PHONE NUMBER :

1300 769 620

EMAIL ADDRESS :

servicedelivery@homecareaustralia.com.au

Aged Care Reforms 2023: What They Mean for You

The Aged Care Reforms, introduced on December 1, 2023, as a result of the Aged Care Royal Commission, aim to improve the quality, transparency, and responsiveness of aged care services in Australia. These reforms are centred around ensuring that care is guided by consumer input and meets the highest standards.

At HomeCare Australia, we see your feedback as invaluable in shaping the services we provide. Here’s how we’re implementing these reforms to benefit you.

Consumer Advisory Body: Your Voice Matters

In September 2023, we launched a Consumer Advisory Body to ensure your voice is at the heart of our care delivery. Thanks to everyone who contributed during our initial feedback round—your insights directly influenced the improvements we’ve made.

To keep this collaboration ongoing, we will now seek your feedback twice a year, in March and September. An external consultant, Kevin, will reach out during these times to gather your valuable input. While participation is optional, your feedback is critical to helping us continuously enhance our services.

The feedback collected will be reported to our Board of Directors and used to guide decisions that impact your care.

Quality Care Advisory Body: Focusing on Clinical Excellence

As part of the reforms, we are now required to collect and report clinical care data, such as falls and GP visits, to both the Government and our Board.

To streamline this process, your case manager will ask you a few health-related questions during regular check-ins. This information helps us monitor your well-being and ensure the quality of care remains exceptional.

Additionally, we’ve appointed a clinical expert to our Board. This individual will advise on clinical care matters and support our case managers in providing the best possible outcomes for you.

Board of Directors: A Commitment to Accountability

To ensure compliance with the new aged care legislation, we’ve established a diverse and experienced Board of Directors. This team meets quarterly to guide our operations and ensure we meet all legal requirements.

Our Board includes:

  • Gaynor Lowndes: Chief Executive Officer, overseeing daily operations.
  • Nathan Navell: Company Lawyer, ensuring legal compliance.
  • Trish O’Donnell: Consumer Representative, dedicated to gathering and sharing your feedback.
  • Gaye McCauley: Clinical Board Member, advising on clinical care and quality standards.

Why Your Feedback is Vital

Your input is central to how we adapt to the Aged Care Reforms and improve our services. Whether it’s participating in surveys, sharing concerns, or offering suggestions, your voice helps us create better outcomes for all clients.

If you have any questions or suggestions about these changes, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Together, we can ensure that HomeCare Australia continues to deliver care that is responsive, transparent, and tailored to your needs.

Thank you for being a valued part of our journey.

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Taylah Huntington

Case Manager

Taylah Huntington is a dedicated and compassionate Case Manager based on the Central Coast, bringing extensive hands-on experience across disability support, aged care, and community services.

 

Taylah has built a strong foundation working as a Disability Support Worker with both CatholicCare Diocese of Broken Bay and Trilogy Disability Services, where she currently supports individuals to live more independent, meaningful lives. Her previous role as a Support Coordinator with Sunnyfield Disability Services saw her develop strengths in client documentation, care planning, and stakeholder communication, while consistently advocating for improved client wellbeing and safety.

 

With a career that began in aged care and personal support, Taylah has developed a deep understanding of person-centred care. Her experience spans assisting with daily living, implementing behaviour support strategies, coordinating services, and fostering community engagement. She is known for her ability to build genuine relationships with clients, families, and stakeholders, ensuring support is tailored, respectful, and outcomes-focused.

 

Taylah is currently furthering her professional development through a Certificate IV in Leisure and Health, complementing her practical experience with formal training. She is highly organised, detail-oriented, and brings strong administrative and problem-solving skills to her role.

 

As a Case Manager, Taylah is committed to delivering high-quality, relationship-based support that empowers individuals to achieve their goals and enhance their quality of life.

 

Lisa Bycroft

Care Partner

Lisa is an experienced Care Partner at HomeCare Australia, supporting clients across Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, and the Hunter. With over 20 years in aged care and disability services, Lisa is known for her calm leadership, person-centred care, and deep empathy.

Her career includes frontline care, case management, and regional operations leadership with providers such as Mercy Services and integratedliving. She has coordinated services across CHSP, HCP, and NDIS programs and is particularly skilled in dementia-specific care and behaviour support.

Lisa builds strong relationships with clients and care teams alike. She empowers care workers through mentoring and hands-on support, ensuring services are respectful, flexible, and aligned with client goals.

Her qualifications include Certificate IV in Service Coordination (Ageing & Disability), Certificate IV in Leisure and Health, and Certificate III in Aged Care. She also holds credentials in medication management, dementia care, infection control, and behavior support. Lisa maintains First Aid, NDIS Worker Screening, and Working with Children Checks.

At HomeCare Australia, Lisa supports people with high and complex needs, assists with transitions to Support at Home, and ensures care plans reflect dignity and choice. Her calm presence and strong values make her a trusted guide for clients and a leader among peers.

Patricia

Roster Team Leader

As a Roster Manager, I specialize in creating efficient and effective schedules that keep our team running smoothly and ensure the highest quality of care for our clients. My goal is to optimize operations, support our incredible staff, and contribute to seamless service delivery.

My diverse career journey—from brewing the perfect cup of coffee as a barista to coordinating campaigns as a marketing administrator and ensuring compliance as a KYC agent—has given me a unique skill set. I bring adaptability, precision, and

a customer-focused mindset to everything I do, qualities that align perfectly with HomeCare Australia’s commitment to excellence.

Outside of work, I’m a passionate reader, a foodie at heart, and an avid fan of K-dramas and binge-worthy series. I also love attending K-pop concerts, where I get to immerse myself in the electrifying energy of live performances.

With a blend of professional expertise and a vibrant personal life, I strive to bring energy, focus, and dedication to my role every day, ensuring our team and clients receive the best possible support.

Sandra Hilton

We’re excited to introduce Brittany, one of our compassionate and highly skilled Aged Care Case Managers at HomeCare Australia. Brittany brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role, having worked in the community services industry since 2019. Her strong academic background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Communication, a Diploma of Community Services, and additional certifications in Mental Health First Aid, Applied Suicide Intervention, and Naturopathy.

Brittany’s diverse qualifications—combined with her Certificates 3 and 4 in Fitness—enable her to take a holistic and personalized approach to supporting clients in achieving their goals and maintaining independence.

Originally from a farm outside of Tamworth, Brittany grew up riding horses and caring for an array of animals, which instilled in her a deep sense of responsibility and compassion. Today, she shares her life with her partner, their lively one-year-old daughter, and their playful border collie.

Brittany is passionate about personal growth, journaling, neuroscience, and living a balanced, low-tox lifestyle. She thrives on creating meaningful connections with her clients, helping them navigate their aged care journey with kindness, empathy, and expert guidance.

Her approachable nature, love of gardening, and belief in the importance of protecting your energy ensure that she brings warmth and positivity to every interaction. Whether she’s coordinating services or simply sharing a light-hearted moment (along with her signature “funny” jokes), Brittany is dedicated to providing the highest standard of care and support.

We’re confident that Brittany’s expertise and genuine care will make her an invaluable partner in helping you or your loved one live comfortably and independently at home.Sandra Hilton is a highly experienced aged care and disability professional with over 24 years of progressive leadership across frontline care, administration, and executive management. Throughout her career, Sandra has built a strong reputation for guiding individuals and families through complex care systems with empathy, clarity, and professionalism.

 

Sandra’s expertise spans client admissions, care navigation, workforce coordination, and regulatory compliance. She has an exceptional ability to translate complicated funding structures, including aged care reforms and NDIS requirements, into clear, practical guidance for clients and their families. Her person-centred approach ensures that every individual receives the support, dignity, and advocacy they deserve.

 

In her most recent role as Customer Admissions Manager, Sandra played a key role in supporting residents and families through the aged care journey. She managed enquiries, conducted assessments, facilitated tours, and led contract negotiations, all while building trusted relationships with hospitals, clinicians, and community partners. Her ability to balance compassionate care with strong commercial and operational outcomes has consistently contributed to improved occupancy and client satisfaction.

 

Sandra’s earlier leadership roles further demonstrate her depth of experience. As an Employee Support Manager and Cluster Manager, she oversaw workforce compliance, recruitment, training, and quality improvement initiatives across multiple services. She has a strong track record in team leadership, risk management, and creating supportive environments for both clients and staff.

 

Known for her integrity, attention to detail, and calm, solutions-focused approach, Sandra excels in high-pressure environments where clear communication and decisive action are essential. She is highly skilled in stakeholder engagement and has worked collaboratively with families, clinicians, government agencies, and multidisciplinary teams throughout her career.

 

Sandra is passionate about improving access to care and empowering people to make informed decisions about their support. Her commitment to excellence, combined with her deep industry knowledge, makes her a valuable asset to any organisation dedicated to delivering high-quality, person-centred care.

 

Jo Townsend

Care Coordinator
Jo Townsend is a dedicated and compassionate Care Coordinator with extensive experience supporting older Australians to live independently and with dignity in their own homes. With a strong commitment to person-centred care, Jo brings a thoughtful, empathetic approach to every client interaction, ensuring individuals and their families feel supported, informed, and empowered.Since transitioning into the aged care sector in 2017, Jo has developed deep expertise in coordinating Home Care Packages and Support at Home services. She works closely with clients to develop tailored care plans, manage individual budgets, and coordinate multidisciplinary supports that enhance wellbeing, independence, and quality of life. Jo is highly skilled in navigating the aged care system, advocating for her clients, and ensuring they receive the services and outcomes they deserve.In her current role, Jo coordinates day-to-day care delivery, collaborates with allied health professionals, and supervises support teams to ensure consistent, high-quality care. She is known for her ability to build strong, trusting relationships with clients, families, and service providers, while effectively resolving concerns and adapting to changing care needs.Jo’s earlier career in quality assurance and management within the food industry has provided her with a strong foundation in compliance, audit processes, and continuous improvement. This experience translates into a highly organised, detail-oriented approach to care coordination, with a strong focus on meeting Aged Care Quality Standards and maintaining best practice at all times.Known for her professionalism, adaptability, and calm problem-solving approach, Jo thrives in dynamic environments where client needs can change quickly. She is equally effective working independently or as part of a multidisciplinary team, always prioritising the dignity, safety, and wellbeing of those she supports.Jo is passionate about empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their care and is committed to delivering services that promote independence, inclusion, and quality of life.

Sheryll

Foundational Member of HomeCare Australia

Sheryll has been an integral part of HomeCare Australia since the very beginning, bringing her wealth of experience and unwavering dedication to our team. As a seasoned accountant and bookkeeper with over 18 years of expertise, Sheryll’s meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence have been pivotal in supporting the success and growth of our organization.

A proud mother of four, Sheryll balances her professional responsibilities with her vibrant family life. Her warmth and organizational skills extend beyond the office, where she is known for her love of baking and cooking—delighting friends and family with her culinary creations.

Outside of work, Sheryll embraces life with enthusiasm. She enjoys traveling and exploring new places, channelling her creativity into crocheting unique items, and playing the guitar during her downtime. Whether she’s embarking on outdoor adventures or sharing stories with loved ones, Sheryll brings energy, joy, and a sense of purpose to everything she does.
As one of our longest-standing team members, Sheryll’s dedication, expertise, and passion continue to be an inspiration to