PASA Committee of Management
Notes from the CEO
We’ve had a fantastic quarter of growth at Police HomeCare—welcome to our new clients and staff!
We’re proud to have passed our NDIS audit, meeting all Practice Standards. Thank you to everyone involved!
Aged Care Update: From 1 Nov 2025, Home Care Packages will transition to Support at Home. Want to know more? Contact our Aged Care Team or book a group info session.
Join Us at the Expo! Catch us at the Aged & Disability Expo — 7 Aug, 9am–3pm, Adelaide Entertainment Centre. Book with us if you need support to attend.
SDA Housing in Sturt Our Specialist Disability Accommodation project in Sturt is progressing well. If you or someone you know is looking for high-quality, disability-friendly housing, reach out to us for more information.
– Heidi Verheyen
CEO
Staff Picks
Meet our New Team Members
Amelia Hanalla—NDIS Client Services Manager
“I’ve worked in community services for 7 years, and have experience in aged care and disability as a support worker, advocate, and a mentor. I have worked all over Adelaide and internationally for 2+ years.”
Teejay Adesemowo—Clinical Care Coordinator
“As PHC’s registered nurse, I provide expert care to patients across diverse healthcare settings. I assess, plan, and implement treatments, administer medications, and monitor recovery.”
Saurabh Gyawali—Care Coordinator
“Since arriving in Australia in 2017, I’ve combined my finance background with nursing and mental health studies to deliver person-centred care and advocate for older Australians. With over 2.5 years’ experience, I’m committed to making a meaningful impact in aged care.”
James Verheyen—Rostering Coordinator
“With a background in marketing and experience as a chef, James brings a versatile mix of skills to the team. Passionate about the NDIS, James assists clients’ rostering ensuring everything runs smoothly.”
NDIS CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE MONTH
Act with respect for individual rights to freedom of expression, self-determination, and decision-making in accordance with relevant laws and conventions.
Wellness Centre Update
Welcome to Our New Clients!
We’re excited to see so many new faces at the Wellness Centre. Many are already discovering how the GYROTONIC® method is improving their balance, mobility, and confidence after each session.
Did you know?
Your My Aged Care package may cover GYROTONIC® sessions. Give us a call to find out more!
What’s Next at the Wellness Centre?
We’re developing a new multidisciplinary clinical service built around progressive resistance training. With smart, user-friendly equipment, this program supports strength, recovery, cognitive health, and overall wellbeing—often more effective than medication for managing chronic conditions.
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.
Monthly Tip:
Turn sitting into strength! Each time you go to sit, squat down until your glutes just touch the seat—then stand again. Start with 1–5 reps. Do this a few times daily and you’ll rack up around 140 squats a week!
Support Worker Spotlight – Mark Schwartz
-
Born in country South Australia in 1971.
-
Learned to talk by singing to Engelbert Humperdinck and Elvis records—lamp cord as a mic.
-
Lifelong music lover: obsessed with ABBA, then KISS; spent all pocket money on records by age 11.
-
Spent 25 years in the music industry and was the sales rep for Warner & BMG then promo manager for BMG in Perth.
-
Appeared on Australian Idol.
-
Worked with music legends: Gene Simmons, Annie Lennox, John Farnham, Marcia Hines.
-
Career highlight: assisted Gene Simmons at a Sydney instore—wiped Texta off his face.
-
Huge music fan! Loves rock, pop, metal, country, electronic (not into musicals or hip hop).
-
Worked at JB Hi-Fi and QBD Books.
-
Transitioned to support work during COVID for stability and purpose.
-
Proud parent to Barney, a 10-month-old whippet puppy with a passion for digging and midnight chaos.
-
Loves retro comedy—especially Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, and Magda Szubanski!
Aged Care Updates
Support at Home Program – Coming November 2025
Starting early November 2025, the Australian Government will introduce the new Support at Home program. This initiative is part of the response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and aims to improve how care is delivered to older Australians—helping them live independently and safely at home for longer.
The current Home Care Package (HCP) system with four levels of care will be replaced by eight new care classifications, with funding ranging from $11,000 to $78,000, depending on individual care needs.
In addition to expanded care levels, the new program includes:
-
Access to the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications Scheme
-
Restorative Care Pathway
-
End of Life Pathway
For Police HomeCare clients, we anticipate a smooth and seamless transition with no disruption to your services.
We understand change can bring questions or concerns. Our team is here to support you—please don’t hesitate to contact us on (08) 8155 5222 for assistance or more information.
Upholding Our Duty of Care at Police HomeCare
At Police HomeCare, providing exceptional care is both our responsibility and commitment. Our duty of care means taking all reasonable steps to ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of every client.
What is Duty of Care?
We are committed to:
-
Preventing harm or distress
-
Making informed, proactive decisions
-
Responding to individual needs with compassion
Respecting Choice and Dignity
We support autonomy and independence, recognising each person’s right to make their own choices—even when those involve some risk. Our role is to balance safety with dignity.
Safety and Prevention
Our staff are trained in:
-
Falls prevention
-
Safeguarding and abuse response
-
Risk identification and early intervention
Clinical Care Standards
For clients with complex needs, our nursing services follow national community care standards, ensuring ethical, safe, and effective care that reduces avoidable hospital visits.
A Team Commitment
Duty of care is everyone’s responsibility. Through vigilance, compassion, and person-centred practice, we create a safe, respectful environment for all.
Soup Recipe – to warm the soul
Japanese Sweet Potato and Parsnip
Ingredients
-
2 large parsnips, peeled and sliced
-
1 large Japanese sweet potato, peeled and cubed
-
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
-
1/2 small onion, sliced
-
2 cups water, or as needed
-
2 teaspoons chicken bouillon base
-
1 teaspoon ground thyme (Optional)
-
1/2 cup whole milk
-
salt and pepper to taste
Directions (via allrecipes.com)
Step 1
Combine all vegetables. Add enough water to just cover. Bring to a boil. Stir in bouillon base & thyme. Bring to a simmer until vegetables are tender for about 15 minutes.
Step 2
Remove pan from heat. Purée in a blender until soup is smooth. Combine purée with milk. Add additional milk or water, if needed, to achieve desired consistency. Warm up before serving. Add salt and pepper as desired.