Note from our Executive Director
“Police HomeCare has grown in leaps and bounds since our establishment in April 2024, and I remain deeply grateful for the outstanding work being done by our office staff and care worker heroes, as well as the team spirit we share with the Police Association of South Australia. Our top priority is to ensure the needs and aspirations of our valued participants are realised, but I believe it’s also important that our employees are given the support they need to find fulfillment in what they do. To this end, we are making improvements to our systems of support with renewed efforts to foster a more communicative and welcoming work environment. We are looking forward to working with you all for another productive and exciting year as we aim for our monthly target goal of delivering 10,000 hours of best-practice care.”
Note from our Chief Executive Officer
“Police HomeCare has recently undergone significant changes, including my promotion to CEO. I’m thrilled to bring a fresh perspective to our ongoing growth and success. My diverse background—spanning business ownership, real estate, aged care/NDIS, and local government—has shaped my deep commitment to placing people at the heart of everything we do.
We remain fully devoted to our clients, staff, and stakeholders, guided by our core values of Wellbeing, Strong Relationships, Focus, and Creativity, alongside PASA’s values of Service, Integrity, Courage, Leadership, Collaboration, and Respect.
Looking ahead, I’m eager to strengthen our partnership with PASA as we continue delivering outstanding care in an ever-evolving environment. It’s an honour to lead an organization that anticipates the changing needs of our community and takes concrete steps to meet them.”
CareWindow — Technology to Support Care at Home
Police HomeCare has entered into a collaboration with a South Australian technology company called Empathy Studios, which manufactures a device called CareWindow.
CareWindow’s inventors Zac Bailey and Fiona Symons have developed the world’s easiest-to-use videophone, perfect for people living with dementia, dexterity challenges, or mobility challenges.
Key features of the videophone include:
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Splashproof
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Drop resistant
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Zero-touch answering (automatic hands-free answering option)
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Easy calling with one tap on a family member’s picture
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Crystal clear audio
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A clear, colourful screen
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A photo gallery for sharing memorable moments
You can find some more information or book a free demonstration through the CareWindow website: https://www.carewindow.com.au/
Zac and Fiona created the device to help out their father, and it’s now helping hundreds of Australian families stay connected.
Get to know – Your Police HomeCare HQ Staff
Cassandra Peters
I genuinely enjoy collaborating with and supporting my colleagues, always striving to create a positive, happy, and productive work environment. No two days are ever the same, and I value opportunities to learn new skills and tackle fresh challenges.
I believe that every act of kindness—big or small—brings a deep sense of purpose and satisfaction, which is why I feel responsible for fostering this compassion at Police HomeCare.
My two daughters, Elizabeth and Katherine (along with my wonderful husband, Anthony), are the greatest blessings in my life. They fill each day with love and laughter, inspiring me to work hard and be the best version of myself. In the next decade, I hope to travel more extensively, exploring the world’s diverse cultures and hidden gems. I want to share these adventures with my family and create treasured memories together. My ultimate dream destination is Egypt, a place that has fascinated me since childhood.
Policy of the Month – Privacy & Collection of Information
This is an important policy relevant to all employees and clients of Police HomeCare, underwritten by the Privacy Act 1988. This policy enables the collection of personal information and allows for the sharing of that information with workers, family, advocates/representatives, health care professionals, community services and Government departments, to ensure safe, responsive delivery of person-centred care to our clients. It details our roles and responsibilities in maintaining that information to the highest standards expected.
If in doubt regarding who you can share personal information with in the course of your work, please give us a call here at the office and I will be happy to answer any questions you have. We are also going to make our updated policies and procedures available to you all in the coming weeks, and discussions will be held at care worker meetings to keep you informed and confident in providing the best care possible to our clients.
– by Michelle Dunn, our Head of Systems Compliance
Journey to Strength and Independence – John Anderson
John Anderson, a valued NDIS client of Police HomeCare, has been attending weekly sessions at our Wellness Centre at 27 Carrington St since mid-2024. With the dedicated support of his trainer, Nadine Welke, John has made remarkable progress in terms of strength, mobility, and confidence. Before a recent session, I had the chance to speak with John about his experience.
How are you enjoying your sessions with Nadine?
It’s alright, thank you.
Since starting, what changes have you noticed?
I’m stronger and can stand up without my walker, and I feel more confident walking independently. I’ve also noticed that I can now stand up straighter!
What is your favourite part about coming in for your sessions?
I enjoy coming in to see everyone in the office, and having a coffee and a chat.
John’s ultimate goal is to be strong enough to travel to Queensland to visit his sister, something he once thought was impossible due to his limited mobility. Now, with his newfound strength and independence, John is excitedly planning for his trip in September.
Nadine has witnessed John’s incredible progress firsthand. Initially, he relied heavily on his walker and found it difficult to hold a ball between his knees due to tight hip flexors and weak internal rotators (Editor’s note: these are muscle groups!). Previously, he also had to push down on his walker to stand up. Nine months later, John is now able to complete 15–20 minutes of standing exercises, can hold a ball between his knees while rotating his torso, and most impressively, can stand up from his chair unaided. His increased strength and improved alignment have provided him with greater stability and confidence.
John’s improved capacity has created a positive ripple effect in his life. He is now getting out into the community more often and enjoying activities he once found too challenging. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, support, and the right guidance.
We at Police HomeCare are so proud of John’s achievements and can’t wait to see him fulfill his dream of visiting his sister in Queensland. If you or someone in your care is interested in physical improvement and wellness training in our GYROTONIC® studio in the CBD, please reach out to Nadine at nadine.welke@policehomecare.com.au.
– An interview by Katie Boden
Spotlight— our Awesome Support Workers
Paula has been an integral employee of Police HomeCare Services since 2019. Highly sought after by our clients for her genuine concern and caring nature, Paula exemplifies the compassionate approach we strive to bring to every home visit. We’re proud to feature her as our very first spotlight employee, celebrating her unwavering commitment to quality care and the positive impact she makes on those she supports.
Tell us something about yourself.
I was born and raised in good ol’ Port Adelaide, weighing in at just four pounds—so I was definitely the little runt of the family! With my curly red hair and freckles, I looked like a real-life Little Orphan Annie, and not much has changed on that front. At 16, I decided to leave school and jump headfirst into the big, wide world. I ended up working as a meat packer for 33 years and got divorced twice along the way. Then one day a friend offered me a job in the disability sector, and I’ve never looked back since.
What do you do you do on your downtime?
When I’m not at work, I’m usually out adventuring. I love the outdoors and get up at 4:30am to run, either on my treadmill or along the beach between Largs Bay and Semaphore. I’ve been with my partner Adrian for five years now, and I’m truly lucky to have someone who puts up with my quirks and long work hours. The man deserves a medal!
What inspires you?
My 29-year-old son Jordie (who’s actually six feet tall but will always be “Little Jordie” to me) and his partner, Lucy, are expecting a baby boy any day now, and I’m over the moon about becoming a granny. I’m even hoping the little one is a ranga, so we can keep the red hair going!
What do you love most about your job as a support worker?
What I love most about my job is witnessing the progress my clients make and sharing in their journey every step of the way. Anything I can do to brighten their day—making life a little easier, a little happier, or helping them get out into the community—feels like a big win for both of us. If they’re happy, I’m happy!
Above: Young Paula
– An interview by Ron Rivera