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.

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 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.”

eldac

Capecare strengthens palliative care through national initiative

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Capecare is proud to be participating in the End of Life Directions for Aged Care (ELDAC) initiative – a nationally recognised program designed to support aged care providers to improve palliative care, strengthen advanced care planning, and build stronger connections across health and community services.

The ELDAC project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care and delivered through a partnership of three universities and national organisations representing aged care, palliative care and primary care.

What is palliative care?

Palliative care is a compassionate and supportive approach that aims to enhance quality of life for individuals living with a life-limiting illness, and for the families and carers supporting them.

It focuses on preventing and relieving suffering through early identification of needs, careful assessment, and effective management of pain and other concerns. This includes physical, psychological, emotional, cultural and spiritual support, ensuring each person’s care is respectful, individualised, and aligned with their values.

What is ELDAC?

The ELDAC model provides a practical framework for improving how aged care services respond to changing health needs and end-of-life care. It supports providers to strengthen:

  • Advance Care Planning
  • Assessing palliative care needs
  • Responding to deterioration
  • Working collaboratively with families, GPs and allied health professionals
  • Connecting with wider palliative care services

This approach can contribute to reduced hospital admissions, shorter hospital stays, and improved quality of life outcomes for older Australians receiving care in residential aged care and in the community.

Capecare’s ELDAC journey

Capecare commenced the ELDAC journey at our Dunsborough facility in November 2025. We will commence at our Busselton facility and in our Community care services in May 2026.

As part of ELDAC, we are focusing on raising awareness and strengthening our approach to palliative and end-of-life care through:

  • targeted meetings and planning activities
  • increased collaboration with GPs and allied health professionals
  • improved access to trusted, evidence-based resources and tools
  • building staff capability through education and training
  • supporting stronger communication and care planning with residents, clients and families

Staff across our Busselton and Dunsborough residential care facilities and community care will have access to a collection of free, evidence-based information, tools and resources developed through ELDAC and supported by trusted programs including palliAGED and Advance Care Planning Australia.

A key part of Capecare’s participation includes support from the Program of Experience in the Palliative Approach (PEPA).

Benefits for Capecare and our community

Capecare’s involvement in ELDAC is expected to deliver wide-ranging benefits, including:

  • stronger support to provide palliative care through structured frameworks and planning
  • access to trusted evidence-based resources and online tools
  • increased education and training to build confidence and expertise
  • greater confidence for staff, volunteers, residents and families
  • a valuable learning opportunity across our entire organisation
  • cost efficiency through grant-funded training opportunities
  • strengthened networks with local palliative care services, GPs and allied health professionals

Capecare is committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care that supports dignity, comfort and choice. The ELDAC initiative is an important step in strengthening our palliative approach and ensuring residents and clients receive the right care, at the right time, in the right place.

We look forward to continuing this journey and sharing further updates as the program expands across our communities.

Capecare Time to Think lounge

Capecare is WA’s first regional Time to Think provider

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Capecare in Busselton will be the first regional location for the Western Australian Government’s Time to Think program.

Time to Think allows older people in the South West more time to plan their next steps following a hospital stay, and in turn, helps to free hospital beds and provide a dedicated support service.

In announcing Capecare’s involvement, WA’s Aged Care and Seniors Minister Simone McGurk said the introduction of the program’s first beds in the South West was a significant milestone in improving access for regional communities, meaning more older Western Australians can benefit from this valuable support.

18 beds at Capecare’s Busselton campus have been added to the program which now totals 87 short-term places across aged care homes in WA. The program launched in May this year.

Capecare CEO Tim Nayton said the organisation had already been successfully providing a hospital transition pilot program.

“We’re excited to expand our work in this important area and be part of the Time to Think program,” he said.

“We witnessed first-hand the importance and value of supporting local hospitals, and individuals while they plan longer-term care arrangements.

“Time to Think clients are supported by Capecare with reablement and placement coordination to ensure they can choose their appropriate future home which might be residential aged care or a return to their home in the community.

“It is an important program in the broader model of health management, helping to free up public hospital beds, particularly in the South West where they are at such a premium.

“As a regionally based aged care provider our philosophy is to support the community and we have been doing so for almost 65 years with aged care services, so this program is a natural extension of our work.”

“The priority for all of our aged care services is to ensure that older people, their carers and families, and our community continue to receive the support they need, when they need it,” he said.

Award for Clinical Coordinator Alvin Dube demonstrates Capecare values

Award for Clinical Coordinator Alvin Dube demonstrates Capecare values

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At Capecare, we’re committed to nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals. By actively supporting nursing and care trainees through clinical placements with educational institutions across Australia, we’re investing in a future where dedicated, skilled staff provide exceptional care to our residents and strengthen our team.

We were delighted to learn last week that Capecare Clinical Coordinator Alvin Dube has been recognised with the Outstanding Preceptor Award through the Clinical Placements with Older People Program (CPOP). The award honours his excellence in mentorship and the positive impact he’s made on student nurses during their placements.

A mentor who makes a difference

The recognition came through a heartfelt nomination from a student nurse who experienced first-hand Alvin’s exceptional approach to teaching and care:

“Alvin brought a wealth of knowledge to every buddy shift I had with him and approached teaching with so much patience, clarity, and genuine care. He consistently emphasised that caring for the elderly involves not only the individual, but also their entire family – a perspective that has shaped my understanding of compassionate, person-centred care.

“From the very beginning, Alvin made me feel valued as a student. He took the time to ask, ‘What can I teach you?’ A simple question that had a lasting impact on me. It demonstrated his genuine commitment to my learning and made me feel safe asking questions while growing in confidence. Thanks to his support, my confidence has soared throughout this placement.

Alvin also made the effort to walk me through procedures step by step, never rushing, and always ensuring I understood the ‘why’ behind the ‘how.’ His dedication to both patient care and teaching is truly inspiring, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from such an amazing nurse.”

Building a legacy of care

CEO Tim Nayton said Alvin’s award reflected the values at the heart of Capecare – compassion, respect, partnership, and a commitment to person-centred care.

“His ability to inspire confidence in emerging nurses while maintaining the highest standards of resident care exemplifies the quality of our team,” Tim said.

“We are so lucky to have Alvin caring for our residents and being part of the Capecare family. Thank you, Alvin, for everything you do.”

The Clinical Placements with Older People Program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and led by the University of Canberra in partnership with Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, the University of the Sunshine Coast, Central Queensland University, Southern Cross University, and the University of Tasmania.

Two men smiling with a certificate.

Clinical Coordinator Alvin Dube with Capecare CEO Tim Nayton and Alvin’s award , demonstrating Capecare values in action

Letters Against Isolation - Busselton resident Edie Cowling Nov 2025

Combatting loneliness at Capecare

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Loneliness is an increasingly documented issue and can strike seniors particularly hard, impacting mental and sometimes physical health.

Capecare actively strives to combat loneliness with a variety of lifestyle activities for our residents in Busselton and Dunsborough.

We recently signed up 8 of our Busselton residents to the Letters Against Isolation Program.

Operating across Australia, the UK, the USA and Canada, Letters Against Isolation connects letter writers to older people via an anonymous online portal.

The handwritten letters and cards are sent to our Lifestyle Team and distributed to residents who are suited to each letter.

This week, the postman arrived! Edie, Greg, and Sally received our first letters from the program.

The letters talked about family holidays to go fishing, childhood memories, and many different hobbies and pastimes.

Thank you, Letters in Isolation and your volunteer writers, for making a normal day just a little bit more special for our residents.

Remembering our servicemen and women

Remembering our servicemen and women

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Remembrance Day is an important occasion at Capecare when we stop to honour the courageous men and women who have served and died for our country.

Individual ceremonial events were held at each of our facilities and were well attended by residents and staff.

Special thanks to Volunteer Barton Hatherly for providing musical accompaniment, resident Bob Muirson for his recital of In Flanders Field, and resident Nikolaus Selheim for laying a wreath at the Dunsborough service.

Thanks also to Rev Graham Lawn for officiating in Busselton. He is a regular visitor to Capecare, providing our monthly Christian church service, and thanks also to resident Glenys Reynolds.

And special thanks also to our Lifestyle Coordinator Megan Snitch for organising these moving and important events and to our hospitality team for providing morning and afternoon tea.

Lest We Forget.

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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Registered Charity

ABN 77 630 179 279

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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