When Bemir Vodencarevic, Director of Inspired Living Queensland started his journey in the disability care sector, he began with a mission to create a supportive, nurturing environment where staff and participants can work together to improve lives. Today, Inspired Living QLD operates with a dedicated team of 24 staff, serving 18 participants in Toowoomba with plans to expand to Brisbane.
The Beginning of Inspired Living Queensland
Originally from Bosnia and raised in the Netherlands, Bemir’s journey into the care industry was shaped by personal experiences and a drive to make a difference. After working with youth in a juvenile detention centre in Amsterdam, he realised the power of mentorship and physical activity. This passion eventually led him to Australia, where he worked in child safety for several years.
However, as he started a family, Bemir found it challenging to maintain a neutral perspective in his role. This led him to establish Inspired Living QLD in 2022, focusing on adult care. His goal was to create a culture centered on empathy, collaboration, and professionalism. Business partners Rick and Bemir
Building a Foundation for Growth
Starting with just two staff members, Bemir quickly realised the importance of laying a solid foundation for future growth. Inspired Living QLD invested heavily in setting up owned properties for Supported Independent Living (SIL), which allowed greater flexibility in meeting participant needs.
“We invested heavily in the business in the first six months with zero income,” Bemir recalls. “It was a big risk, but owning our SIL properties meant we could offer a better experience for our participants without being dependent on landlords.”
By December 2023, Inspired Living QLD had expanded to a dedicated 24-member team.
“A marked increase in participant referrals drove our rapid growth, allowing us to double our headcount and strengthen our capacity to deliver tailored care.”
The Role of ShiftCare
From day one, Bemir knew he needed a reliable software solution to manage the complexities of rostering, compliance, and invoicing. After a thorough evaluation of five different systems, ShiftCare emerged as the clear winner.
“I spent three months trialing various platforms,” Bemir explains. “ShiftCare stood out because it was intuitive, modern, and constantly evolving. The flexibility it offers is crucial for us.”
Key features of ShiftCare that have significantly benefited Inspired Living QLD include:
- Compliance Management: With a background in highly regulated environments, Bemir prioritises compliance. ShiftCare’s customisable compliance reports and document expiry tracking ensure that staff qualifications and participant documentation are always up-to-date. “The compliance reports are a lifesaver. We achieved high compliance in our recent audit, and ShiftCare played a big role in that,” says Bemir.
- Rostering Efficiency: Rostering staff across multiple properties and services is a complex task. ShiftCare’s rostering feature streamlines this process, saving Bemir and his team significant time each week. “We spend about five hours a week on rostering alone. ShiftCare helps us manage this efficiently while ensuring staff and participants are well-coordinated.”
- Time and Cost Savings: By reducing paperwork and streamlining administrative tasks, ShiftCare helps Inspired Living QLD save both time and money. “We’re aiming to become a paperless organisation, and ShiftCare is key to that goal. Everything is digital, which cuts down on admin time and reduces errors,” Bemir notes.
- Integration with Xero: The seamless integration with Xero has simplified invoicing and payroll management. Although Bemir is still exploring the timesheet integration, he appreciates how the system has already reduced manual workload. “The invoicing process is incredible. I’m excited to fully integrate timesheets soon, which will further streamline our operations.”
Customer Support That Stands Out
One aspect of ShiftCare that Bemir consistently praises is the customer support.
“The chat support is phenomenal. I’ve had at least six inquiries this year alone, and the response is always quick and helpful. Knowing there’s real, responsive support behind the software gives me confidence in our partnership,” he says.
Bemir also highlights the importance of ShiftCare’s continuous updates and improvements. “I love how ShiftCare keeps adding new features. It shows that they listen to their customers and are committed to staying ahead of industry needs.”
A Culture of Compassion and Collaboration
At the heart of Inspired Living QLD’s success is its people. Bemir is quick to credit his team for their dedication and hard work.
“I want the focus to be on our staff. They’re the ones on the ground making a difference every day,” he emphasises. The organisation fosters a culture of understanding and teamwork, where staff are supported to grow both personally and professionally.
Inspired Living QLD also runs unique programs such as the “village model” and a women-only shelter for vulnerable participants, as well as their Rainforest Respite program. These initiatives reflect Bemir’s commitment to innovation and holistic care.
Looking Ahead
With plans to expand into Brisbane and increase staff to 50 by the end of the year, Inspired Living QLD is poised for significant growth. ShiftCare will continue to be a vital partner in this journey, ensuring that the organisation can scale effectively while maintaining high standards of care.
“Our goal is to keep improving lives, and ShiftCare is helping us do that by giving us the tools we need to focus on what matters most—our participants and our staff,” Bemir concludes.
Inspired Living QLD’s story is one of vision, dedication, and smart partnerships. By choosing ShiftCare, they have been able to streamline their operations, maintain compliance, and build a culture that prioritizes both participant outcomes and staff well-being.
Whether it’s through seamless rostering, efficient compliance management, or outstanding customer support, ShiftCare is proud to be part of Inspired Living QLD’s journey toward a brighter future.
