Since opening their doors five years ago, Nurse Next Door Melbourne Outer East has become a trusted name in the local community, delivering personalised, premium in-home care that empowers older Australians to live independently and joyfully.
At the heart of this thriving care service is local owner and Registered Nurse Debbie Hill, whose passion for dignified ageing was born from a personal experience in her teenage years. After seeing her grandfather in hospital, she began to wonder: could there be a better way for people to grow older — one that kept them in their own homes, surrounded by comfort, familiarity and freedom?
Debbie carried that question throughout her nursing career, witnessing firsthand the power of community-based care. It wasn’t until she launched Nurse Next Door Home Care Services that her vision truly came to life. Today, with a team of nearly 65 caregivers and nurses, Debbie and her ‘Bold Pink’ team support more than 80 clients across the Outer East, delivering care that is not only professional and reliable but filled with joy, connection and purpose.
As a government-approved Home Care Package (HCP) Provider, Nurse Next Door plays an important role in helping older Australians remain at home longer, safely and confidently. Home Care Packages are a government-funded program that supports older people with everyday tasks, health needs, and social engagement. Whether it’s dementia care, medication management, personal care or companionship, the Nurse Next Door team works closely with each client to ensure their care aligns with their goals and values.
Every service is delivered through the lens of the ‘Happier Ageing’ philosophy, which encourages clients to reconnect with the things they love most. One client who embodies this philosophy is Desi, a 95-year-old Belgrave local known for his vibrant wardrobe, daily café visits and infectious zest for life.
Since May 2023, Desi has received daily support from the team — from help with personal care to strolls along the main street, where locals greet him by name. His caregivers have helped him stay connected to the community he cherishes, ensuring that his favourite routines, like breakfast at the café and sorting through his clothes for charity, remain part of his everyday life.
Stories like Desi’s are the reason Debbie and her team do what they do. As part of their all-inclusive 10 per cent HCP management, clients benefit from both Care Management and Package Management, all overseen by a Care Designer who is a Registered Nurse. It’s a streamlined, compassionate approach designed to take the stress out of care, while keeping the focus firmly on what matters most — living well at home.
From sponsoring the Upwey Tecoma Football Netball Club to making lives better in lounge rooms across the region, Nurse Next Door Melbourne Outer East is proud to be helping more locals age at home, on their own terms.
To learn more or book a free Caring Consult, visit nursenextdoor.com.au or call 1300 600 247.
