About Jo

Contact Jo

Hello, my name is Jo, Principal Care Consultant at Cavida Care Advisory, and a passionate advocate for the well-being of older Australians.

With over 15 years’ experience as a counsellor supporting people through major life transitions, and more than a decade working in aged care, I understand that navigating this journey is about far more than just finding a bed or booking services – it’s about dignity, comfort, and peace of mind during one of life’s most significant changes.

My career has taken me from consulting roles to relationship management in residential aged care, where I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside countless individuals and families through the complexity of aged care decisions. For the past decade, I’ve specialised in helping people access in-home care services and transition into residential aged care – and it has been a truly heartfelt journey to connect with each person, understand their unique needs, and achieve the best possible outcome.

What I’ve found is that people get the best outcomes when they’re equipped with knowledge about the aged care system and have thoughtfully considered their preferences and priorities for care. This is where my approach makes a real difference – I combine counselling skills with deep understanding of the aged care process and significant experience collaborating with in-home care providers, residential aged care homes, and allied health professionals to create tailored solutions that work for you.

I take the time to truly listen and understand your individual care needs, your preferences, and what matters most to you and your family. I’m passionate about finding the right match of services – not just for today, but for your future needs as well. I champion a human-first approach, translating industry jargon into everyday language and prioritising respect, dignity, and clarity at every stage.

My mission is simple: to empower you with the insights, strategies, and support you need to make informed decisions with confidence, and to help you find the most suitable care environment where you or your loved one feels safe, supported and valued.

Whether you’re planning ahead or facing an immediate need, I’m here to make the aged care journey clearer, dignified, and ultimately more positive for everyone involved.

HOW WE’RE DIFFERENT 

WHY CHOOSE CAVIDA CARE

Expert Knowledge

With over a decade of aged care experience and 15+ years in counselling, we bring deep understanding of the aged care system, assessment processes, and how to navigate them successfully. We translate complex industry jargon into clear, practical guidance you can act on with confidence.

Extensive Network

Through years of collaboration with in-home care providers, residential aged care facilities, and allied health professionals, we've built strong relationships across the sector. This network means we can connect you with quality providers who are the right match for your specific situation.

Tailored Solutions

No two people have identical care needs. We take the time to understand your unique circumstances, preferences, and goals to find solutions that truly fit - not just for today, but for your future needs as well.

Streamlined Process

We make the complicated, easy. There's a lot to understand and do, and often, there may be a few things to 'juggle' but that's where we help. We can manage the process for you and simplify everything so decisions are clearer and any transition is smooth and as stress-free as possible.

Continued Support

Our commitment doesn't end once you've found a placement or started services. We're here to support you through transitions, answer questions as they arise, and help you adjust services if your needs change. We're here every step of the way.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

A care consultant acts as your guide and advocate throughout the aged care process. We help you understand the system, support you through assessments, explain your options in plain language, and match you with services or facilities that truly suit your needs. From planning ahead to urgent placements, We handle the legwork—liaising with providers, coordinating paperwork, and managing the details so you don’t have to.

This saves you valuable time and reduces the stress that often comes with navigating aged care. For adult children juggling careers and family responsibilities, having expert support means less time off work, fewer disruptions, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved one is in capable hands. Think of us as someone who walks beside you every step of the way, translating complexity into clarity while protecting your time for what matters most.

To access government-funded aged care services, you’ll need to apply through My Aged Care. There are several ways to do this:

  • Online: Visit myagedcare.gov.au to complete an application
  • Phone: Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422
  • Through your health professional: Your GP or other health professional can make an online request on your behalf with your consent

Once your application is complete, an assessment organisation will contact you, your primary contact, and/or your appointed decision maker to discuss your needs and arrange an assessment. The process can feel overwhelming, which is where I can help—guiding you through the application, preparing you for your assessment, and ensuring you understand your options once you’re approved.

An aged care assessment is conducted by the Single Assessment workforce (which includes various assessment organisations) to determine an individual’s eligibility for government-funded aged care services. The assessment evaluates a person’s physical, psychological, medical, and social needs to recommend and approve services such as Support at Home or residential aged care. It’s available for individuals over 65 years of age, or over 50 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, who need assistance to live at home or move to residential aged care.

During the assessment, an assessor will visit you at home (or sometimes in hospital or by phone or video call) to discuss your health, mobility, daily routines, and any challenges you’re facing. They’ll ask about things like bathing, dressing, meal preparation, medication management, and your social connections. It’s a conversation, not a test – the goal is to understand your needs so the right support can be put in place. The assessment typically takes 1-2 hours, and you’re welcome to have family members or a support person present. I can help you prepare for this conversation and ensure your needs are clearly communicated.

Your aged care approval does not expire unless it has been approved on a time-limited basis. However, approval of specific funding may be withdrawn if you don’t start services within the approved timeframe, so it’s important to act promptly once you’re approved.

A reassessment may be required if your care needs change significantly. If you’re looking to move to a higher Support at Home classification, a reassessment will be required to ensure your funding matches your current needs. I can help you understand these timelines and ensure you don’t miss important windows for accessing or adjusting your care.

Aged Care Resources

My Aged Care
The Australian Government’s starting point for aged care information and services.

My Aged Care Residential Care Home Fee Estimator
Estimate the costs associated with residential aged care services and understand your potential contributions.

My Aged Care Support at Home Fee Estimator
Estimate the costs associated with Support at Home care services and understand your potential contributions.

Services Australia – Getting Aged Care Services
Information on aged care payments, subsidies, and how to access government support.

Carer Gateway
Free services and support for carers, including counselling, respite care, and practical assistance.

Australian Multicultural Community Services
Culturally responsive aged care services and support for multicultural communities.

Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN)
Free, independent advocacy services to help older people understand and exercise their rights.

Dementia Australia
Support, education, and resources for people living with dementia and their families.

COTA Australia
Advocacy and information for older Australians on health, aged care, employment, and rights.

Blog

News From My Blog

All Posts