TLC Aged Care – The Story So Far

The Leaper Corporation (TLC) was born in 1991 when Dr John Leaper purchased two aged care facilities in Geelong.  ‘Clyde’ and ‘Chesterfield’ were two Victorian mansions that cared for 50 residents. Realising these buildings would not meet future building standards for aged care, John set out to relocate these homes. A new, purpose built site for 60 residents in a rural environment was established, creating a home that set the standard for aged care developments for the years ahead.

The Homestead in Wallington opened in 1994 with all residents and staff relocating on Christmas Eve!  It was The Homestead that set the high standards of quality care for which every TLC home is now renowned. John Leaper, Jan McAllister and Peter Duggan were the original team spearheading this visionary project.

After considerable planning and preparation, TLC developed new sites in the Melbourne metropolitan area.  Marina in Altona North opened in 1999 with 75 residents. This was followed in 2000 by Noble Gardens opening with 60 residents in Noble Park.

With the expansion into Melbourne, it was time for a corporate image that reflected the organisation’s philosophies and objectives. TLC Aged Care was born. At this time, Jenny Leaper joined the Company as Managing Director.

The ongoing success of TLC Aged Care has seen the addition of Homestead Lakes - a new 75 resident facility in Wallington - and developments at Marina to 190 residents in 2002, and Noble Gardens to 130 residents in 2003.

Two state-of-the-art homes opened in 2004; The Belmont with a capacity for 105 residents, located in Belmont, and Homewood, in Hallam, with a capacity for 120 residents. Sunlight, a home for 90 residents in Whittlesea, opened in September 2005. Noble Manor, located in Frank Street, Noble Park opened in September 2007 and accommodates 160 residents. In August 2008 we opened 58 beds in Frankston North and a further 62 beds in December 2008. This home is called Forest Lodge.

Throughout this period of phenomenal growth - from 50 to being able to accommodate over 1000 residents by November 2008 - maintaining quality in all areas of service has been a priority. TLC Aged Care now employs over 1000 staff. The management structure of TLC Aged Care has also continued to grow and change. Effective from 1 January 2007, Ingrid Williams was appointed as Chief Executive Officer, with Jenny Leaper taking on the non-Executive role of a Director on the TLC Aged Care Board.