Bulletin Spring 2018

TREENDALE RESPITE AND A HAVEN
AWAY FROM HOME
GREG BROTHERSON, MSWA MEMBER
My wife had major surgery on her shoulder, the tendons worn
thin after years of singlehandedly carrying the increasing load
of caring for me. Fortunately, there is MSWA’s Respite Home
at Treendale, situated adjacent to the Leschenault Inlet at
Bunbury that provided a safe haven for the next three months
while my wife recovered. This was crisis accommodation, not
actual respite, however if Treendale had not existed at that
particular time the nursing-home alternative doesn’t bear
even thinking about, except to say that the Treendale facility
is ‘priceless.’
Treendale is part of, but separate from, MSWA’s high-support
accommodation units. Together it is a nicely proportioned
complex set in well-manicured parklands next to a huge
artificial lake which is the terminus of a natural stream that
winds its way northeast from the Leschenault for a kilometre
or so through the encroaching suburbia. Period-style
footbridges allow access to both sides of the trickling stream,
adding a special character which harmonises the area.
Families of wild ducks are the final touch to this idyllic setting.
If the weather is fine the journey by power chair makes a nice
exploratory trip.
To the east of Treendale, the facility overlooks a wide expanse
of vacant land set aside for future development, and this
land abuts a large blossoming shopping centre anchored
by Woolworths at one end and Bunnings at the other – all
of which is within easy reach by power chair. Treendale is a
relaxing mixture of country life and the slow encroachment
of suburbia stemming from Bunbury, with the architects
obviously trying to balance the environment.
Treendale reflects this attention to detail by the architects to
fade the MSWA complex neatly into this carefully modelled
setting. Considerable attention has been given to the security
fencing however, which is unobtrusive but significant.
Security, lighting and privacy is of paramount concern for
the managers.
This attention to detail continues inside the respite home.
There are six spacious bedrooms, each with an overhead
hoist, television and DVD player, connected to an equally large
shared bathroom. The dining room and television area for
those residents who desire big-screen viewing, is individually
incorporated into a large open-plan room. It is a generous
country-style home subtly incorporated into the larger facility
which is in keeping with the great outdoors yet retains its own
character and homely feeling. A three-bedroom holiday unit
is attached.
The wonderful staff go out of their way to make both Members
and NDIS Clients comfortable. One cannot but feel other than
completely relaxed and at ease in this particularly unique
environment. The meals are country cooking at its best.
Laundry is a daily service.
For everyone involved in the decision-making process to
utilise Treendale is a win-win situation. Carers get a break
and Members/Clients get a holiday in a coastal/country
locality connected to the Perth metropolitan area by a modern
highway. If there is a need for some excitement, dining and
entertainment, the bustling city of Bunbury is a short distance
away using the multi-purpose taxi service.
Since the early days when the facility was opened 8 June 2012,
Treendale’s popularity has been slowly growing as realisation
dawns that this is a first-class facility. It is therefore prudent
to book ahead to avoid disappointment. For Perth residents
transport can be arranged to and from the respite home.
Treendale is a unique holiday experience, offering family
members the added reassurance that the 24 hour 7 day
service on offer is safe and their loved one will be cared for
by MSWA’s certified and fully trained staff. Not as obvious as
research, respite for carers, Members and NDIS Clients has
an important role to play in the continuing fight against the
unknown causes of neurological disability.
If you would like to find out more about Treendale, or
arrange a viewing, please contact Paula Kennedy on
9725 9209 or email treendale@mswa.org.au
34 | MSWA BULLETIN SPRING 2018