Filipino owned and operated disability and aged care provider, FiloCare celebrated its First Anniversary last 30 April 2023 at Sandown Park Hotel in Springvale. The event signalled the continued growth of care providers being run in Victoria by Filipino-Australians.
FiloCare Australia, owner and operator Vanessa “Ness” Gonzales, said FiloCare was named after Filipinos who are well-known for their work in healthcare services. FiloCare collaborates with big agencies to provide NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) and Aged Care to more Filipinos who may not be able to afford the healthcare they need,” she told The Philippine Times in an interview. FiloCare caters to all clients, regardless of their nationality or ethnicity. They are based in Melbourne and offer support across Victoria to “achieve independence and quality of life” for their participants.
Participants from 3 to 65 years old with mental or physical disabilities are classified under the NDIS, while those 65 years old and older (with or without medical needs) are classified under their Aged Care package. These participants are not required to be income-tested before getting healthcare services from the government, and Ness emphasised FiloCare’s encouragement and explanation of how to get into the system. “Being a citizen, being a resident of Australia, we also have the right to healthcare,” she said.
Throughout the years that Ness lived in Australia, she saw people who were neglected and looking for genuine care. In her speech during the anniversary event, she narrated how they struggled mentally, emotionally, physically and how they did not have anyone to look after them as they don’t have any family in Australia. This gave Ness the motivation to take care of them and gain more knowledge and experience from professionals.
She started FiloCare as a sole-trader in 2021 before starting it as a company on 2 May 2022. Ness became the CEO, manager, HR, team leader and support worker all in one. She has a growing staff assisting her now. Despite the many challenges, Ness undeniably conquered and was able to help a lot of people. She then gave her thanks to those who allowed her to “work and serve with all [her] heart” and their unveiling support. And to end her speech, Ness also promised that FiloCare will continue to provide quality services and assistance, as this is just the beginning for them.
On FiloCare’s first anniversary, they already have good numbers in both staff and clients, and Ness will be bringing in a new business partner. Their vision is to expand and provide more assistance by opening more programs such as allied health. FiloCare also helps out in housing matters for NDIS people who are living by themselves and for the elderly who may need help finding houses even if they do not have the budget yet. Their team of support coordinators will assist in getting them funding. “As long as you tell us what you need, we are there to help you,” Ness said.
Learn more about FiloCare through their Facebook page and website at filocare.com.au. You may also contact them on (+61) 0449 207 681 or email filocareaustralia@gmail.com.
