Making lives better in Ballarat

MICHELLE Connor has dedicated her life to caring for others.

As a Registered Nurse and founder of Nurse Next Door Home Care Services Ballarat, she has built a career on compassion, empathy and an unwavering commitment to making lives better.

Her passion for caregiving started early, growing up in rural communities where she was naturally drawn to helping both animals and people in need.

Whether it was tending to an injured animal or assisting an elderly neighbour, her caring nature was evident from an early age.

Michelle’s personal experiences deeply influenced her career. As a teenager, she played an active role in supporting her grandfather when he transitioned into an aged care facility.

Spending time with him and other residents, she realised the importance of not just physical support, but emotional connection. Later, she became a caregiver for her father, who battled cancer.

These personal moments reinforced her belief that compassionate, comprehensive care was essential.

Over the next two decades, Michelle dedicated herself to caregiving before becoming a Registered Nurse.

Working in aged care facilities and community care, she witnessed first-hand the limitations of traditional care models.

Too often, care was task-oriented rather than person-centred, and she was determined to change that.

Recognising the gaps in home care services, she sought a better way – people needed more than just clinical support, they needed someone to truly listen, advocate for them, and help them maintain their quality of life.

This realisation led her to launch Nurse Next Door Home Care Services Ballarat in 2023, a service that believes deeply that everyone can lead a life filled with positivity and purpose regardless of their age or disability.

Michelle and her ‘Bold Pink Team’ embrace happier ageing and possibility, helping clients reconnect with passions and hobbies.

Their other services include dementia and Alzheimer’s care, disability support, personal care, companionship care, in-home nursing and more.

Operating 24/7 across Ballarat, Ballan, Ararat and surrounding areas, Michelle carefully matches caregivers with clients to ensure compatibility, trust and meaningful relationships.

For Michelle, the greatest reward is the impact she and her team have on their clients’ lives.

Every day brings new stories of connection, transformation and care, whether it’s providing nursing support, offering a listening ear, or helping a client rediscover a lost passion.

Michelle’s journey is a testament to the power of genuine care: through Nurse Next Door Ballarat, she is redefining home care, ensuring that dignity, respect and happiness remain at the heart of every service provided.

Michelle’s passion continues to drive her forward, ensuring that each client receives the highest quality care.

Her journey from a caring child to a leader in home care services is one of dedication, empathy and an unwavering commitment to making lives better, one person at a time.

If you or someone you love requires some level of care, the service is open 24/7. Simply call on 1300 600 247 or visit nursenextdoor.com.au .