into program management and now love supporting clinical staff, maintaining safe work practices and improving service delivery.”

The relationships at the heart of aged care nursing

“Residents aren’t just patients — you really get to know them.” – Jess Lou

Jess Lou, Registered Nurse

For many nurses at Capecare, the most rewarding part of aged care nursing is the relationships built with residents and families over time.

Registered Nurse Jess Lou said those connections are what make aged care unique.

“What I love most about nursing is the connection you build with people,” Jess said.

“You support someone not only clinically, but emotionally as well, helping them feel safe, heard and cared for during vulnerable moments.”

As a graduate nurse beginning her career, Jess said aged care offered the opportunity to form meaningful relationships while continuing to learn and grow professionally.

“Residents aren’t just patients you see briefly. You really get to know them, their histories, personalities and what matters most to them.”

Registered Nurse Shauna Renwick said supporting people through difficult times can be both rewarding and emotional.

“As cliched as it sounds, I love helping people,” she said. “It is very rewarding being able to support people through a hard time and help someone get closer to their health goals.”

Shauna relocated from Queensland to the South West and said the region’s coastline and community lifestyle made it an easy decision to stay.

“Aged care is special because you develop a great friendship with elderly clients from supporting them on an ongoing basis.”

International nurses bringing global experience to local care

“I am caring for someone else’s parents here.” – Tara Devi

Capecare Registered Nurse Tara Devi

Capecare’s nursing workforce also reflects the increasingly global nature of healthcare, with nurses bringing experience and perspectives from around the world.

Float Registered Nurse Tara Devi has worked in nursing for more than 25 years across Bhutan and Australia, including completing a PhD in Palliative Care.

“What I love about nursing is that special opportunity to be in people’s lives when it is often the most difficult times,” Tara said. “I hold that honour and privilege very close.”

After returning to Australia to reunite with family, Tara joined Capecare to continue her nursing journey in aged care.

“What I found special in aged care nursing is the bond we develop with residents and their families.”

In one of the most heartfelt reflections shared by the nursing team, Tara explained how caring for older people connects deeply to her own family.

“I often say I am not able to care for my ageing parents who are in Bhutan, but I am caring for someone else’s parents here — and that gives me immense joy.”

The future of care

International Nurses Day is an opportunity to recognise not only the care nurses provide today, but also the future they are helping shape.

At Capecare, nurses continue to play a vital role across residential care, community services, education, leadership and clinical innovation, supporting older people to live with dignity, comfort and connection.

From graduate nurses beginning their journey to experienced clinicians mentoring the next generation, each nurse brings their own story, strengths and pathway to the profession.

Together, they are helping shape the future of care in the South West.

8 professional women of varying ages and nationalities grouped togehter and smiling for the camera outside a blue wall with rose bushes in the background

Capecare setting new standards in dementia care

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Capecare has officially reopened its newly refurbished Rosa Brook Wing, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of dementia care at the Busselton facility and in the South West.

Rosa Brook Wing provides a dedicated, purpose-designed environment for residents living with dementia and changes in cognition. The refurbishment was designed to create a more supportive, homelike setting promoting dignity, independence and wellbeing.

Originally opened in 2000, the wing has undergone a comprehensive transformation, incorporating contemporary dementia-friendly design principles and upgraded care infrastructure, made possible through funding from the Australian Government’s Aged Care Capital Assistance Program.

Capecare Chair Martha Ryan said the reopening reflected both the organisation’s history and its commitment to the future of care.

“Rosa Brook has long been an important part of Capecare’s story, and this refurbishment represents how far dementia care has come over the past two decades,” Martha said.

“Today, we better understand the importance of designing environments that support not just safety, but also connection, familiarity and a true sense of home. This redevelopment ensures we can continue to provide care that respects each person’s dignity and individuality.”

The redesigned wing includes enhanced communal areas, improved lighting, dementia-friendly wayfinding features, and carefully selected furnishings that balance safety, comfort and a homely feel.

At the official re-opening event, Capecare CEO Tim Nayton announced the launch of the organisation’s Dementia Support and Mental Wellbeing Program, an integrated strategy designed to support cognitive, emotional and social wellbeing across residential, community and retirement living services.

He said the project was part of a broader organisational focus on dementia and mental wellbeing.

“This is more than a building upgrade. It is part of a wider commitment to supporting people living with dementia to live well,”  Tim said.

“The Rosa Brook refurbishment, alongside our Dementia Support and Mental Wellbeing Program, reflects our focus on person-centred care, supporting each individual’s wellbeing, identity and quality of life.”

Home to 20 residents, Rosa Brook has been carefully designed to offer a calm and familiar environment for people living with dementia that eases confusion, reduces distress, while encouraging independence and meaningful daily experiences.

The refurbishment was undertaken by Interite, who designed and coordinated the interior fit-out using skilled local tradespeople, complemented by furnishings from Atama Furniture and European Bedding.

Capecare continues to play a leading role in delivering high-quality aged care services in regional Western Australia, with a strong focus on innovation, compassion and community connection.

The opening event featured a speech by John Reid who was a board member at Capecare for more than 30 years and was MC at the original opening event on 28 June 2000. Current Rosa Brook resident Elizabeth McMullen was also a special guest, helping to cut a celebratory cake with Martha and John to mark the re-opening.

View a video tour.

A care support worker providing personal care to an older personCapecare

A welcome step toward clearer, fairer home care

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Capecare welcomes today’s announcement to reclassify personal care under the Support at Home program, alongside the Australian Government’s broader investment in aged care.

It’s an important move that better reflects the essential role these services play in supporting dignity, independence and wellbeing at home, while also strengthening the system to meet growing demand. 

As a regional not-for-profit provider, we know how important clear and sustainable funding is to delivering consistent, high-quality care in our community.

We look forward to seeing how these changes are implemented and continuing to support our clients through the transition.

Read more on today’s announcement here. 

Capecare respite resident in front of room

Time to Think program at Capecare expands

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Capecare’s Time to Think hospital transition program has expanded to support clients with mild cognitive impairment.

Time to Think is a WA Government Department of Health program allowing older people more time to plan their next steps following a hospital stay. The program helps to free much-needed hospital beds and provides a dedicated support service for people while they plan their longer-term care arrangements.

The program commenced at Capecare in November 2025 and since that time, 41 clients have participated in Busselton.

Capecare has been working closely with WA Country Health Service and the broader Department of Health to provide older people in hospital the opportunity to continue their recovery with us and be supported to plan their next steps, whether it be to return home or residential care.

Following refurbishment of our Rosabrook Wing, we’ve been able to allocate most of the rooms in Monks Wing for Time to Think clients. This means we can now also support people living with mild cognitive impairment in the program. The remaining beds in Monks are being used for respite and permanent residential care.

Relocating Time to Think means we can expand our number of permanent beds, enabling us to provide additional care to community members in our Forest and Gracetown wings in Ray Lodge. Work has commenced, with room completion expected in May 2026.

PALM team members become permanent Capecare employees

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It’s hard to believe it’s been four years since our first group of PALM team members (Pacific Australia Labour Mobility) arrived from Fiji,  bringing warmth, energy and a welcome boost to our Capecare team.

They joined Capecare at a time when the aged care sector was facing significant workforce shortages following COVID. Through our partnership with HealthX, we were able to welcome qualified and compassionate carers to support our residents and existing staff.

This first intake was particularly significant, as it was the first group of Pacific Island workers HealthX supported to come to Western Australia after state borders reopened.

Over the past four years, these team members have grown their skills and experience in aged care, while forming meaningful connections with residents and colleagues.

We’re now proud to celebrate an exciting milestone – four of the original six team members, Tama, Vika, Lomani and Lita, are now officially permanent Capecare employees.

Capecare Chief People Officer Pip Ayre commended the group for their hard work and dedication, and for the genuine care and kindness they show our residents every day.

Each of the women is now sponsored by Capecare on temporary resident visas, providing a pathway to permanent residency. This also opens the door for them to reunite with their families here in Australia.

The milestone was celebrated with a special afternoon tea — generously organised by the team themselves as a heartfelt gesture of thanks.

four older ladies working on painting in a group

Celebrating Creativity at Capecare Dunsborough

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Creativity is thriving at Capecare Dunsborough, where a dedicated group of residents comes together each week to explore their artistic talents.

The weekly art group has become a much-loved activity, offering residents the opportunity to paint, draw, and express themselves in a relaxed and supportive environment. From vibrant abstract pieces to detailed sketches, each artwork reflects our artists’ individuality and creativity.

Beyond the canvas, these sessions play an important role in fostering connection, conversation, and a strong sense of community. Residents share ideas, encourage one another, and take pride in their progress and achievements.

A highlight of the year is the group’s annual art exhibition, where residents’ work is proudly displayed for the wider community to enjoy. The exhibition not only celebrates their creativity, but also helps raise funds for art supplies—ensuring the group can continue to flourish.

At Capecare, we are proud to support initiatives like this that promote wellbeing, self-expression, and meaningful engagement. The art group is a wonderful example of how creativity can bring people together and enrich everyday life.

Dunsborough Lions Club member Malcolm van Rensberg, Dr Mostyn Hamdorf, Capecare Dunsborough Residential Care Manager Linda Barry holding the bladder scanner, Dunsborough Lions Club members Jim Lane, Mick Macri and Kaye McCormick, and Capecare CEO Tim Nayton outside Capecare Dunsborough

Lions Club donation to Capecare will prevent hospital visits and potentially save lives

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The donation of a bladder scanner by Dunsborough Lions Club to Capecare has the potential to reduce hospital visits, improve health outcomes and ultimately save lives for our aged care residents.

Capecare Board Member and Dunsborough GP Dr Mostyn Hamdorf said the new scanner would allow Capecare’s nursing team to test and assess residents quickly and support an earlier diagnosis and treatment of potentially serious conditions.

“The portable bladder scanner donated to Capecare by Dunsborough Lions is a quick, safe, and non-intrusive way of differentiating between urinary obstruction and dehydration,” Dr Hamdorf said.

“For older people, particularly those who may struggle to communicate their symptoms, this technology helps take the guesswork out of diagnosis. The scan only takes a few seconds, and the results can be sent immediately to the resident’s GP so treatment can be arranged quickly.”

The bladder scanner cost approximately $6000 and will be used across Capecare’s Dunsborough and Busselton residential facilities, as well as by nurses supporting home care clients.

Dunsborough Lions Club Secretary Kaye McCormick said the Club was proud to support an organisation that played such an important role in the local community.

“Capecare is part of the fabric of the Dunsborough community, so we didn’t hesitate when we were asked if we could help,” Ms McCormick said.

“We know many people who are residents at Capecare – in fact two of our own members now live at Capecare Dunsborough.

“If residents become unwell because of a urinary issue, they often need to travel by ambulance to Busselton Hospital, which is stressful for everyone involved and places pressure on local services. With this scanner, assessments can happen quickly on site.”

Ms McCormick said the Club had long supported the facility.

“We worked hard for many years to get an aged care facility in Dunsborough, so it’s wonderful to be able to continue supporting projects like this.”

The Dunsborough Lions Club previously donated a Tovertafel interactive memory game table to Capecare shortly after the Dunsborough facility opened in 2021, along with wheelchair-friendly raised garden beds for residents. The Club also contributed financially to the facility during its early planning stages.

Learn more about Dunsborough Lions Club at dunsboroughlions.com.au

interior of a refurbushed retirement unit showing dining table and lounge with a light filled windowCapecare

Ray Village Unit 37 ready for new independent living residents

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Interested in retirement living by the beach? A beautifully refurbished two-bedroom unit is now available at Capecare’s Ray Village Busselton, offering relaxed coastal living in a welcoming over-65s community.

Unit 37 has undergone an extensive upgrade, including new flooring, contemporary kitchen, bathroom and laundry cabinetry and fittings, fresh paintwork, and modern window furnishings. The result is a bright, refreshed home ready for its next residents.

The thoughtfully designed layout features open-plan living, a private outdoor area, and carport parking with additional storage.

Home Opens will be held on Wednesdays — 4, 11 and 18 March — from 4pm to 5pm.

Ray Village offers a friendly, community-focused environment in a sought-after beachside location, with the added reassurance of Capecare’s 65 years of care experience close by, if ever needed.

Each unit that becomes available at Ray Village is refurbished as appropriate to ensure a comfortable and modern living environment.

To find out more, visit our Independent Living Busselton page email independentliving@capecare.com.au or call 08 9750 2000.

View or download the sales brochure

Pretty blue and cream bedroom with fabric bedhead and soft furnishings

exterior view of a blue and cream single story unit

Dunsborough piano and donor Jason Cavallaro

A gift of music that lives on at Capecare

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When Ishbel Casselton visited her husband Bob at Capecare Dunsborough, there came a time when his ability to communicate with her began to decline.

Determined to continue reaching him on an emotional level, Ishbel searched for another way to connect.

Bob had always loved music — especially listening to Ishbel play the piano. When Ishbel mentioned this to family friend Jason Cavallaro during a visit from Perth, the conversation took an unexpected and generous turn.

“I told Jason I would love to get a piano for Capecare so I could play for Bob,” Ishbel said. “Without missing a beat, Jason replied, ‘You can have mine.’ I almost dropped on the spot.”

Soon after, Jason’s piano was delivered and given pride of place in the dining room of the Bunker Bay wing at Capecare Dunsborough.

The impact was immediate. When Ishbel began to play, Bob’s face lit up.

“Through the piano, we were able to continue using music as a connector right up until Bob’s passing,” she said.

Bob sadly passed away in January, but the gift of music continues.

Jason’s generous donation has touched not only Ishbel and Bob, but also residents, staff, and visiting family and friends throughout the Dunsborough community.

Capecare volunteer Barton Hatherley now plays the piano during his Tuesday morning visits, and residents especially enjoy singing along to much-loved old-time favourites.

And this is no ordinary piano. Ishbel shared that the instrument originally came from the Japanese Embassy in Perth.

The Ambassador’s daughters learned to play alongside Jason’s daughters, and when the Ambassador’s family returned to Japan, the piano was gifted to Jason — who has now generously passed it on to Capecare.

“It is a beautiful piano,” Ishbel said. “We are so lucky to have it.”

CAPECARE
BUSSELTON

20 Ray Ave
Busselton WA 6280
Ph: 08 9750 2000
Fax: 08 9755 4696

Community Care: 08 9750 2097

CAPECARE
DUNSBOROUGH

171 Naturaliste Tce
Dunsborough WA 6281
Ph: 08 9786 5555
Fax: 08 9786 5508

Community Care: 08 9750 2097

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Capecare acknowledges the Wadandi people as the Traditional Custodians of Noongar Boodja and honour Elders past and present. We recognise their enduring connection to this land and our shared commitment to care for our community.

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