Trusted Home Care on the Central Coast

At Simply Helping Central Coast, care is shaped through clear communication and a local, personal approach. For manager Rodney Lewis, good care is about improving quality of life in a way that feels right for the individual, and should reflect the standard we would expect for our own family.

Rodney shared how his journey into care began when he was just 18 years old, after his mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. That experience stayed with him and influenced how he understands support today. “The impact this had on her and our family was significant,” he said. “It showed me the difference the right support can make to someone’s life.”

After leaving school, Rodney began working in residential care. He later moved into a support worker role for people with disability, while completing his degree in social work. Over time, he worked across various roles in Victoria, London, the Sunshine Coast, and regional New South Wales. “That was over 30 years ago now,” Rodney said. “Each role helped me understand what good support should look like, and what people need in their day-to-day lives.”

Rodney went on to run his own home care service on the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales for more than ten years. During that time, he supported hundreds of people and worked closely with families to provide ongoing care. He has since relocated to the Central Coast, where he now focuses on supporting people in a community he knows well. “We are local people, looking after other locals in our community,” he said. “Being a smaller provider allows us to keep things personal and consistent.”

Rodney also recognises the growing need for care in the region. “The Central Coast has one of the highest ageing populations in New South Wales,” he explained. “People need support that is based on relationships and a clear understanding of what matters to them.” His experiences have also created a clear approach to care. “Communication is key. Honest, open communication,” says Rodney. “People need to understand what support is available and what it means for them. It’s about being respectful, being clear, and following through on what you say.”

One experience that stayed with Rodney involved supporting a couple living with dementia. They had returned home from residential care and required ongoing support during the week, while their children provided care on weekends. “At the time, we weren’t sure how long the arrangement would last,” he said. “But we worked alongside the family, and the support continued for three years.” For Rodney, this reinforced the importance of working closely with families and building trust over time. “It showed me to never underestimate how dedicated families are,” he said. “Support works best when everyone is involved and working together.”

Stepping into the role of manager at Simply Helping Central Coast felt like a natural next step. “I enjoy meeting people, hearing their stories, and building relationships,” Rodney said. “People are trusting us during important times in their lives, and that matters.”

At the centre of Rodney’s mindset to care is a simple question.

“When I’m looking to bring someone into the team, I think about my mother,” he said. “Would I feel comfortable with this person supporting her? If the answer is no, then it’s not the right fit.”

If you or a loved one on the Central Coast could use some extra support at home, Simply Helping Central Coast is here.

Click here to contact Rodney and the Simply Helping Central Coast team today, and learn more about how they can support you.