From personal experience to professional expertise

My journey in the aged care industry is deeply personal and driven by a passion for making a positive difference in the lives of others. With six-plus years’ experience working in high-level roles supporting CEOs and Boards within the aged care sector, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the challenges and rewards that come with providing care to our aging population. My story is not just about professional accomplishments but also about a personal commitment that stems from caring for my own father, whose journey through home care and residential aged care profoundly influenced my decision to start this business with Jason.

Early Career in Aged Care

My career in aged care began in 2015 when I took on the role as Executive Assistant to CEO, Directors and Board Secretariat at McKenzie Aged Care (now Boltan Clarke). It was here that I discovered my passion for supporting and enhancing the quality of life for elderly individuals. This role, and a consecutive role over 5 years later at Mecwacare, involved managing the offices at the very highest level of aged, respite and home care management in two of Australia's top Aged Care and Home Care organisations. Complex and challenging responsibilities involved supporting CEOs, Boards and Committees; information and communication flow; reporting and presentations; meetings, events and AGMs; managing administrative teams; solving problems and so on.

Over these years, I gained valuable experience within the aged care sector where I developed an understanding of what is involved in running home and aged care services in order to provide quality, holistic care to the elderly.

Personal Experience with Home Care

While my professional journey in aged care was progressing, my personal life took an unexpected turn that would forever shape my perspective on the industry. My father, who had always been my source of strength and inspiration, began to experience health issues that required home care support. My brothers and I faced the daunting task of navigating the complex world of home care services.

It was during this time that I realized the emotional and logistical challenges that families faced when trying to provide the best possible care for their loved ones. Coordinating appointments and ensuring my father's safety and comfort at home became quite a responsibility. Despite my professional experience, the demands of arranging the best care and navigating the aged care and government systems - so that Dad could stay at home for as long as possible – could at times be confusing, frustrating and challenging.

Transition to Residential Aged Care

As my father's health deteriorated, it became clear that he needed more specialized care than what could be provided at home. The decision to transition him to residential aged care was one of the most difficult choices our family had to make. We faced numerous challenges, including his readiness (and hesitation) to leave his home and the life he knew; finding the right facility and them having a suitable room available at the right time; understanding the financial implications; and ensuring that my father would receive the personalized care he deserved.

During this period, we spoke to and visited multiple aged care providers and conducted extensive research to find the best possible environment for our father. One we looked at was new and just within budget, one was too far out of town for family to visit as often, so we ended up opting for one where he would feel most comfortable and was easily within budget. This whole experience gave me a deeper insight into the varying standards of care available and highlighted the importance of transparency, communication, and empathy in the aged care industry.

Founding Our Business: Astute Care Pty Ltd

The personal journey of caring for my father’s needs, combined with my professional experience, ignited a passion to help others who faced similar challenges. Jason and I recognised a significant gap in the support available to families navigating the complexities of home care, short-term care, and residential aged care, and together we felt a strong calling to fill this void.

In early 2025, we founded Astute Care, a company dedicated to providing comprehensive guidance and support to individuals and families who find themselves on a similar journey and in need of home care, short-term care, or residential aged care services. Our mission is to empower families with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions and to ensure their loved ones receive the highest quality of care.

We take pride in making a meaningful difference in the lives of our clients and their families, providing them with peace of mind in the knowledge that their loved ones are in good hands.

Looking Ahead

My journey in aged care, from my early career experiences to the personal challenges we faced with my father’s journey, has shaped me into a passionate advocate for quality aged care services. At Astute Care, we are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve, ensuring that every elderly individual receives the care, respect, and dignity they deserve.