In the heart of Geelong, Nurse Next Door Home Care Services is transforming how residents experience in-home care through the Power of Happier Ageing – a philosophy of care centred on maintaining Positivity, Possibility and Purpose, enriching life in meaningful ways.
Leading this Bold Pink Team is Kristy Kayler-Thomson, a registered nurse with over 18 years of experience, driven by her passion for ensuring people can continue to live in their own home, on their own terms, regardless of age or ability.
Kristy’s journey was inspired by a simple belief: small acts of kindness can have profound effects on a person’s quality of life.
“Our core purpose of Making Lives Better means going beyond standard care to bring moments of happiness to those we support, from offering to paint a client’s nails to helping them rediscover a lost hobby,” Kristy shares.
One touching story involves a client who had suffered a stroke, losing the ability to enjoy her favourite activity – cross-stitching. Refusing to let this passion slip away, Kristy and her team adapted the task by creating larger, more manageable patterns for her. This small adjustment brought back a sense of fulfilment and joy, reminding her of what she loved most.
Kristy’s vision for a better aged care model was strongly influenced by her personal experiences during the pandemic. Her grandparents, isolated in a nursing home, experienced a decline in health that broke Kristy’s heart.
“My grandparents wanted to stay at home, but there simply weren’t the resources or knowledge available to support them,” she recalls.
This experience solidified her commitment to providing high-quality in-home care, allowing people in her local community to stay in familiar surroundings while being supported in the best possible way.
The foundation of Nurse Next Door’s Happier Ageing model lies in helping clients reconnect with what brings them joy.
“We always ask, ‘What did you love doing that you no longer do?’ and then we work to bring that joy back into their lives,” Kristy explains.
This personalised support provides a sense of purpose, helping clients live fully at any stage of life.
Nurse Next Door Geelong provides a full spectrum of services including dementia and Alzheimer’s care, assistance with daily living activities, nursing care, and companionship care, to name a few, all designed to meet each client’s unique needs. By delivering these services, the team ensures that ageing in place remains a viable and happy option for many individuals.
As Nurse Next Door continues to grow in the community, the impact of their Happier Ageing approach is clear.
Kristy and her team aren’t just delivering care; they’re nurturing lives and bringing back the things that make life worth living.
If you, or someone you know, needs care Nurse Next Door Home Care Services are open 24/7 simply call 1300 100 247 or visit nursenextdoor.com.au for more information.
