Meet the DON - Pattie Iredale

t was witnessing the care her own father received in his final years which drew Pattie Iredale, Director of Nursing, Grafton Aged Care Home in NSW to the aged I care sector - and has driven her ever since to change the industry for the better. By Gabi Mills.

L&L: How long have you been working in aged care, and what drew you to the profession?

PI: I was drawn to the aged care environment mainly through my experience with my own father who was elderly and living in an aged care home in the South West Slopes. While my Dad was well-cared for, my experience led me to think about what changes could be made to ensure our elderly are living with respect and inclusiveness that meet all their needs, physically and emotionally. I decided to study a Post Grad in Management and Leadership to give me the skills to pursue my passion in working for the industry that I wanted to change for the better.

L&L: What do you particularly enjoy about your role – and what are the challenges you face?

PI: I enjoy the day-to-day contact with the residents and staff who work here. It is like a family - we are all driven to achieve the same outcomes and goals.

L&L: On a day-to-day basis, what makes your role special and how do you inspire staff at your home?

PI: I inspire the staff by encouraging them to feel empowered to bring their ideas and suggestions to implement new concepts and improved processes. Through inspiration and leadership, the cohesion and strength within the team is evident; staff are happy, residents are happy and I am happy.

L&L: If somebody was contemplating a career in aged care, what advice would you give them?

PI: We support many students studying Cert III and IV in aged care. My advice is always to listen, observe and to get to know each person individually, to get to know their likes and dislikes, their personal achievements, their wishes and dreams. It is an industry that requires passion and commitment and it is so rewarding to see these beautiful people enjoy living and feeling supported.

L&L: What kind of leader/DON are you – how do you think your colleagues would describe you?

PI: I am ambitious, lateral-thinking, motivated and self-driven. I thrive on challenges and love to see great outcomes and results. I am a cathedral builder - I love working with the team, the families and the staff as they grow and develop their skills. When families come in to say thank you to the staff, that’s the reward.

L&L: What makes for a good day in aged care in your chosen career path – and how do you keep smiling in the face of everyday life and death situations encountered in aged care?

PI: My personal ethos towards aged care is we are here to give life to the frail, elderly and disabled who need support. Nothing in aged care is ordinary or boring because life is so beautiful, amazing and there is so much we can enjoy together.

L&L: What plans do you have for your home – and how do you relax when you have finished work for the day?

PI: I will continue to support the team in all our departments who are so dedicated and so willing to work beside me to build and nurture the facility for the wellbeing of the residents, their families and the staff.

L&L: Tell us something we don’t know about you?

PI: I make really good wine, I have a small vineyard which produces a delicious fresh light Villard Blanc, a smooth rich Chambourcin Dry, a silky slightly sweet Chambourcin Smooth a deliciously tasty rosé and for the end of the day, a rich berry delicately tasting Ruby Port. I also love my horses and dogs. But most of all I have an amazing family that fill me with life and love. I live by this affirmation - I love life and life loves me - so be in love with your life.

HE AIN’T HEAVY... he’s my brother

Twins Philip and Peter Youngman share the closest of bonds and despite a diagnosis of epilepsy for Philip who lives at Sirius Cove, the brothers continue to live life to the fullest.

abunch of bananas may be a simple gift, but for Philip Youngman, 79, it represents so much more. The Sirius Cove resident looks forward to visits from his twin brother Peter who always brings the yellow fruit to cheer Phil up. The pair used to work together every Saturday on a banana plantation, owned by their mates Billy and Rolley’s father. “We did all the odd jobs for them, like stripping back the old leaves on the plants,” says Peter. “We would earn 10 shillings for a day’s work and on Sundays, we would head to the beach with Billy and Rolley to have some fun.” Peter and wife Pam are regular visitors at Sirius Cove, and thanks to being part of a large family - there are six children in the family - Phil is often inundated with visitors, with his daughters Joanne and Alison also coming to spend time with their father. “Joanne also has twin sons who Phil is very close to,” says Sirius Cove Lifestyle Officer Alyse. “Understanding the twin thing so well himself, Phil is incredibly proud of them all and always loves to have a chat about them.” Philip moved into Sirius Cove in 2020 after being diagnosed with epilepsy. Growing up in Coffs Harbour, Phil’s father was a first grade football referee who would often travel to

neighbouring towns to ref matches. As five year olds, Phil and Peter would go to work with their father on their football team’s bus, being ball boys at the matches in different towns. If their team won, the boys would join in with the celebrations with the players and enjoy team barbecues and other ‘shenanigans’, says Peter. There is clearly still a strong bond between the two brothers, despite Phil’s onset of dementia. “Peter is the joker,” says Phil. “He throws a joke into just about every sentence. I was Peter’s keeper when we were younger, he was a protected species, I always had to have his back as Peter was a bit of a troublemaker as a kid.”

Sport would play a life-long role for Phil, with a love of health and fitness. He played golf and proudly displays a large collection of trophies in his room. “Phil also played rugby league and enjoyed being his high school rugby league team captain,” says Peter. “He was a man of many sporting talents, and also has a love of the ocean, competing in state championships in surfing when he was younger – not to mention his love of sailing on his yacht.” At Sirius Cove, Phil is known for his fitness levels - and the incredibly high number of push-up reps he can perform. “He works out every day with a set of dumbbells and recently received a boxing stand and swivel push-up grips to train with at the home,” says Alyse. It’s not all physical exertion and sporting achievements however. Phil is also known in the home for his softer side and caring nature. “He is always looking out for his fellow residents and has a very genuine, caring nature about him,” says Alyse. “Phil is also a softy for our feathered friends - he always saves his sandwich crusts to feed the birds, and was hand-feeding cockatoos on our balcony the other day.” When Phil’s daughters aren’t visiting him at Sirius Cove, there’s a good chance he may catch them on TV.

“They are currently filming on The Block, and have previously been on Love Island Australia!” says Peter. Despite the passing of years and the different paths the twins have taken in later years, the bond remains as close as ever.

“We are the best of friends because we always have each other’s back,” says Peter. “No matter what the situation.”

BROTHERLY LOVE Left, Phil as captain of first grade under 13’s rugby team in 1958. Phil, age 24 water-skiing. Below, Peter and Phil still love to spend time together.