Recognising the worth of every person we work with, from older Australians, their families, our partners, and our teammeeting them where they’re at, and honouring their lived experiences, choices, and independence.
About us
A safe home and clear support can change everything for an older person. Elder Folks is here to make ageing feel easier, kinder and more connected, so seniors can live well on their own terms.
About us
Elder Folks is a community support organisation helping older Australians access safe housing, in-home services and aged care pathways with dignity and clarity.
A safe home and clear support can change everything for an older person. Elder Folks is here to make ageing feel easier, kinder and more connected, so seniors can live well on their own terms.
Our story
Elder Folks is a community support organisation helping older Australians access safe housing, in-home services and aged care pathways with dignity and clarity.
Based in Sydney’s Cronulla Beach, and working across NSW, our team works closely with people to understand what matters most, then guides them through each step so they can move forward feeling informed and supported.
Beginning as Aged Care Placement Services in 2012, for many years we helped families navigate the confusing and often overwhelming aged care system. Over time, our work grew far beyond what our name suggested. Many of the people coming to us were not seeking residential care at all. They were older Australians living in social housing, facing homelessness, managing complex health needs or trying to stay safe at home for as long as possible. What they needed was a steady guide who could handle complexity and help them access the support that felt right for them.
In 2025, we became Elder Folks. Our new name better reflects who we are today, but one thing hasn’t changed: our belief that ageing well starts with being seen, heard and respected. From home modifications to securing safe housing, we focus on every person’s individual needs and wants, and work with them and their support network to put the right supports in place so they can live with more safety, dignity and connection.
Founder story
Mary Baumann founded Elder Folks (formerly Aged Care Placement Services) after more than 20 years of supporting older Australians and their families navigate aged care and housing systems. Her career began with one of Australia’s largest aged care providers, where she helped people transition into residential care that genuinely matched their needs, values and circumstances.
After witnessing how overwhelming and confusing the aged care system could be, Mary saw families forced to make urgent decisions with little guidance, unclear information and limited support. Too often, older people were placed in settings that didn’t reflect their preferences, cultural background, or what mattered most to them. In 2012, she founded Aged Care Placement Services to provide clear, compassionate support and help older Australians make informed choices with dignity, confidence and peace of mind.
Over time, Mary began working closely with aged care providers to help improve their operations, systems and resident experience. She also collaborated with Homes NSW and other government departments to create better support for older people. As community needs changed, the organisation evolved to include in-home care, housing pathways and complex support navigation particularly for older people living in social housing, experiencing homelessness or facing challenges at home.
In 2025, the organisation became Elder Folks: a name that better reflects the breadth of its work today. While the name has changed, Mary’s vision remains the same: to ensure older people feel seen, heard and respected, and are supported to live with greater safety, dignity and connection.
Our mission and values
Elder Folks exists to make ageing safer, clearer and easier to navigate for older Australians who might otherwise fall through the cracks. Our mission and values guide every conversation, home visit and piece of support we put in place.
Dignity
Compassion
Approaching every interaction with empathy and understanding, and leaving judgements (not people) behind. We listen first, and respond with kindness and patience, because we know there’s a person behind every story.
Clarity
Navigating complex systems with clarity and confidence, so seniors and families feel informed and supported, now and when things change.
Inclusivity
Connecting seniors with solutions that are accessible, trauma-informed, and empathetic, so every person feels seen, valued, and represented.
Hope
Inspiring confidence in our clients by showing that independence and meaningful change are always within reach. We nurture the belief that with the right support, a brighter future is possible at any stage of life.
Mission
We help older Australians find safe homes and support that suits them, guiding them through complex systems with compassion and care to make ageing a time they can look forward to.
Our services
Here’s how we support older Australians to age well as their needs change.
Occupational Therapy assessments
When changes in health or ability affect daily life, our Occupational Therapy program supports people to remain independent by recommending practical supports, modifications and equipment to make everyday tasks easier.
Aged care navigation and support
Understanding aged care can be overwhelming. We listen carefully and help people find the right in-home support for their needs and daily life, or residential aged care when independent living is no longer possible.
Housing stability and homelessness support
A safe home is the foundation for ageing well. We help older people find stable, long-term housing and provide the support they need to feel secure and settled.
Downsizing and relocation support
When a home becomes hard to manage, we help people downsize and move into a home that feels safer and easier to manage, and suits their needs for the stage of life they are in. Each step is planned with care, patience and understanding.
Hoarding and squalor support
We work gently and respectfully with clients who are living in hoarding or squalor conditions. We make homes safer and more manageable, and together create environments that support wellbeing, dignity and peace of mind.
Our Team
Our team brings together experience from aged care, homelessness services, occupational therapy and community support. We care deeply about the people we work with, and we show that through perseverance, clarity and collaboration.
Mary Baumann
Director
Daniella Iona
Operations Manager
Emma Volp
Senior Homelessness & Housing Manager
Jackie Little
Occupational Therapist
Christy West
Senior Homelessness Support Coordinator
Swikriti Adhikari
Client Support Coordinator