Kate Kutzner is the Director of Nursing at Evermore and Clinical Care Partner for Evermore Living Care, with over twenty-three years of nursing experience and a deep passion for community care. After moving to Forster–Tuncurry sixteen years ago, Kate found her calling in helping people receive high-quality care in the comfort of their own homes. 

With extensive experience in home care and aged care leadership, Kate has managed facilities and led dedicated nursing teams, always with a focus on delivering safe, compassionate, and personalised care. 

Kate is passionate about helping people remain in their own homes as they age, supporting their independence while ensuring the highest standards of care. She believes every individual deserves care that is tailored to their unique needs and goals. 

For Kate, it is a true privilege to be part of someone’s care journey. She values building genuine connections with clients and is committed to helping them live safely, comfortably, and with dignity at home. 

The post Kate Kutzner first appeared on Evermore Living Care.

Rozee is a Care Partner at Evermore Living Care, bringing valuable experience in aged care and a genuine passion for supporting people to live independently at home. In her role, Rozee coordinates Support at Home services, working closely with residents and their families to ensure care is tailored to their individual needs and preferences. 

With a warm and approachable nature, Rozee is committed to building strong, trusting relationships and creating a positive experience for every person she supports. She takes pride in delivering care that promotes dignity, wellbeing, and a sense of connection within the community. 

Rozee works collaboratively with the Evermore Living Care team to ensure services are delivered with consistency, compassion, and professionalism. Dedicated to continuous improvement, she strives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those she supports every day. 

The post Rozee Emmerton first appeared on Evermore Living Care.

Nova Grosvenor is the General Manager of Evermore Living Care, bringing a strong passion for people, community, and delivering high-quality, person-centred care. With extensive experience in aged care operations, Nova plays a key role in overseeing service delivery, staff development, and the ongoing growth of Evermore Living Care. 

Nova is committed to creating supportive environments where both clients and staff feel valued, respected, and empowered. Known for a hands-on leadership style, Nova works closely with the team to ensure care is delivered with compassion, professionalism, and consistency. 

With a deep understanding of the complexities of home and community care, Nova focuses on building meaningful relationships with clients and their families, ensuring services are tailored to meet individual needs as they evolve over time. 

Driven by a genuine desire to make a positive difference, Nova continues to lead Evermore Living Care with a focus on quality, integrity, and community connection. 

The post Nova Grosvenor first appeared on Evermore Living Care.

Forster, New South Wales 2428, Australia • Casual

Description

Personal Care Assistant

Picture yourself working in a serene, picturesque setting along the stunning Mid North Coast of New South Wales. Evermore Retirement Living Village, situated in the heart of Forster, is a vibrant community comprised of 148 state-of-the-art apartments, 12 specialised care suites, and a wealth of welcoming communal spaces, including a lively bar lounge, gourmet restaurant, luxurious spa, and refreshing pool.

We are looking for compassionate Personal Care Assistants (AIN’s) to join our close-knit team. In this role, you will provide comprehensive personal, domestic, social, transport, and meal assistance to our residents, ensuring they live life to the fullest in a safe and caring environment.

Your shifts will take you throughout our independent living village and care suites, offering a dynamic workday that never looks the same. With a flexible schedule and varying hours, you’ll find the perfect work-life balance here at Evermore.

The Ideal candidate will possess: A Cert III or IV in Aged Care (or equivalent)A current First Aid/CPR Certificate. Current Driver’s licenceProficiency in assisting clients with medication. Demonstrated digital, verbal and written clinical communication with effective interpersonal skills. A track record of supporting personal care needs and daily living activities. A vibrant personality marked by reliability, kindness, and a proven ability to work with older individuals. Excellent teamwork, customer service, communication, and problem-solving skills. Competency in computer and documentation. A valid Police Check (within the last 3 years). Legitimate working rights in Australia (Passport, Birth Certificate). Experience in working with people with dementia and their carers (preferred but not essential). Influenza VaccineCovid-19 Vaccination Availability for overnight shifts and flexible hours.

Be a part of something meaningful. Add vitality to the lives of our residents while propelling your career forward at Evermore Living Care.

Apply today!

The post Personal Care Assistant first appeared on Evermore Living Care.

Understanding My Aged Care

My Aged Care is an online portal and contact center operated by the Australian Government’s Department of Health. The platform serves as a comprehensive information hub, providing older Australians, their families, and caregivers with easy access to information about available aged care services, funding options, and support networks. The primary goals of My Aged Care are to simplify the process of accessing care services, improve transparency, and ensure that older individuals receive the right level of support at the right time.

Eligibility Assessment

The first step in the application process is to undergo an eligibility assessment conducted by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) or an Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS) in Victoria. These teams, comprising healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, and social workers, assess the individual’s care needs, medical conditions, and support requirements to determine eligibility for aged care services.

The assessment involves a comprehensive discussion with the individual and their family to gain insight into their daily living activities, mobility, medical history, and social connections. The ACAT or ACAS then determines the level of care required and whether the individual is eligible for either home care services or residential aged care.

Registering with My Aged Care

To begin the application process, individuals must first register with My Aged Care. This can be done by calling the My Aged Care contact center or visiting the My Aged Care website. During the registration process, basic details such as name, contact information, and general health status will be collected.

Following registration, a referral for an assessment with an ACAT or ACAS is made. The waiting time for the assessment may vary based on the individual’s circumstances and location.

Assessment Process

The ACAT or ACAS assessment is an essential component of accessing aged care services. During the assessment, the individual’s care needs are thoroughly evaluated to determine the appropriate level of support required. The assessment is person-centered, meaning it considers the individual’s preferences, goals, and cultural background.

The ACAT or ACAS assessment team will discuss various topics, such as the individual’s ability to manage daily tasks, personal care needs, safety at home, medical conditions, and social interactions. The information gathered during the assessment forms the basis for the development of a personalized care plan.

Care Plan Development

Following the assessment, a personalized care plan is developed in collaboration with the individual and their family. The care plan outlines the types of support services required, the frequency of care, and the goals the individual aims to achieve with the assistance of aged care services.

The care plan may include various options, such as:

1. Home Care Package: If the individual’s care needs can be met while living at home, they may be assigned a Home Care Package. These packages offer a range of care and support services tailored to the individual’s specific needs and preferences.
2. Residential Aged Care: If the individual’s care needs cannot be met at home, the care plan may recommend residential aged care. In this case, the individual will be placed on the national residential aged care waiting list until a suitable place becomes available.
3. Short-Term Respite Care: If the individual has a caregiver who needs a break from their caregiving responsibilities, the care plan may include short-term respite care options to provide temporary support.

Service Referral and Provider Selection

Once the care plan is finalized, My Aged Care assists in finding suitable service providers that align with the individual’s needs and preferences. The individual can choose from a list of approved service providers in their area. My Aged Care can provide information about each provider, including their services, availability, and fees.

The individual is empowered to choose the provider they prefer, ensuring that the care services they receive align with their values and requirements. This consumer-directed care approach puts the individual in control of their aged care journey.

Commencement of Services

After selecting a service provider, the individual’s chosen services can commence. The service provider will work with the individual and their family to implement the care plan, ensuring that the services delivered align with the goals outlined in the plan.

Monitoring and Review

My Aged Care maintains ongoing contact with the individual and their chosen service provider to monitor the effectiveness of the care plan and ensure that the individual’s needs are being met. Regular reviews are conducted to assess the individual’s evolving needs and make any necessary adjustments to the care plan.

My Aged Care Australia serves as a vital gateway to accessing aged care services for older Australians. The application process, facilitated through My Aged Care, aims to provide a seamless and person-centered approach to connecting individuals with the support they need as they age. By streamlining the assessment process, assisting in the development of personalized care plans, and empowering individuals to choose their service providers, My Aged Care plays a crucial role in enabling older Australians to age with dignity, independence, and the right level of care.

The post Navigating the Application Process with My Aged Care Australia first appeared on Evermore Living Care.

Support at Home replaced the former Home Care Packages (HCP) Program and Short-Term Restorative Care Programme on 1 November 2025.

At EL Care, we understand that changes to aged care can sometimes feel complicated. Our aim is to make the process easier to understand and help you get the most from the support available to you.

What is Support at Home?

Support at Home is the Australian Government’s program for providing aged care services to eligible older people in their own homes.

The program is designed around a simple principle: helping people remain independent, safe and connected while continuing to live at home for as long as possible.

Depending on your assessed needs, Support at Home can help with services such as:

• Nursing and clinical care

• Personal care and assistance with daily activities

• Domestic assistance

• Transport and community access

• Social support

• Respite care

• Allied health and therapeutic services

• Home maintenance and repairs

• Assistive technology and equipment

• Home modifications

The services you can access will depend on your individual assessment and Support Plan.

How do I access Support at Home?

The first step is generally to contact My Aged Care and arrange an aged care assessment.

The assessment looks at your individual circumstances, including what you can currently manage independently, where you may need some assistance, and what services could help you remain safe and independent at home.

Following your assessment, you will receive a Notice of Decision explaining the services and funding you have been approved to receive.

Once funding becomes available, you can choose a registered provider to work with you to organise and deliver your care and services.

How does the funding work?

One of the biggest changes under Support at Home is the way funding is structured.

For ongoing services, there are eight funding classifications. Your classification is determined through your aged care assessment and reflects the level of support you have been assessed as needing.

Rather than receiving an annual package to manage, ongoing Support at Home funding is generally allocated in quarterly budgets.

Your provider works with you to develop an individualised budget and plan how your available funding will be used to meet your assessed needs.

If you don’t use all of your quarterly funding, you can generally carry over up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget, whichever is greater, into the next quarter.

People who transitioned from an existing Home Care Package into Support at Home have separate transitional arrangements, including provisions relating to previously unspent Home Care Package funds.

What types of services are available?

Support at Home broadly groups services into three categories.

Clinical Supports

These are services that support your health and clinical needs and can include nursing, physiotherapy and other clinical or therapeutic supports.

Clinical Supports are fully funded by the Australian Government, meaning participants do not pay a contribution towards approved clinical services.

Independence

These services are designed to help you safely manage everyday activities and maintain your independence. They can include services such as personal care, transport, respite and social support.

An important upcoming change is that from 1 October 2026, approved personal care services will be fully funded by the Australian Government, meaning participants will no longer be required to make a contribution towards personal care services where they have the service approved in their Support Plan and sufficient Support at Home funding available.

Everyday Living

Everyday Living services help with activities involved in maintaining your home and day-to-day life. These can include domestic assistance, cleaning, gardening and home maintenance.

Participants may be required to contribute towards the cost of these services.

Will I have to pay towards my care?

This depends on the type of service you receive and your individual financial circumstances.

Under Support at Home, the Australian Government fully funds approved Clinical Supports.

For other services, participants may be asked to make a contribution towards the cost. The amount you contribute is determined according to government rules and can depend on your income and assets as well as the type of service being provided.

This means two people receiving different types of services may have different contribution arrangements.

Your provider should explain the prices of your services and any contributions you are expected to pay before services are delivered.

What about equipment and home modifications?

Support at Home also includes a dedicated Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme.

This is designed to help eligible people access equipment or modifications that can make living at home safer and easier.

Depending on your assessed needs, this could include equipment or modifications that support mobility, safety and independence.

Importantly, this funding is separate from the standard ongoing Support at Home budget, helping people access necessary equipment and modifications without having to save a large portion of their regular care budget.

What is the Restorative Care Pathway?

Support at Home isn’t only about providing ongoing assistance.

The Restorative Care Pathway provides short-term, intensive support designed to help eligible people maintain or regain independence.

For example, someone who has experienced a decline in mobility or function may benefit from a coordinated period of allied health, nursing and other supports aimed at improving their ability to manage everyday activities.

The pathway can provide funding for up to 16 weeks.

Support for people approaching the end of life

Support at Home also includes an End-of-Life Pathway for eligible people who wish to remain at home during the final stages of their life.

This provides additional short-term funding so that appropriate care and support can be provided at home, helping individuals and their families during what can be an incredibly important and difficult time.

What if I already had a Home Care Package?

If you were receiving a Home Care Package when Support at Home commenced, you were transitioned into the new system.

There are specific arrangements in place for people who transitioned from Home Care Packages, including equivalent funding classifications and arrangements for previously unspent Home Care Package funds.

There is also a “no worse off” principle applying to participant contributions for people who were approved for a Home Care Package on or before 12 September 2024.

If you have transitioned from a Home Care Package and are unsure how the changes affect you, it is worth speaking with your provider about your individual circumstances.

How EL Care can help

Navigating aged care shouldn’t feel overwhelming.

At EL Care, our focus is on understanding the person first — what is important to you, what you want to continue doing independently, where you would like some extra assistance, and how your available support can be used effectively.

We can work with you and your family to understand your Support Plan, coordinate appropriate services and develop a care arrangement that reflects your needs, preferences and goals.

Whether you need a little help around the home, assistance with personal care, nursing and clinical support, social support, transport or a more comprehensive combination of services, our team is here to help.

Want to know more about Support at Home?

If you have received Support at Home funding, are transitioning from a Home Care Package, or are simply trying to understand what support may be available, talk to the EL Care team.

We can help you understand the next steps and discuss how EL Care can support you to continue living safely, confidently and independently at home.

Contact EL Care today to find out more about Support at Home and how we can support you.

Information in this article is general in nature and is current as at August 2026. Support at Home eligibility, funding, participant contributions and available services are determined under Australian Government aged care arrangements and may change over time.

The post Support at Home: What It Is and How It Works first appeared on Evermore Living Care.

Overview of Home Care Services

Home care services in Australia are designed to cater to a wide range of needs, allowing elderly individuals to live independently and safely in their homes while receiving the necessary support and care. These services encompass personal care, household assistance, health management, social engagement, and emotional support. Trained and compassionate care workers, often referred to as support workers or carers, provide assistance in activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs).

Types of Home Care Services

1. Personal Care: Personal care services include assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and mobility support. Support workers ensure the seniors’ personal hygiene and well-being are maintained.
2. Household Assistance: This category covers domestic chores such as cleaning, laundry, meal preparation, and grocery shopping. These services aim to create a safe and clean living environment for the elderly.
3. Health Management: Trained care workers can help with medication management, wound care, physiotherapy exercises, and other healthcare-related tasks to support seniors’ health and well-being.
4. Social Support: Home care providers also offer companionship and social engagement to combat isolation and loneliness in elderly individuals. Activities may include outings, recreational pursuits, and conversation.
5. Allied Health Services: Some home care packages offer access to allied health professionals like physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and dietitians to address specific health needs.

Eligibility and Assessment

To access home care services, older Australians must undergo an assessment by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) or the Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS) in Victoria. These assessment teams evaluate the individual’s care needs, medical conditions, and support requirements to determine their eligibility for home care packages.

Home Care Package Levels

Home care packages are allocated based on the level of care required by the individual. There are four package levels, ranging from Level 1 (basic care needs) to Level 4 (high-level care needs). The level determines the funding amount allocated to the senior, allowing them to choose the services that best suit their needs and preferences.

Funding Options

There are various funding options available for home care services in Australia:

1. Consumer-Directed Care (CDC): Under CDC, seniors have greater control over how their allocated funding is spent. They can choose the specific services they wish to receive and select the providers they prefer.
2. Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP): The CHSP provides entry-level support services for seniors who need some assistance with daily tasks but do not require a full home care package.
3. Home Care Packages (HCP): These packages are designed to provide more comprehensive and personalized support to seniors with higher care needs, ranging from Level 1 to Level 4.
4. Dementia Supplement: For seniors living with dementia, additional funding is available to cater to their specific care requirements.

The Impact of Home Care Services on Seniors

Home care services play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for elderly Australians. By enabling seniors to remain in their familiar surroundings, surrounded by their community and loved ones, home care fosters a sense of independence and dignity. It alleviates the stress and burden on family members and caregivers, allowing them to focus on their relationships with the senior rather than the hands-on care tasks. Additionally, the social engagement provided by home care workers helps combat isolation and depression, promoting overall mental well-being.

Home care services for the elderly in Australia are a vital and rapidly growing aspect of the aged care system. These services offer a wide array of support options, enabling older Australians to age gracefully and maintain their independence while receiving the assistance they need. With various funding options and a focus on consumer-directed care, the system aims to provide personalized, flexible, and compassionate services that cater to the unique needs and preferences of each senior. As the demand for aged care continues to increase, the home care sector will continue to evolve, striving to meet the changing needs of Australia’s aging population.

The post Home Care Services for the Elderly in Australia: A Comprehensive Overview first appeared on Evermore Living Care.