Sophie Knight - Hastings Business Womens Network

from Greater Port Macquarie Focus - i198

by Focus

Rachel Leman - Fitness Update

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with SOPHIE KNIGHT

KELLY LEAH

JUST BETTER CARE - IN-HOME SUPPORT FOR AGED CARE & DISABILITIES

Just Better Care Mid North Coast provides in-home aged care and disability support services, supporting people to live independently. Since our inception, we’ve been empowering our customers by putting individual preferences and support needs at the centre of our approach. Our staff take the time to get to know you, identifying the best ways to support you in achieving your goals. We never compromise on quality. We deliver the services you want, when and how you want them. With over 15 years’ experience in the inhome support sector for Aged Care and Disabilities, Leah is knowledgeable and passionate about the changing landscape of Aged Care and Disability support in Australia. In 2018, Leah brought her experience, values and passion to a local level and opened Just Better Care Mid North Coast

Tell us a bit more about Just Better Care

Mid North Coast. Just Better Care Mid North Coast is a local Aged and Disability support provider. We provide support to people in their homes and communities under the Aged Care Home Care Package program, NDIS and private funded services. My role as Director is to lead and support a team who are passionate about providing quality care and support to people in our communities.

What is the most rewarding part of your

role? The diversity of people we encounter every day. Everyone has a story, both clients and the support team. We have clients who have so much life experience and staff who devote time in their personal lives to causes that are important to them. No day is the same and every week you learn something new. It really does keep your own life in perspective.

What are some of the challenges that you face in your day-to-day life and how

do you overcome these? The dreaded work life balance! We welcomed twins in October last year; along with an energetic 5 year old has definitely been a challenge. Luckily I have a fantastic team who are truly amazing people – everyone is focused on providing a quality and caring service. If I need to be with my family, I know the team, both in the office and in the community, are working together to ensure we deliver a fantastic service.

What tips, tricks or advice do you have for people who are caring for family

members? Having a good understanding of what is important to your loved one is one of the most important conversations you can have. If you need to act on their behalf, knowing how they want their life journey to continue is key. It also helps us immensely in providing care and support which is meaningful for your loved one.

In your opinion, what is the best part of home care offerings at Just Better Care that makes your services stand out from

other providers? We are a local provider with an office in Short Street and have a boutique approach to our care management and support. Everyone in the office knows what we do and how we support people, so when anyone calls we can respond quickly. We all work as a team to ensure we help everyone whatever their question is.

What qualities make an excellent support professional and how do you

learn these? Compassion, warmth and an easy-going attitude. The most challenging part of being a support professional is that every day will be different and you need to be able to adapt quickly. We have a great program to support new staff in the industry so they can upskill and buddy with other staff to feel more confident in the role they do. It is important for us that the right staff, with the right skills are matched with our clients.