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When residents heard popular country star, Tom Curtain, was in town, they were eager to attend his “Here’s to You” show – a celebration of life on the land, complete with music, horses and working dogs.

An excited group of residents, family and staff took their seats in prime position next to the stage, soaking up the atmosphere.

It was an unforgettable evening for all – fantastic music, talented horses and riders, and clever working dogs impressed the crowd with their skills. A delicious picnic, packed by the Chef, topped off a splendid night.

For many, the event sparked fond memories of life on the land and for others it was the thrill of seeing such a uniquely Australian performance up close and personal that made it special.

“Magical!”, said one of the residents. “Thrilling!” said another. “Particularly when he sang and played the guitar while riding his horse!”

As the residents headed back home, sharing their favourite moments from the event, it was clear that this was a celebration of community and connection.

To find out more about our welcoming community, call our friendly admissions team on (02) 5330 8000 or email info@hardengrange.org.au.

Residents recently welcomed the Murrumburrah Primary School kindy class for their first visit to Harden Grange.

The lounge filled with lively chatter and laughter as the children arrived and joined the residents in energetic games of balloon tennis, quoits, and parachute, encouraging each other to ‘give it a go’.

Manager, Laura, says the visit bridged generations, encouraging laughter and learning for all and building special bonds.

Resident Keith said it was lovely seeing the children in Harden Grange. Resident Susan agreed, saying it was a wonderful morning. “I loved the innocence and enthusiasm of the children”.

For one teacher, the visit was especially touching, having once been taught art by one of the residents – a beautiful reminder of the lasting connections that can be built in our little community.

To find out more about our welcoming community, call our friendly admissions team on (02) 5330 8000 or email info@hardengrange.org.au.

Harden Grange’s dedicated Lifestyle team is passionate about ensuring residents continue to live with meaning and connection.

Merryl, Lifestyle team leader says, “The Lifestyle program is co-designed between our team, residents and their families. We listen to what matters most, then create opportunities for them to continue long-held hobbies or try something new.

“For example, we’ve recently started indoor croquet at the residents’ request and we’re teaching them to play Wii games too. Whatever we do, we try to make it inclusive, accessible and entertaining.”

Marianne, Apollo Care’s National Lifestyle Co-ordinator, says the approach is deeply personal. “Every person has a story that deserves to be honoured. It’s about understanding their journey and helping them continue to shape it. Our teams intentionally design programs that support reablement, wellbeing and meaningful engagement. Each experience is carefully planned to maintain skills, build confidence and encourage independence. Thoughtful adaptations and inclusive practices ensure residents can participate in activities that feel empowering and meaningful so they can thrive!”

Marianne runs a forum that brings together Lifestyle Leads from all 14 Apollo Care communities to share fresh ideas and explore solutions. This teamwork ensures programs remain innovative and aligned with best practice aged care engagement.

To find out more about our welcoming community, call our friendly admissions team on (02) 5330 8000 or email info@hardengrange.org.au. And to find out about our current and future career opportunities, visit our Careers page.

March was Seniors Month in Harden and residents enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate and connect with around 120 others from the local community at an extra special event.

Hosted by the Harden Country Club, residents enjoyed a delicious two-course meal and some toe-tapping entertainment by local duet ‘Ged Up N Dance’ and the Coota Line Dancers.

“It was a wonderful day,” said resident Tony, adding that he’d go everyday if he could. Judy loved the music, remarking that it would be fabulous if they could perform at Harden Grange, too.

To find out more about our welcoming community, call our friendly admissions team on (02) 5330 8000 or email info@hardengrange.org.au.

Managers from Apollo Care’s alliance of communities came together for two days to reflect on our journey so far, and plan for the future.

With the new Aged Care Act now in place, it was an opportune time to share learnings and insights on how we are continuing to meet and exceed the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards.

Key topics of the retreat focussed on how each community is improving resident care and wellbeing services, as well as building staff engagement through a positive culture.

Apollo Care CEO, Stephen Becsi, said the event “was a special time to celebrate the past six years and discuss how we are working hard to support residents and clients to live their best lives”.

Laura Knight, Harden Grange’s Manager, said that the conference was a great learning experience. “I found the sessions extremely informative with plenty of practical strategies, insights and fresh ideas.

I’m excited to implement these with my team to further enhance the care and living experience we offer residents in our community.”

To find out more about our welcoming community, call our friendly admissions team on (02) 5330 8000 or email info@hardengrange.org.au. And to find out about our current and future career opportunities, visit our Careers page.

How Apollo Care is helping make Harden Grange an even better place to live and work

This year, Harden Grange has continued to deliver excellent care to residents, maintaining its overall 4-Star Rating on My Aged Care.

November saw the implementation of the New Aged Care Act, one of the most significant reforms the sector has seen. For providers, this marks a new era of rights, risk, and responsibility, demanding stronger governance, transparency and consumer focus than ever before.

Apollo Care’s specialist support ensured Harden Grange was prepared to meet the 22 key provider responsibilities and the strengthened aged care standards.

Our expertise, investments in technology, built environment and a program of continual improvement also ensures the future of this community looks bright.

Clinical care

• Harden Grange’s care minutes increased and now exceed the required targets
• We extended the rollout of the BestMed medication software that:
  • Streamlines the prescribing and supply of medications for doctors, pharmacists and care staff
  • Improves the accuracy of medicine administration
  • Tracks data to drive safety and quality improvement
• Our teams use Australia’s most advanced handheld care technology to give them more time with residents, and less time on paperwork
  We aligned our policies and practices to the new Aged Care Act

Resident wellbeing

• We expanded our Resident Wellbeing Program to support, inspire and enrich lifestyle initiatives. Our new Lifestyle Steering Committee provides a national level of governance and support for this Program
• Apollo Care’s investment in a National Lifestyle Coordinator is benefitting residents and staff. This Coordinator:
  • Provides ongoing support, development and inspiration to Harden Grange’s Lifestyle Team to continue to strengthen the lifestyle program
  • Facilitated Apollo Care’s inaugural Lifestyle Development Conference, attended by the Lifestyle Team
  • Facilitates a regular Lifestyle Governance Forum where all Apollo Care lifestyle leads collaborate, review and plan together
• We’ve implemented initiatives to improve our food service and dining experience and ensure they align with the new Act:
  • Extending the rollout of Simple Food technology to improve resident ordering process, menu planning, allergy management, and equipment maintenance and compliance
  • Introduced a 24-hour snack station so residents can access refreshments outside of regular mealtimes
  • Improving nutrition with 6-monthly on-site menu reviews by a Dietician
  • Conducting regular Food Focus meetings with residents and families
  • Commenced a food audit process

Our team

• We’ve grown our permanent workforce by 25%, reducing our reliance on agency staff
• We secured a rental house to provide affordable accommodation to new staff
• 84% of staff participated in our staff engagement program that boosts wellbeing, drives a positive and engaged mindset, and focusses staff on what’s best for everyone at Harden Grange
• Staff celebrated 189 inspiring examples of excellent care through this program
• We implemented Humanforce software to improve rostering systems and help optimise permanent workforce growth, productivity and compliance

Our community

• We made Harden Grange safer by implementing Rapid Global sign-in software for visitors and contractors
• We continued to develop Australia’s first AI-powered aged care analytics portal, Operations Insight Suite (OIS) that the Harden Grange team is using to enhance their business performance and care delivery
• Harden Grange has stayed proudly local, guided by a Board that reflects the unique needs of our area

Residents living in Harden Grange’s Memory Support Household have developed beautifully strong bonds with staff who go out of their way to create a home where they feel understood, valued and supported.

“It’s so important to really get to know each resident living with dementia – what makes each one so unique and special. Our team focuses on supporting these residents to continue to live each day doing the things that are familiar and enjoyable,” says Manager, Sarah.

Matthew, a caring and passionate Personal Care Worker, agrees. “I love engaging with residents in our Memory Support Household. Finding out about their individual stories, preferences and needs means we can really tailor the care that we provide.

“As well as meeting their clinical care needs, we work together to meet their psychological needs, helping them to maintain their everyday routines and encouraging them to stay as independent as possible,” says Matthew.

Sarah explains that the team is carefully selected for their empathy, patience and understanding of dementia. “I’m very proud of how our team displays deep respect for the residents and a dedication to making a difference in their lives every day.”

“The household has such a comforting and friendly feeling with antique furniture, homely decorations and calming spaces. It has a vintage lounge room with a fireplace and glass display cabinet, just like you’d find at home. Importantly, residents have direct access to our beautiful outdoor spaces where they can engage in gentle activities in our sensory garden, or just enjoy being out in nature”.

The memory support household at Harden Grange is dedicated to supporting individuals with dementia or memory support needs. Our special team provides the understanding, care and compassion that residents need to feel independent, safe and comfortable.

To find out more about our welcoming community, call our friendly admissions team on (02) 5330 8000 or email info@hardengrange.org.au.

Each week, our community welcomes two students from Murrumburrah High School, Kayla and Jade who volunteer. These identical twins brighten residents’ days with their gentle, caring support and conversation.

The High School has integrated this weekly hour-long visit into the students’ timetable, and everyone at Harden Grange is reaping the benefits.

Kayla and Jade have become much-loved friends who have grown in confidence with every visit. These delightful girls bring joy, warmth and fun to our community as they spend time with residents and support our team.

Like most identical twins, they like playing pranks by pretending to be each other! We’ve had to print large name tags so that residents can keep track of who’s who.

But it’s not just the residents and staff who look forward to the weekly visits. Kayla and Jade say it’s a highlight of their week, too.

“We really love coming to Harden Grange. The residents are so much fun to hang out with, and some are a bit cheeky,” says Jade.

“We have such a laugh with the residents and we enjoy helping with the lifestyle activities. This community is so welcoming and all the staff have been very helpful. We’ve learnt lots from them.”

Kayla says they both find volunteering extremely rewarding. “It’s nice to know we’re making a difference just by spending time with the residents. We’re contributing to their happiness and that’s a nice feeling,”

Harden Grange has several volunteers who generously share their time, energy and compassion to enhance the lives of residents. “From our regular café mornings, to helping with creative pursuits and outings, we are so grateful for all the volunteers who help ensure residents have access to this additional companionship,” says Manager, Sarah.

To find out more about our welcoming community, call our friendly admissions team on (02) 5330 8000 or email info@hardengrange.org.au.

When it comes to mealtimes, there’s plenty of choice for residents.

Chef Doug and the catering team have been extra busy preparing delicious meals using this season’s freshest produce.

In the dining room, residents gather to enjoy conversation and their favourites such as the Sunday roasts with traditional vegetables, lamb cutlets and the mixture of desserts on the dessert trolley.

Resident Andy says all the meals are fantastic. “I eat like a King here! The variety and quality is just tremendous,” he says.

Lorna agrees. “I look forward to mealtimes, especially the lunches. There’s always someone to talk to and it’s a lovely social part of each day. I’m particularly fond of the roasts on Sundays,” she adds.

Menus are prepared with lots of input from residents. Our Food Focus Group consists of five residents and two staff who review the menus and provide feedback on the meal service. Chef Doug says menus change regularly to ensure residents enjoy the best of each season. “There are plenty of choices at every meal so we can cater for everyone’s individual needs and tastes,” he says.

Manager, Sarah, says the socialisation at mealtimes is just as important as the nutritious food itself. “We encourage residents to enjoy their meals together in our welcoming dining room. Socialisation and connection are great for our health too,” she says.

In addition to their delicious meals, residents at Harden Grange now have access to a 24-hr snack station. Fridges contain a range of nutritious drinks and snacks that residents can help themselves to at any time.

This welcome addition to our community is particularly enjoyed by resident Bryan. “I eat a hearty breakfast and dinner, but I’ve never been much of lunch person. I love being able to select a few snacks during the day and enjoy them in a sunny spot at my leisure,” says Bryan.

To find out more about our welcoming community, call our friendly admissions team on (02) 5330 8000 or email info@hardengrange.org.au.

Residents have been enjoying regular hydrotherapy sessions in the state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pool in Harden.

There are a multitude of health benefits of hydrotherapy – for all ages. As well as reducing pain and swelling and improving mobility, it can also relieve stiffness, improve circulation and enhance overall wellbeing.

Each week as the Harden Grange bus pulls up at the entrance to collect willing participants, you’ll find Judy waiting eagerly to board.

“I attend every session rain, hail, sleet or shine! It’s made such a difference to my health,” says Judy. When I first started going, I needed to use the wheelchair lifter to get on the bus but now I can climb the steps. A huge improvement indeed.”

Judy encourages other residents, including her friend Lorna, to join in the fun.

“I tell everyone that I couldn’t ask for anything better for my legs. I feel so much better after the hydrotherapy sessions, and I look forward to going every week.”

At Harden Grange we recognise the multiple benefits that exercise can bring to a resident’s physical and emotional wellbeing and our team plan and promote regular exercise as well as activities that include or encourage movement.

“It’s all about offering a variety of ways to support residents’ physical health and nurture emotional and social wellbeing,” says Manager Sarah.

“We’re lucky to have the Harden Hydrotherapy Pool on our doorstep, and as the weather is now starting to warm up, we expect more and more residents to get involved.”

To find out more about our welcoming community, call our friendly admissions team on (02) 5330 8000 or email info@hardengrange.org.au.