Getting to know clients and supporting them at home: Tash loves her role in aged care
Supporting older Australians to remain living independently in their own homes is at the heart of community aged care.
For Resthaven Clinical Manager Natasha (Tash) Decorso, this work reflects a career built over more than 25 years – one that began in the kitchens of an aged care home and has grown into clinical leadership.
Today, Tash manages the clinical care team at Resthaven Paradise and Eastern Community Services, guiding a team of clinicians who support clients to maintain independence, dignity and wellbeing in their own homes.
Connections
Tash’s career in aged care began when she returned to the workforce after the birth of her first son. Unsure of which direction to take, she accepted a hospitality role at an aged care home and quickly grew to love the interactions she had with the older people living there.
‘I really enjoyed getting to know the residents and supporting them in their daily lives,’ Tash says.
Tash fell pregnant again, and while on maternity leave, she decided to pursue a more direct care pathway and enrolled in a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) at TAFE. With two young children at home, she completed the qualification over 18 months to balance family life, study and work.
Once qualified, Tash became a Personal Care Worker (PCW), and says the experience gave her valuable insight into the day-to-day needs of residents and strengthened her desire to continue developing her career in healthcare.
Moving house in 2004, Tash sought work closer to home and joined Resthaven Craigmore in a multi-skilled hospitality and PCW role in the low-care area. This was not long after the home had opened, and it was not yet at capacity.
‘I really enjoyed this role,’ Tash says. ‘I was able to really get to know the residents well. I still had a desire to do further study, though.’
Tash applied to enrol for the Diploma of Nursing at TAFE to study Enrolled Nursing.
‘I was very happy at being successful and enrolled in the course,’ Tash says.
Soon after starting the course, she discovered she was expecting her third child. Determined to continue, she studied throughout her pregnancy and returned to TAFE just three days after her daughter was born to complete an exam—while her lecturer, who was also a midwife, kindly held the baby.
By the end of 2006, Tash graduated and was registered with the Nurses Board of South Australia.
‘It was a dream finally becoming a reality,’ Tash says. ‘I was so proud that I achieved my goal of becoming a nurse.’
Tash continued building her clinical experience while working in aged care and also took agency shifts in acute hospitals to broaden her skills across medical and surgical wards.
While on maternity leave with her fourth child, Tash took the next step in her career, applying to university to complete a Bachelor of Nursing and become a Registered Nurse.
‘It was a steep learning curve studying, working and raising four young children,’ Tash says. ‘I’m incredibly grateful for my supportive husband, who encouraged me to pursue my dream.’
Expanding skills across healthcare
After graduating, Tash completed her Transition to Professional Practice Program (TPPP) at the Royal Adelaide Hospital in 2012.
She then worked in thoracic medicine and later in the hospice at Modbury Hospital, gaining valuable acute care experience. However, despite enjoying the learning opportunities, she missed the deeper relationships that develop in aged care.
‘I realised how much I valued the connection I was able to build with residents and clients over time,’ Tash says.
Tash returned to the aged care sector, working at a number of organisations to lead teams and support residents (including through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic).
Transitioning to community care
In 2022, Tash was ready for a new challenge. After hearing from a former colleague about the rewards of community nursing, she applied for a Registered Nurse Coordinator role with Resthaven Community Services.
To her delight, she was successful.
‘It was a role I was challenged by, and I learnt something new every day,’ Tash says. ‘I grew to love the role and the steep learning curve. The team support I had was invaluable. I found it incredibly rewarding to support clients to remain in their homes.’
The role marked a significant shift from residential care to supporting older people to live independently in their own homes with the right care and services in place.
After three years as a Coordinator, Tash applied for a promotion opportunity and stepped into the role of Clinical Lead, which has recently transitioned to Clinical Manager as part of organisational changes associated with the Support at Home Program and the strengthened aged care standards.
‘I was very pleased when I was appointed to the role,’ she says.
Today, Tash leads a team of 21 clinicians – consisting of a mix of allied health staff and nurses – providing clinical oversight, governance and support to ensure clients receive safe, high-quality care.
Her leadership approach focuses on motivation, empowerment and collaboration.
‘I encourage staff to be the professionals they are,’ Tash says. ‘I listen to their feedback and perspectives and then make the decisions I feel are best for everyone. I strongly believe in teamwork.’
Making a difference
Although the role involves less hands-on nursing than previous positions, Tash remains passionate about the impact community aged care can have.
‘Supporting clients to remain living safely in their homes allows them to maintain independence and dignity, while also supporting their families,’ Tash says. ‘What I love most is getting to know the people we care for. When you understand someone’s story, you can provide truly personalised care.’
Looking back on her career—from hospitality worker to Clinical Manager—Tash believes one of the most pivotal moments was when a manager encouraged her to broaden her experience in acute care rather than stay in the same role. That encouragement helped shape the confident clinician and leader she is today.
Her advice for others considering aged care?
‘If you are passionate about chronic disease management, complex care needs and being a strong advocate for people, aged care is an incredibly rewarding field,’ Tash says. ‘Embrace it! It’s fast-paced and meaningful work where you can make a difference every single day.’
A Day in My Life – Natasha (Tash), Clinical Manager
0700 – 0730
Wake up and get ready for the day.
0730 – 0800
Read emails and check my calendar, planning for the morning ahead.
0820 – 0845
Drive to the office. On the way, I enjoy listening to an audiobook or podcast.
0845 – 0900
Make a coffee and review notes relating to what has been planned for the day.
0900 – 0930
Check if there are any urgent clinical matters to follow up on from overnight or the weekend.
0930 – 1000
Review staff schedules and make any necessary changes.
1000 – 1230
I maintain an open-door policy where team members can find me to discuss anything they need support with. Having a strong team focus has proven very successful in building relationships within our site. We work together to troubleshoot issues and ensure high-quality care.
During this time, I also complete clinical tasks, audits, reports, or review clients.
1230 – 1300 – Lunch break
If the weather permits, I enjoy going for a walk. Linear Park is right next to the Resthaven Paradise campus and it’s a lovely place to watch the ducks by the pond and appreciate the scenery. It helps me gather my thoughts and reset for the afternoon.
1300 – 1500
Preparation time for meetings.
Once a week we hold a clinical team meeting. It’s a valuable opportunity for clinicians to share updates and hand over information in an open forum. Everyone has a voice, and we work together to support best-practice care for our clients.
During this time I prepare the meeting agenda and any training content.
1500 – 1600
Meeting with the clinical team.
1600 – 1700
Follow up on any urgent matters before the end of the day and check in with other members of the team, including the manager on site, to ensure there are no outstanding clinical issues.
1700 – 1745
Drive home while listening to an audiobook or podcast. Traffic can be heavy, so I use the time to reflect on the day.
1745
Arrive home and spend some time with the family and our fur baby before dinner.
1900 – Dinner with family
This is an important time for us to reconnect after busy days.
2000
After cleaning up, I often take the dog for a walk (weather permitting) to wind down.
2100 – 2230
Relax with my husband watching TV.
2230 – 2300
Evening routine and preparation for bed. I value quiet time and often write down any ‘brain dump’ thoughts or tasks for the next day. I also keep a notepad by the bed in case I wake during the night with a ‘light bulb moment.’
2330
Sleep.