Staff Spotlight: Centre Manager Diah Octaviana

Burrangiri Aged Care Respite Centre (“Burrangiri”), located in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), is a unique ACT Health site operated by The Salvation Army Aged Care. The Centre supports ageing Canberrans and their carer, through overnight planned or emergency respite care, along with post-hospitalisation support.  In addition, a Day Centre program operates Monday to Friday, where clients can attend for as many days as they require. Diah Octaviana, (pictured, centre) who has been with The Salvation Army since 2013, first started at Burrangiri as a Carer.

Over the years, she has held positions as Registered Nurse, Care Referral Coordinator and is now currently the Centre’s Manager. Diah notes that the role of Burrangiri “is to help the aged living in the community and for their carer who might need a break from that role.” Burrangiri essentially serves as a fully equipped home-away-from-home, with registered nurses and carers on site.  

“Basically, Burrangiri is a convalescent care facility which also serves to provide a respite break for the carer,” Diah says. Also, we have a Day Centre, so we help clients who might need a bit of encouragement with social interaction.” For many clients, respite at Burrangiri provides them with a sense of routine, consistency and community. Clients at Burrangiri are provided with fresh homely meals cooked on site by our chef, and benefit from a Lifestyle Team who manage a weekly calendar of events and provide stimulating activities.  

“On the weekend, our clients are more than welcome to sit in the sunroom or do a puzzle or enjoy our lovely outdoor setting. The sunroom is equipped with reading materials, or they can have a chat with other people,” explains Diah. During the week there is a full calendar of activities to keep clients engaged. “From Monday to Friday, the overnight respite clients can engage with the Day Centre if they would like to be more socially engaged.” Activities at the Day Centre include things such as trivia games, gardening, art and craft, sing-alongs, ‘armchair travels’ to exotic places, board games, bus trips and walking groups. 

Those caring for an ageing loved one will benefit from Burrangiri, which provides a safe, supportive environment for their loved one, whilst at the same time providing an opportunity for the carer to have a well-deserved break. Diah states, “the benefit is quite significant, especially the psychological benefit.” Diah highlights how the Respite Centre can also provide clients and their Carers with a non-intimidating taste of residential care; affirming that full-time care is often comprehensive, well-supported and enjoyable.  

When asked what clients appreciate most about the Centre, Diah notes it is the Centre’s “family-oriented” feel. “Clients love that the staff always say hello and the food is a highlight. Everyone is always saying how ‘the food is excellent’ and ‘I love the food.’ So, our food catering is quite a highlight too.”