Pacific Lodge Celebrates 5 Years

Situated in Sydney’s sunny Collaroy, Pacific Lodge Aged Care Centre (“Pacific Lodge”) has long been operated by The Salvation Army. The Centre’s connection to The Salvation Army dates back to the late 19^th Century, when The Salvation Army received large holdings of land in Collaroy and Dee Why from Elizabeth Jenkins. Jenkins had been helped spiritually by The Salvation Army and had responded with a gift of a small farm at Dee Why and four hundred pounds to build a ‘Home of Rest’ for “sick or injured officers.” This building is now part of Pacific Lodge in Dee Why, a beachside suburb of Sydney.

Over five years ago, the Men’s Home was re-built with Pacific Lodge now a modern 24-hour aged care centre, offering spacious rooms with ensuites. The Centre itself also has a sensory garden. But perhaps what makes Pacific Lodge so special, it not the facilities themselves, but the staff and residents who call it home.

Natarsha Laundon, the Centre’s Chaplain, has been at the Centre for just over a year and a half. Whilst previously working as a Corps Officer at Deniliquin, Natarsha felt the spiritual call to Pacific Lodge. “I was asked if I would change appointment and to pray about it and see what God said to me. I felt God saying that this is where he wanted me to be, so I accepted the appointment change.” For Natarsha, she hadn’t worked at an Aged Care centre before but was embraced by the staff and their friendliness. “I think this is what helped me settle in so quickly,” notes Natarsha.

For Natarsha, as she reflects on the Centre’s 5^th Anniversary, she says she cherishes the fond memories with residents. “When you’re visiting residents, especially residents with dementia, and you’re able to make that connection with them, that sticks with you,” she recounts. “Recently I had an experience with one of my residents, who is virtually non-verbal. I put ‘Mr Bean’ on and she’s there giggling to it. I’d managed to make her laugh and I thought, I haven’t seen her laugh in ages, but it was being able to make that connection with her that was really good.”

The Centre’s Administration Assistant, Jay, is one of Pacific Lodge’s longest serving staff. Jay notes that she most enjoys that her role involves a bit of everything, and she sees herself giving back to the residents. “I find it rewarding at the end of the day to feel like I've been helpful to someone. So, whether it's solving a problem or getting them to speak to the right person, just liaising between the different team members who can help best in a situation.”

Jay has been at the Centre for nearly five years and recalls her first impressions of the site. “When I first started at Pacific Lodge, I was impressed by the dedication and commitment of the Care staff team. Many of the team had been with Pacific Lodge for a number of years, they knew the residents well and provided exceptional care.”

Jay also holds dear the memories of the residents and those who call Pacific Lodge home. “I think the residents are some strong characters, we have one resident who enjoys singing Chapel songs and he will just sit in the social area and sing along,” she chuckles. “It’s the characters that you meet, they are friendly, and you start to have an ongoing friendship with them.”

Jay also notes that there is plenty to love about the Centre. “It’s a relatively new facility, so it is only 5 years old and they have done a lovely job planning it. There is a lot of natural light, big windows and a lovely garden that backs onto natural bushland and it’s a very pleasant place for residents to sit.” She notes that residents particularly enjoy the lush garden, sitting amongst the big gum trees in the shade, before concluding, “it’s a really pleasant environment to be in.”

References:

Lily Kells Sampson: Grassroots Army, Collaroy 1894. Sydney, NSW.
Charles E. McDonald and C.W. Henderson: The Manly Warringah Story. Sydney, Hamlyn, 1975.Please note much of the documentation, especially of the legal matters is held at the Sydney Heritage Centre.