A big congratulations to the team at Uniting AgeWell Rosetta Community, Strathglen.  Last night at Government House Tasmania in Hobart, the team won an award as part of the 2025 Tasmanian Palliative Care Awards. 

Nominated for the ‘Excellence in Palliative Care – Aged Care setting’  award, they were one of three finalists.  In attendance were Senior Care Manager Wendy Chamberlain and Registered Nurse Harpreet Singh.  The award was presented by Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker. 

This award sponsored by national peak body Ageing Australia, recognises exceptional palliative care in residential aged care to; 

• improve customer outcomes, 

• demonstrate leadership and innovation; and 

• build meaningful relationships with residents, families and staff to create a compassionate and supportive care environment. 

Residential Services Manager Denise Hallam is delighted with the result as it recognises the commitment of a dedicated team. “I am extremely proud of the team.  It is a great achievement and it’s a reflection of what a community of people can do when their values align.  The work will continue to benefit the lives of the people we are entrusted to care for.” 

The Strathglen team has been proactive in working with End-of-Life Directions for Aged Care (ELDAC) to expand knowledge and actively introduce new methodology when it comes to end-of-life care. 

Going above and beyond is part of the team approach to residents at end-of-life.  By working alongside external palliative care support organisations, the team has in turn benefited from improved direction, support and funding needed to reach their goals.  

Senior Care Manager Wendy Chamberlain says, “Our focus is to provide the best quality of life for our residents.  This includes ensuring  we can provide an inclusive, individualised and comfortable end of life for those we are privileged to care for.” 

Committing to this project and reaching their goals has been challenging to navigate alongside the competing demands of working in aged care.  Despite competing demands, they recognise it is an important part of the work they do. 

The Strathglen team has undertaken a range of initiatives to bolster their response to residents and families. 

• During Palliative Care awareness week, the team put together an interactive display drawing in relatives, visitors and staff leading to discussions about end-of-life planning.  This awareness supported us in Advance Care Plan conversations. 

• They hold regular Comfort Care Meetings with residents, families and staff attending each meeting.  These staff support them to identify learnings and bring ideas that will lead to continuous improvement of the palliative care we provide. 

• Through these meetings the team at Strathglen identified the need for staff and family members to have easy access to information and complementary equipment for end-of-life care.  Small trolleys containing the equipment were introduced ready to discretely place in the resident’s room at the appropriate time. 

Congratulations to Denise, Wendy and all the team at Strathglen who have without doubt demonstrated the Uniting AgeWell vision ‘to be a national leader, creating thriving and inclusive communities where innovative, high quality aged care services are delivered with respect and kindness.’