About Us
Neighbourhood Care & Buurtzorg
Neighbourhood Care is the Australian branch of the Netherlands’ largest home-care provider, Buurtzorg – which has a presence in 25 countries. As such, our organisation utilises a revolutionary “flat” organisation structure, meaning that we have no levels of middle management between our staff and our executives. This has been shown to reduce bureaucracy, improve communication, and empower the workers who know you best – thus, improving the quality of your care.
Our teams are self-managing, empowering our nurses, support workers and allied health professionals by giving them the autonomy to make decisions with you and your support networks without requiring approval from a middle-manager. With a maximum of 12 members, our teams possess a higher degree of independence, meaning that you will interact with and develop meaningful relationships with the people who know you best, as opposed to a back-office staff member.
Our operating model
The Buurtzorg "Onion" model
The Buurtzorg Onion model helps us visualise your existing support networks and takes into account your various support network, including your family, your friends, your community, our services, and your formal support networks. Upon our first meeting, we gain an understanding of your personal values and existing networks and start working to plan your support together. By involving you and your networks in the process, we can figure out how best to assist you in achieving your goals.
Firstly, we ascertain your personal values. These could include maintaining control of your decisions, maintaining your quality of life, and a desire to build warm, trusting relationships. Next, we gain an understanding of your informal networks. These may include family, friends, neighbours or other people in your community. Representing the third layer of your onion, we discuss our team of healthcare professionals and the services we can provide. Lastly, we take into account your existing formal networks (such as your GP, pharmacist or support coordinator). Why go into all this detail? To ensure your care is holistic and person-centred.
Client satisfaction
Countries where the Buurtzorg model is used
Staff satisfaction
Our code of conduct
We have high standards when it comes to integrity and ethics. As part of our commitment to you, our code of conduct outlines how we expect our staff and volunteers to act in the workplace and also includes guidelines for legal compliance and ethical standards.
To read our code of conduct, click here.
