Leading with warmth and purpose – meet Nirusha from BaptistCare Glendale Lodge
As Residential Manager of BaptistCare’s newest residential aged care home, Glendale Lodge, located in the serene Elderslie area of Sydney's Macarthur region, Nirusha has been part of something special from the beginning. Glendale Lodge opened in June 2025, but Nirusha was there long before it all came together.
“When I came in, there was no furniture, no art, nothing,” she says. “Just the vision.”
That vision has now come to life.
Glendale Lodge
Glendale Lodge residential aged care home follows a household model, with six houses, each designed for 16 people, a total of 96 beds. Each home has its own kitchen, laundry, dining area and lounge, and every resident enjoys the comfort of their own bedroom with a private ensuite. The first household is already full and Glendale Lodge is now ready to welcome more people into neighbouring houses.
Nirusha says the aim has always been to help residents feel truly at home. “We want to make it as non-clinical as possible,” she explains.
This approach has helped create a warm, connected community. “Every time a new resident comes in, the others say, ‘Welcome to our family.’”
A career built on care
Nirusha began her aged care journey as a new graduate Registered Nurse in 2018. She soon progressed to a Clinical Care Coordinator role, then spent a year as a quality assessor, auditing aged care homes around Australia.
Two years ago, she joined BaptistCare as a Care Team Manager at Blue Hills Manor aged care home in Prestons, NSW. Just five months later, she stepped into a maternity leave role as the Residential Manager, a move that paved the way for the exciting new chapter as Residential Manager at Glendale Lodge.
“I always had a passion for caring for others, especially elderly people,” she says. “I like listening to their stories and their wisdom.”
Why BaptistCare?
For Nirusha, it was BaptistCare’s values that attracted her and made us the right place to grow her career.
“I want to stay with BaptistCare because of the strong values and the focus on person-centred care,” she says. “It felt like a place where I could truly make a difference.”
That sense of purpose flows through her leadership.
“I love being part of a team that creates a warm environment and supportive home for residents. It’s incredibly rewarding to see residents and families happy, and staff coming in with smiling faces.”
Thinking of a career in aged care?
Nirusha says a career in aged care is both meaningful and fulfilling. “It is dynamic and people-focused,” she says.
For those considering the path, she says it requires more than just skills, it requires heart.
“You have to be compassionate, patient and ready to learn every day, because every day is different. You also have to be calm and a good listener. But most of all, you have to be kind. Never underestimate the power of kindness.”
She also believes it’s essential to keep growing personally and professionally. Given the emotional demands, resilience and self-care are important, as is ongoing learning.
“Keep investing in yourself. Things keep changing, especially aged care standards, so stay up-to-date with them.”
Life outside work
Outside work, Nirusha enjoys spending time with her husband and their pup, Leo. “He really is my fur baby, and I love him,” she laughs.
She finds renewal in the great outdoors. “I am a nature lover and feel most at peace when surrounded by greenery. I enjoy travelling to places near rivers, oceans, or hills, soaking in the calm and beauty of the natural world. It’s how I rest and recharge.”
Tips for healthy ageing
With years of experience in aged care, Nirusha’s advice is simple and grounded: “Stay active, physically and mentally. Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly.”
But just as importantly, she says, stay socially connected. “Not just through your phone, but with real people. Connect – really connect.”
