Let's Get Acquainted

There’s a conversation most families avoid until it’s urgent: how and where our parents will age. In this opening episode of Let’s Get Acquainted , host Julie McBeth speaks with Fiona Somerville, Managing Director of Acquaint, about her journey from healthcare professional to business leader and why she believes we’ve been approaching aged care the wrong way Fiona shares what she observed across p...

Money and aged care. It’s uncomfortable, but it matters. In this episode, Fiona Somerville explains what “premium” private home care means and who it’s really for. Is it only for the wealthy, or is there a middle ground that families often overlook? We explore how private care can ease pressure on the public system, what families are really paying for, and how to compare in-home care with resident...

What does it take to deliver high-quality care at home? Fiona shares how Acquaint recruits and selects carers, why culture matters, and why strong systems reduce stress for families. With thousands of applicants for each recruitment round, we explore what attracts carers to Acquaint and what keeps standards high. We also discuss how technology, communication, and structure create confidence for cl...

Ageing doesn’t change overnight; it shifts gradually. In this episode, Fiona reflects on what she has consistently observed when people begin needing support at home. From early changes in confidence to the practical realities of introducing care, we explore what families often underestimate. Rather than focusing on systems or funding, this conversation centres on real experiences and patterns Fio...

Why do aged care decisions feel so overwhelming? In this episode, Fiona shares what she has seen when families are under pressure to make choices. We discuss common mistakes, the difference between urgency and importance, and what families often wish they had known earlier. Drawing on her experience working closely with clients and their families, Fiona offers practical insight into how clearer th...