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1300 769 620

EMAIL ADDRESS :

servicedelivery@homecareaustralia.com.au

Overcoming Compassion Fatigue in Care & Support

HomeCare Australia’s mission is to provide exceptional care to older Australians and people living with disability, but we also know that to give great care, our team must feel supported and healthy themselves. One challenge faced by many care professionals is understanding and overcoming compassion fatigue in Aged Care and Disability Support.

What is Compassion Fatigue?

Compassion fatigue is the emotional and physical exhaustion that can happen when you care deeply for others over a long period of time. Unlike regular tiredness, it can affect your ability to feel empathy, make decisions, and maintain a positive outlook.

It’s common among carers, nurses, and support workers, and often develops gradually without the person realising it.

Signs of Compassion Fatigue

  • Feeling emotionally numb or detached from clients
  • Irritability or mood swings
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Decline in job satisfaction
  • Avoiding certain clients or tasks
  • Physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, or trouble sleeping

Recognising these signs early is key to prevention and recovery.

How Compassion Fatigue Differs from Burnout

While burnout can happen in any job due to workload and stress, compassion fatigue is specifically linked to the emotional demands of caring for others. Burnout often develops from chronic workplace stress, while compassion fatigue is tied to exposure to others’ pain, trauma, or loss.

How to Prevent and Manage Compassion Fatigue

  1. Set Healthy Boundaries – It’s okay to care deeply, but you also need emotional space to recharge.
  2. Take Breaks – Use rest periods and annual leave to refresh your mind and body.
  3. Seek Support – Talk to colleagues, supervisors, or mental health professionals.
  4. Practise Self-Care – Exercise, eat well, sleep properly, and enjoy hobbies outside of work.
  5. Debrief After Challenging Situations – Share your experiences and feelings with a trusted peer or manager.

HomeCare Australia’s Commitment

We encourage all staff to use the support available, from our wellbeing policies to access to professional counselling services. Compassion fatigue doesn’t mean you’re weak; it’s a sign you care. With the right tools and support, you can recover and continue making a difference.

For support or resources, please reach out to your case manager directly or contact us today.

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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.

Bronwyn

Case Manager

Bronwyn brings a wealth of experience and compassion to her role as a Case Manager at HomeCare Australia. With a background in managing and running childcare centres, as well as hands-on experience as an NDIS disability support worker, Bronwyn has built a career centred around supporting and empowering vulnerable individuals. Her time in the highly legislated childcare sector has honed her strong case management skills, making her an invaluable asset to our team.

Driven by her passion for helping others, Bronwyn recently returned to the Central Coast from Sydney to be closer to her family. A proud aunty to many nieces and nephews, she cherishes time spent with her loved ones and her pets. When she’s not working, you’ll often find her enjoying the slower pace of life on the coast, indulging in her love for cooking, and soaking up the peaceful coastal lifestyle.

Bronwyn’s blend of professional expertise, heartfelt compassion, and dedication to making a difference ensures she provides exceptional support to every client she works with. We’re delighted to have her as part of the HomeCare Australia team.

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.

Brittany

Case Manager

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.

Myckayla

Delivery Team

We’re excited to shine a spotlight on Myckayla, one of our incredible team members here at HomeCare Australia. Myckayla recently moved from the Central Coast to the beautiful south of Brisbane, where she continues to make a positive difference in the lives of those she supports. A proud mum of two little boys, Myckayla loves spending time outdoors—whether she’s gardening, enjoying the beach, or connecting with nature. Her passion for art and spirituality adds to her warm and compassionate approach to care.

Myckayla has been dedicated to the aged care and disability support sector since the age of 16, when she began her journey as an aged care nurse. From a young age, she has been driven by a deep desire to help others and improve their quality of life. Her unwavering commitment and heartfelt care make her an invaluable part of our team, and we’re so grateful to have her making a difference every day.

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