Shared Lives is a social enterprise measured by the positive impact that we have on society and communities—not by profits to shareholders.
At the heart of Shared Lives is a desire to make a difference and to support others to be that difference. Our values are connectedness, humanity, kindness, integrity and reciprocity.
Shared Lives started as a passion project by CEO and founder, Jacinta Duffy. Jacinta wanted to address some of the shortfalls of the current aged care system that she has encountered both professionally and personally.
Jacinta’s first career was as a registered nurse before transitioning into various sales, marketing, recruitment and senior leadership roles—all within the healthcare sector. Throughout her career she has consistently recruited great people to build teams that achieve great things together.
In the last five years Jacinta has followed her passions to work in the aged care sector, in both residential aged care and home care. In these roles she met with clients and their families, supported them, and on many occasions wished that there were more options that enabled them to remain in their much-loved homes.
Jacinta helped her parents and beloved aunt and uncle navigate the often confusing aged care system. She knows firsthand the emotional rollercoaster of providing care to a family member, while balancing career and other responsibilities.
Jacinta has also been a home sharer. When she was in her early twenties she lived with Millie, an elderly, young-at-heart lady. Millie's family were worried about her being alone and Jacinta needed affordable housing while studying nursing. Jacinta and Millie lived together for nearly two years. What started out as a mutually beneficial arrangement flourished into a comfortable companionship and cherished friendship.
Jacinta is a passionate social justice advocate for ageing Australians. She is also committed to supporting home sharers, not only by arranging meaningful, affordable living options, but by connecting them to training and employment opportunities in the care sector.
