While her title at the Whiddon Group Laurieton is deputy director of care services, Dale considers herself part of the team and makes it her mission to form a close connection with all residents. 

Dale said she leaves work each day feeling happy and confident that she has made a difference to lives. 

Throughout the past 28 years Dale has seen people come and go. She holds on to fond memories of residents who have passed away. 

“They are all so special and they all touch your heart,” she said. 

Some residents taught Dale what life used to be like for them through recollections of their childhood and younger days. 

“These people are so tough and resilient,” she said. 

“I’m in awe of how strong they are.

“They are all so grateful for the care which is provided.”

Dale said the younger generation of today will also be resilient when they are in aged care, but in a different way. 

The aged care centre works to foster inter-generational relationships by involving students from the Camden Haven High School in particular events. 

“This is so they can build connections to understand what they (residents) have been through in their lives,” she said. 

“The residents here love the students’ vitality, to listen and be around them.” 

Dale said the staff at the facility centre base a person’s care around their life, their likes and dislikes. 

She said when she first started out in aged care, staff focused on providing support through what she calls a ‘medicine model’ which was very ‘task focused’. 

“People were well cared for under this model but now there is more of an emphasis on their quality of life,” she said. 

“It’s all good for a person to be well but they have to be happy.

“Life doesn’t stop, it continues to get better.”