Finding Confidence, Care and Connection with Burnie Brae Home Care

After more than a decade of island living, Kerry and Jan were ready for a change. Their days had been peaceful, but they felt a growing need to be closer to family and better connected to the support they needed. So, they packed up their home and began a new chapter in North Brisbane.

The couple were receiving some help at home through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) with another provider, which supported them manage the basics. But as time passed and their health needs increased, it became clear that they needed more personalised, consistent care. Kerry was approved for a Level 2 Home Care Package and Jan for Level 3.

That’s when they faced a setback.

“We couldn’t get in touch with our case manager… they told us we couldn’t have any social support, which we really needed,” Jan recalls.

They felt overlooked. Disconnected. Stuck with a provider that didn’t seem to listen or care. It wasn’t just frustrating; it was disheartening. They knew they deserved better.

A Fresh Start

In early 2024, everything changed. Their daughter made a call to Burnie Brae and from that moment, the tone shifted.

“It was simple and easy to switch our provider to Burnie Brae and we finally felt heard,” says Jan.

That first conversation set the foundation for a completely different experience. With Burnie Brae, Kerry and Jan finally found a team that saw them as individuals, not just clients. Their new Care Partner, Vivian, stepped in with warmth, clarity and practical support - helping them access services they hadn’t even known were available.

With their Home Care Packages now fully supporting their goals, they began receiving:

• Help around the home - cleaning, ironing and everyday tasks
• Friendly social visits
• Allied health services like physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and clinical exercise
• A recliner chair for Jan, funded through her package, to ease chronic back pain

“We didn’t realise how much more we could access until we joined Burnie Brae. It’s been life-changing,” Kerry shares.

More than just services, they gained something far greater: freedom. The confidence to stay in their own home. The independence to keep living life on their terms.

Care That Feels Like Family

For Kerry and Jan, Vivian quickly became more than a Care Partner - she became a trusted part of their world. From the very beginning, her warm and genuine approach stood out, offering not just help around the home, but real companionship and peace of mind.

“Vivian always asks, ‘What can I do for you today?’ And she means it,” says Kerry.

“She’s like a sister to us.”

Vivian’s regular visits have become a cherished part of their routine, bringing not only practical support but the kind of human connection that can be hard to find - especially after leaving behind the close-knit island community they once called home.

“From our first meeting, I felt an immediate connection with them. Kerry and Jan are both warm, social, and have a wonderful sense of humour,” says Vivian.

“Kerry has shown a great deal of trust in me and I treasure that. His trust and appreciation continue to inspire me to support more clients with the same care and dedication.”

For Kerry and Jan, it’s this personalised, heartfelt approach that makes Burnie Brae feel different.

Moving with Confidence

Staying independent isn’t just about living at home - it’s about living well. That’s where Burnie Brae Healthy Connections, our allied health services, comes in.

Kerry worked closely with one of Burnie Brae’s Physiotherapists to develop a personalised exercise plan, allowing him to confidently join the clinical-combined group sessions at our Chermside clinic each week. He values the encouragement and one-on-one support from the team, which keeps him motivated and on track.

“All the instructors are good to talk to. They stand beside you while you do your exercises,” he shares.

Jan is working through hydrotherapy with Physiotherapist Lauren as part of her rehabilitation. The warmth of the water eases her chronic back pain while helping her regain strength and improve balance - vital tools for keeping mobile and living life on her own terms.

It’s these weekly appointments that keep them both feeling strong, supported and confident in their ability to stay active and independent.

A Life They Love

Now married over 60 years, Kerry and Jan know what matters most: family, freedom and the comfort of home. With four children, nine grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and one fluffy 9-year-old dog, their days are full of love and laughter.

Thanks to the tailored support from their Care Partner and the Burnie Brae team, Kerry and Jan continue to embrace the activities they love. Whether it’s tending to their beautiful garden, enjoying peaceful walks with their dog around the neighbourhood, or sharing meals and memories with their family, Burnie Brae’s care has helped them stay connected to the things that give their life meaning.

“We’ve been through a lot, but with Burnie Brae, we’ve got our independence and confidence back,” says Jan.

For Kerry and Jan, Burnie Brae isn’t just a care provider - we are a partner in helping them live life on their terms, surrounded by love, laughter and the comfort of home.

Thinking about changing your Home Care Provider?

If your current Home Care provider isn’t meeting your needs, Kerry and Jan’s story is a reminder that you do have options and that the right care can truly change everything.

Learn more about switching providers
Or get in touch - we’re here when you’re ready.