Glenbrook resident Walter and Advanced Recreation Officer Julie.
Transitioning to aged care is a big life change. At Queensland Health’s 45-bed Glenbrook facility, Advanced Recreation Officer Julie ensures this new chapter, and every day that follows, is filled with joy, compassion, and care.
Looking after our older Queenslanders is incredibly important. They’re pillars in our communities and families, and their decades of wisdom, hard work, and rich life stories have shaped the Queensland we know and love today.
Across Queensland, publicly operated aged care homes provide vital, high-quality support to residents.
But it’s not just about the clinical care, Hospital and Health Service (HHS) staff like Julie focus on making every day meaningful, happy, and enjoyable for those who call Glenbrook in Nambour home.
Building trust from day one
With over two decades of experience as a nurse and a passion for movement as a qualified Pilates instructor, Julie has been a vital part of the Glenbrook team for four years.
After spending a morning with her, it’s clear what truly sets her apart: her genuine passion for supporting and uplifting Glenbrook’s residents.
“When a new resident arrives it’s nice to help them settle in and watch them start to come out of their shell,” Julie said.
“It can be a big transition moving into aged care, so it’s important to build trust and friendship.”
Julie explained that her role is distinct from nursing, often spending longer blocks of time one-on-one with those she cares for.
“These relationships are incredibly important. We often find that the residents will confide in us or share something with us that they mightn’t want to tell a nurse,” she says.
“It gives us an avenue to raise concerns early with the care team so we can make a real difference to their comfort and care.”
Puzzles, sing-a-longs, and a classic milk bar
Just as they did on the day we visited, Julie’s mornings begin at 7.30am with a personal touch: hand-delivering the daily newspaper and chatting with residents over breakfast.
This is followed by one of the many fun and creative activities that Julie and her fellow recreation officers, Anya and Linda, come up with.
From morning exercise (like balloon tennis) and therapy dog visits, to creative arts, gardening, cooking, and woodworking, daily life is as dynamic as the people who call Glenbrook home.
But no matter how much Julie, Anya, and Linda plan, things can change depending on what the residents like and don’t like.
“You have to be very adaptable to whatever plans you might have as they can change in an instant,” Julie said.
“We listen to the residents so we can put on activities they really want to do – like music!
“Our regular singer covers everything from the 80s to today – and everyone loves getting involved and interacting with one another.”
We soon found out about one of Glenbrook’s newest hits – the ‘Milk Bar Café’ – a nostalgic experience involving milkshakes, lamingtons, and a classic Sao biscuit with tomato and cheese.
“It feels like an old-fashioned milk bar, sparking lots of reminiscing, stories, and sharing, and that’s always really special for me to see,” Julie told us.
Advanced Recreation Officer Julie in the home’s very own garden, growing herbs, strawberries, carrots, and more.
Stories from the residents
For residents, these daily experiences and connections make Glenbrook feel like home.
Walter, a sharp 91-year-old who tongue-in-cheek calls himself “shy, bashful, and brilliant,” has called Glenbrook home for the past 18 months.
His adventurous spirit was sparked at just 17 when he decided on pilot school, ultimately earning his wings as an Army pilot.
Why a pilot?
“Because it’s much faster than walking!” Walter said.
“I maintain that I’ve been very lucky in my life – I was very fortunate I was able to see so much of the world from all the different planes I was flying.
“Life can’t be too boring…if you’re lucky enough to enjoy part of it – not everyone gets to.”
His favourite part of Julie’s activities? Eating whatever the others cook in the morning!
Walter as a young pilot with one his great loves, a plane.
Then there’s Paul, a former public servant who moved to Glenbrook 18 months ago alongside his brother, John.
He eagerly shared stories with us about growing up riding waves on surf skis near Manly in New South Wales and how it taught him to truly appreciate sharks.
He also told us that having people like Julie nearby makes a real difference.
“She’s got great taste – she organised a chocolate fudge cake for my birthday recently, and a raspberry and white chocolate for my brother.”
On sunny days, Paul’s favourite thing is taking a walk with Julie and his brother.
“It’s my favourite thing to do. We try to get out as much as possible, especially when the weather is as nice as today.”
Glenbrook resident Paul with his morning coffee and newspaper.
Our visit to Glenbrook revealed that it is more than a place where people like Walter and Paul live. It is a home where healthcare workers like Julie celebrate, embrace, and respect them.
To Julie, and the wonderful team at Glenbrook, thank you for letting us into your space.
The Australian Government subsidises a range of aged care homes in Australia. In Queensland, a number of these facilities are run by Queensland Health to ensure quality care is provided to those Queenslanders who need it most.
Find out more of Queensland Health run residential aged care facilities here.