Nomination reflects hard work of dedicated, loving staff

Taralga Retirement Village received a nomination for Prime Super Employer Excellence in Aged Care thanks to their care and service.

SELFLESS CARERS: Lyn Polson, Ted Wagner and Nikki Greep have become family to each other thanks to the welcoming, inclusive atmosphere fostered at the Taralga Retirement Village in Jandowae. Picture: Meg Gannon

FOR the first half hour of Taralga Retirement Village facility manager Lyn Polson's day, she sits down with the 22 residents and has a conversation with them.

They talk about love, life, and each conversation ends in hysterical laughter. It's the most important part of Ms Polson's day and the highlight of the residents' day too.

It's this display of kindness from Ms Polson, and the rest of the staff at the retirement village that earned them a nomination for the Prime Super Employer Excellence in Aged Care Award.

The centre is constantly evolving to cater to the residents' needs, a move the staff believe warranted their nomination.

"It's improved so drastically over the last few months,” Ms Polson said.

"The staff are a lot happier in their jobs, the residents are happier, we're going ahead and moving forward in leaps and bounds.”

In the past few months alone, the centre has been given a new van to help transport residents, it has begun revamping the centre itself, and has increased the number of carers and registered nurses on hand.

"There's always something you can learn, and there's always something you can achieve,” Ms Polson said.

"There's best practice, and then there's giving it your best.

"You can sit mediocre, and then you can shine. And that's the difference.”

As facility manager, Ms Polson prioritises inclusion on all levels.

From the cleaners to the nurses to the kitchen staff, Ms Polson strives to manage a cohesive, inclusive workplace.

While the employees don't work for the recognition, rather the love of their job and the residents, Ms Polson believes it's important for staff to be recognised for the hard work and long hours they put in to their demanding, but rewarding jobs.

"It's great because it acknowledges all the hard work that everybody in this team is putting in,” she said. "It's something that the staff can be proud of and say 'look at that, look what we did'.

"If you praise people and make them feel as though they're part of a team, and what they're doing is worthwhile, they'll bend over backwards for you.”

The winners will be announced at a presentation dinner on November 29. The winners will receive a $2500 prize and a trophy.