Bio
Carlie Watson, Consultant
Aged Care Specialist & Owner, Rethink Aged Care
Years in financial services: 26 years, but it became obvious to me after being introduced to aged care advice by a colleague that it was an area I was extremely interested in and passionate about. I shifted my focus, started to retrain and purchased Rethink Aged Care in August 2021, after working with Rethink Financial Planning for 5 years.
The role in a nutshell:
I support our clients and their families to navigate their way through the often daunting process of Aged Care. It can be a very stressful and emotional time for all involved, and I like to be there for our clients every step of the way.
Once we have an Aged Care strategy and our clients feel at ease that they are making an informed decision, I put their plan into place. This includes working extensively with Facilities, Centrelink, Department of Veteran Affairs and My Aged Care on their behalf.
Some of our clients come to us in crisis and are so overwhelmed that they engage our team to do it all for them. Being an advocate for our clients is a major part of my role, This can involve anything from researching facilities and securing a suitable placement, to finding a home care provider available in their area to allow them to come home after being hospitalised.
Why you love working at Rethink Aged Care
Rethink is like my second family. I love coming to work in a beautiful space with like-minded people who have the same beliefs on making sure we always put the client first. We’re a very motivated team who all genuinely care about what we do. It’s refreshing.
Rethink is unique because when our specialities overlap they complement each other. We’ll often have a few of us working with one client because we recognise that we all have different strengths and can add value in different areas. We are all committed to putting the client and their family at the centre of what we do!
Advice you wish everyone knew:
It’s never too early to start the conversation with your family about Aged Care. The subject is often avoided until a crisis occurs, which in some cases is far too late for effective planning.
Best career moment:
Helping a terminal client transition into a Residential Aged Care Facility, where she received the care and love that she deserved. This made the last few months of her life stress-free and also gave the family time to just focus on being with her.
Also, I have had a few sleepovers in a Residential Aged Care Facility, which has given me a great insight into how they operate and what a resident experiences.
What you are passionate about:
My family, my friends, my community and of course my work. I feel so blessed to provide a service where I can support and make a real difference to our clients lives at a time where they feel overwhelmed and vulnerable.
Your biggest inspirations:
My Nan– was the most selfless person I have ever known. She taught me to do things for people not because of who they are or what they do in return, but because of who you are. Her strength, courage and kindness inspires me everyday.
Cassandra Kavanagh - my mentor and the creator of Rethink Aged Care. Cass has inspired me with her work ethic and vision. She encouraged and trusted me take over the business, to continue to grow and deliver this highly needed service.
Qualifications:
Diploma Financial Planning
Certificate IV Banking and Financial Services
Certificate IV Financial Services Bookkeeping
Certificate IV Business Administration
Certificate IV Real Estate
