Inspired by her grandmother, and determined to treat older people with the dignity they deserve, a Helensburgh woman has launched her own home care service.

“My Nan’s unconditional love for people shaped the foundation of who I am,” said Grace Barlow, who founded Gracious Community Care in February.

Grace said her nan, Jill Potter, was known for her “kindness, empathy, and unwavering belief in the dignity of others”.

“In her later years, she was diagnosed with dementia, and being there to support her and our family through that journey was heartbreaking and transformative.

“After her passing, I launched Gracious Community Care as a tribute to her legacy. I wanted to create a service that reflects the same compassion and attentiveness she lived by, where every person is genuinely seen, valued, and supported with dignity.”

After seeing too many people receive care from a revolving door of support workers, Grace is now using her home town as a base to deliver personalised NDIS and aged care services.

“I had this vision to create something different from every other company,” she says.

“In Helensburgh, people look out for each other not because it's expected, but because it's part of who we are. That kind of unspoken compassion shaped me from an early age. It taught me the value of presence and the power of community.”

Local knowledge powers her work

Born in Helensburgh, Grace is now raising her own family in the tight-knit town.

“I went to Helensburgh Public School, and now my kids go there too,” she says. “We’re also part of Hope Church Helensburgh – it’s a big part of our local community.

“It's the kind of place where neighbours become family. It’s a small, supportive town and there's a shared understanding here, a rhythm of care and connection that can't be replicated in larger, more impersonal settings.”

Grace is one of seven children. "Dad runs the local bus company … between my siblings’ businesses in floristry, beauty therapy and pool maintenance, we’ve somehow managed to cover diverse needs. Community has always been at the heart of what we do.”

From her first job at the town’s pharmacy, at age 14, Grace’s career took off as she moved into the NDIS and aged care sector, spending 15 years in the field before opening her own business.

“I started working in local nursing homes when I was 19,” Grace says. “I’ve worked for other larger care providers, and I ended up finishing up just last year because I thought, ‘You don’t get it. You don’t understand the community I live in’."

Like other services, Gracious Community Care offers help with hygiene, mobility, cleaning, meal prep, household tasks and transport. But Grace says her team works closely with individuals and families to create personalised care plans, and that consistency of workers sets them apart.

"I've had a lot of clients wanting to change over from your larger organisations, because the inconsistency in workers seems to be a big problem,” Grace says.

“The larger organisations might send a different worker every week and so these vulnerable people are having to train these new workers to their routine every time – giving them a tour of their house, a rundown of what support they want. It's exhausting."

Making the right connections

Gracious Community Care has 25 support workers, all local to the Illawarra, and Grace takes the time to match each client with a support worker who suits their needs and personality.

“One standout example is Robyn, a retired seamstress with a keen sense of humour who loves a chat,” Grace says. “She was matched with Janelle, one of our support workers and a fellow seamstress. Their Wednesday mornings have become something special – full of stories, a bit of shopping, and even the odd outing for the lunch-time special. It’s support that’s stitched together with lived experience, laughter, and plenty of tea.”

Grace says her customised approach gives people more say in their care, helping them feel in control and supported.

“We’re not always going to get it right, and if they don’t gel with their worker, that’s okay, then my job is to find a suitable worker,” Grace says. “Even if we get it wrong, it’s that communication that can rectify anything at the end of the day.”

Since launching the business this year, Grace says she’s been buoyed by positive feedback and the business is growing quickly.

“I’ve had incredible support from our local community,” she says.

Next she’d like to give back by involving both her team and clients in local fundraising efforts.

“I’d love to do community fundraisers with my support workers – whether it’s a walking challenge, a fun run or something else. One of my clients took part in Laps for Life in March to support youth mental health. Getting clients and workers involved is a big way we’d like to contribute.”

Learn more about Gracious Community Care online or get in touch via Facebook or phone 0426 292 555