Meet the Heart and Mind Behind A1 Quality Care

Tailored expert programs for family members caring for loved ones with disability, injury, or illness, recognising the unique challenges faced by caregivers.

Meet your coach, Andrea

A Lifelong Advocate for Compassionate Care

About Andrea

Andrea Entwistle brings over 20 years of experience in the disability, aging and illness sectors with a deep passion for supporting caregivers, their loved ones and people living with a wide range of care needs. Her journey has been shaped by a blend of lived experience and an impressive range of professional qualifications that allow her to bring both compassion and expertise to every program she creates.

Her work is guided by a simple belief – that the right systems, knowledge and support can transform the caregiving experience. Andrea blends practical strategies with mindful self-care and a strong focus on achievable goals so that every caregiver feels supported, capable and confident. She understands the challenges that come with caring for others and is committed to providing solutions that make life easier without losing sight of what matters most – the people.

Over the years she has gained a wealth of skills and knowledge across leadership, quality standards, business systems, human services, disability support, mental health, hypnotherapy and nutrition. Her programs are tailored to each person’s needs and are designed to create real, lasting change.

Qualifications and Professional Expertise

Diploma of Business Management – Expertise in operational efficiency and leadership

Diploma of Project Management – Leading and delivering complex care-related initiatives

Diploma of Counselling – Providing emotional and psychological support for caregivers and clients

Diploma of Nutrition – Integrating dietary considerations into overall care plans

Diploma of Quality Auditing – Specialist in ISO 9001 compliance and quality standards

Certificate IV in Training and Assessment – Skilled in developing and delivering professional training programs

Certificate IV in Mental Health – In-depth knowledge of mental health support strategies

Certificate IV in Community Services – Comprehensive understanding of community-based care

Certificate IV in Employment Services – Experience in employment pathways for individuals with disabilities

Certification in Supervision Skills – Managing Employee Performance – Leadership in workforce management and development

Hypnotherapy Certification – Supporting behavioural change and stress reduction

Negotiation & Crisis Intervention Certification – Skilled in conflict resolution and urgent care situations

Elderly Care and Caring for People with Disabilities Certification – Specialised in age-related and disability-specific needs

Certification in Diabetes, Medication & Infection Control – Ensuring safe and informed care practices

Certification in Understanding and Managing Epilepsy – Specialist knowledge for seizure response and care

Manual Handling Certification – Safe and effective care delivery techniques

Andrea is more than a coach – she is a guide, mentor and advocate for those navigating the caregiving journey. Her dedication and knowledge have made her a trusted leader who helps caregivers and the people they care for achieve their goals with clarity, confidence and compassion.

Where It All Began and Where We’re Headed

My Origin

I am from Ocean Grove, a picturesque coastal town in Australia, I find solace and inspiration in the natural beauty that surrounds me, particularly the tranquil embrace of the beach. My affinity for the outdoors and the ocean has been a lifelong passion, cultivated through moments of joy and reflection spent immersed in the waves and sandy shores. This connection to nature became deeply profound during a period of personal loss, as I navigated the grief of losing my mum to cervical cancer. Witnessing her struggle with illness and the challenges of caregiving ignited a mission within me to support caregivers and those in need of care and assistance.

My Mission

My journey in the disability field began in 2005, where I discovered my calling in assisting individuals with disabilities. Over the years, I've worn various hats, from managing a Disability Employment Agency to shaping organisational policies and procedures. Through managing audits and implementing quality standards, I honed my skills in analysing and improving business management systems. However, it was through direct caregiving experiences that I truly grasped the complexities and gaps in care for vulnerable people. Whether aiding clients in their homes or supported housing, I witnessed firsthand the importance of comprehensive and high-quality care, as well as the challenges faced by families navigating uncertain circumstances.

My Vision

I am driven by a deep-seated desire to make a meaningful difference, I transitioned into a 'Mindfulness and Self-care Results Coach', launching my own consulting business. My vision is clear—to enhance the lives of caregivers and those in need of care and support. I envision a world where caregivers feel empowered and supported, equipped with the tools to provide compassionate care. Through promoting mindfulness and self-care practices, I aim to foster harmony and balance in the lives of caregivers, ultimately creating a society where individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and the ill receive the holistic care they deserve.

I know your challenges

Understanding and Supporting the Caregiver's Journey

Emotional Stress, grief and loss

Loved one's illness or disability can induce emotional stress, resulting in feelings of sadness, anxiety, and grief, creating an overwhelming emotional burden. Andrea's coaching provides a safe space for caregivers to express their emotions, offering empathy, understanding, and guidance to help them navigate the complex emotions associated with caregiving responsibilities.

Balancing multiple roles

Juggling caregiving responsibilities with other roles, such as being a parent, employee, or maintaining personal relationships, can be challenging and lead to feelings of overwhelm.

Andrea collaborates with caregivers to establish a comprehensive daily or weekly schedule, utilising specific time-blocking strategies, setting achievable goals, offering advice on creating structured plans, providing guidance on systems, and emphasising the importance of expressing their needs. This holistic approach enhances overall time management effectiveness and ensures dedicated time for personal activities.

Neglecting personal health

Caregivers often prioritise the needs of their loved one over their own, neglecting their physical and mental health, which can lead, lack of rest, overeating or weight loss and burnout, resulting in health issues. Andrea assists to identify unrealistic expectations for themselves, encourages a mindset of flexibility and adaptability to the situation and upcoming changes in care, exploring supports and prioritising own health needs. Setting boundaries, timelines and developing resilience to conflicting decisions.

Lack of self-care and respite

Caregivers often face time constraints due to the demands of caregiving, medical appointments, and other responsibilities. The perceived lack of time may make them feel guilty about taking a break for self-care. Andrea will work with individuals to establish healthy boundaries between caregiving, work, and personal life activities. This involves setting realistic expectations for oneself and communicating boundaries with others.This includes setting aside dedicated time for self-care and social interactions. Additionally, she guides caregivers in exploring respite care options, enabling caregivers to take breaks and participate in social activities.

Lack of support & resources

Many caregivers feel unprepared for the complex tasks involved in caregiving. The lack of training and available resources or not knowing what to do can contribute to feelings of inadequacy. Andrea guides individuals in identifying and leveraging support systems, exploring networks. This includes seeking assistance from family, friends, colleagues, or utilising community resources to share caregiving responsibilities to strategise in finding better balance.

Uncertainty about the future

Illnesses and disabilities can be unpredictable, leading to uncertainty about the future, causing care givers anxiety. This uncertainty might make the upcoming tasks seem overwhelming and intimidating. Andrea emphasises the significance of readiness by encouraging caregivers to establish systems and future plans, alleviating mental burdens. She also highlights the importance of celebrating even the smallest progress and achievements. Additionally, Andrea imparts stress management techniques to help individuals cope with the pressures of multiple responsibilities. This encompasses mindfulness, relaxation exercises, self-care practices, meditation, and other strategies aimed at effectively managing stress.

Financial pressure

The costs associated with nutrition, medical care, medications, and special equipment, coupled with potential job loss or reduced working hours for the caregiver, can create financial strain. Andrea can support by aiding in the strategic planning of activities related to food, supplies, and equipment purchases, ensuring financial adequacy and minimising unnecessary expenses. Additionally, she helps caregivers investigate accessible resources, financial aid programs, government and community services that offer assistance.

Social Isolation

Caregivers often experience limited social interactions due to dedicating substantial time to caregiving, reducing opportunities for support from friends and family.

Andrea assists caregivers in utilising technology to stay connected, which may include joining online support groups, participating in one-on-one coaching and in virtual social events, or using video calls to maintain meaningful connections.

Communication challenges

Effective communication with healthcare professionals, your loved one and other support staff or family members can be challenging, especially when your loved one has challenges with verbal communication or comprehension and the caregiver is required to make decisions, leading to misunderstandings, potential conflicts and awkward discussions. Andrea offers a secure and non-judgmental environment to discuss and explore various options, strategies and plan quality care, while prioritising the dignity, freedom of choice, and decision-making of the loved ones.

Client Testimonials

"Andrea consistently maintains professional boundaries and ensures a gentle approach in addressing my daughter's personal care needs, even during challenging discussions. Emphasising our voice and control over the care, she safeguards my daughter's choices in quality, regardless of the support staff's origin—be it from an agency, sole trader, or a family member.

Andrea's guidance has instilled confidence in both me and my daughter, ensuring everyone adheres to our carefully designed instructions. This eliminates the need for constant reminders to support staff, making care discussions more comfortable and providing assurance when I am not present. Thanks to Andrea, we've overcome shyness, explored comfort options, and gained confidence in the care she receives.

Our in-house systems, which I deeply appreciate, significantly enhance our lives, making them more comfortable"

Kerry M.

Port Adelaide, SA

"Thank you, Andrea, for the comprehensive workbook on developing personal caregiving systems. As someone not particularly tech-savvy, I found it a bit challenging, but overall, I appreciate the templates and checklists that have significantly simplified the process. While I know you've made an exception to offer extra support during my journey, I truly believe this could become an excellent workshop for caregivers like me.

Keep going, Andrea; you're providing a fantastic service!

Marlene P.

Central NSW

Let's connect and talk

"In the spirit of reconciliation, A1 Quality Care acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today."