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Since opening its doors in January, the newly renovated Harden Grange Aged Care Community has warmly welcomed 23 residents.

Most of these are returning locals who have been overjoyed to return to the Hilltops Region.

For resident, Gloria Corey, being able to call Harden home once again means everything.

“I used to live in the Retirement Village here but moved to Port Macquarie to live with my son, Trevor. When my care needs increased, I had to move to an aged care community in Port Macquarie because there was no aged care community in Harden,” said Gloria.

“When my son told me that Harden Grange was opening and I could move back home, I was so happy! I’m very attached to this beautiful area. There’s nothing like living where you were raised.”

Gloria moved to Harden Grange in February and has wasted no time in making this community feel like home.

“I can spend my day any way I like. After all, at almost 96 years old, I should be able to make my own decisions! The staff here support me to remain as independent as possible, and they care for me so wonderfully,” Gloria said.

A regular visitor to Harden’s on-site hairdressing salon, Gloria also loves spending time in the café, in one of the sunny courtyards or enjoying meals with other residents in the dining room.

“We’re lucky to have so many welcoming spaces here to use as we wish. And the food is freshly made here, too. I especially love the sweets!”

From her private suite, Gloria enjoys sweeping views over the surrounding hills and can even see her former unit in the Retirement Village.

“I spent five very happy years in that unit, and I love being able to look out of my window and see it now. I have visits from my old neighbours there, Peggy and Judy.

“Harden Grange is a safe, welcoming and familiar place to live. I really do feel like I’ve come home.”

At Harden Grange, we love making residents feel at home. To find out more about our welcoming country-style community, please contact our friendly team by calling (02) 5330 8000 or emailing info@hardengrange.com.au

Respite care in Harden Grange Aged Care Community can be a safe and affordable short-term solution for older locals needing some extra support.

Families can enjoy peace of mind knowing that their loved one will be cared for in a community designed to feel like home, while being supported to remain as independent as possible.

Respite care is commonly used to ensure a loved one receives the care they need following a planned surgery, or when recovering from an illness or injury.  

Respite care can also provide partners and families with the opportunity to take a much-needed break from their caring role.

Harden Grange respite guests enjoy a private suite with their own ensuite, country-style meals, housekeeping and laundry service.  Guests can also join our lifestyle program, visit the on-site hairdressing salon and café, and receive pastoral support.

All residents receive personalised, around-the-clock care from a team of Registered Nurses and Carers.

And with the Government subsidising a component of the daily charge for eligible guests, respite can be surprisingly affordable.

To find out more about respite care at Harden Grange, including funding options, call our friendly team on (02) 5330 8000. We can answer your questions and guide you through every step of the process.

Harden Grange Aged Care Community’s newly opened dementia support household is now welcoming residents with advanced memory care needs.

Complete with a traditional colour scheme, new window coverings and carefully selected antique furniture and homely decorations, this household offers residents a range of calming spaces.

For Harden local Don Armitstead, the opening of this household has made a world of difference to him and his wife, Margaret.

“My darling wife is living with dementia. Before Harden Grange opened, she resided in the closest aged care community that’s over 60km away. Now, she’s been able to return to the familiar surroundings of Harden. She’s back where she belongs,” said Don.

Harden’s Community Manager, Kylie Hayter, says that the Care Team takes a resident-first approach to caring for residents with advanced memory support needs.

“Our care philosophy centres on getting to know each resident so that we can support them to live their best life, whatever that means to them,” Ms Hayter said.

“We support residents to remain as independent as possible, living a life of dignity where they are respected as valued individuals.”

Since moving to Harden Grange, Don has noticed that Margaret’s seems much more calm and content.

“I’d often travel 60km to the other aged care community only to find her unsettled and unreceptive to my visit. This was very difficult and distressing to see,” Don explained.

“Now, she is so much more at ease in this community. The vintage lounge room in the memory support unit is just lovely. It’s a cosy place to sit and there’s antique furniture, a fireplace and a glass display cabinet just like you’d find at home. Margaret finds it a very calming space.”

“We also spend a lot of time in the outdoor spaces, tending to the flowers and plants, or just sitting in the sun.”

“I know she’s very well cared for at Harden Grange and this provides me with peace of mind,” Don said.

“If anyone is thinking about a move to this community, I would encourage them to do so without a second thought!”

Older Hilltops locals in need of quality aged care are finally able to return back to the region, following the opening of Harden Grange Aged Care Community earlier this year.

Now operated by national provider, Apollo Care, Harden Grange reinstates a much-needed service to the local area, and eleven residents now call this community home.

According to Kylie Radburn, Apollo Care Chief Governance Officer and Chairperson of HRDC Community Limited, the not-for-profit entity that operates Harden Grange, admitting locals in need of care has been the priority.

“We know that the Hilltops Region is a proud local community, and it’s lovely to see how happy it’s made residents to be cared for in their home town of Harden,” said Ms Radburn.

“We’ve had an overwhelmingly positive response from the community, reinforcing just how important the reopening of this service is to the Hilltops Region.”

Ms Radburn said that careful consideration went into the refurbishment process at Harden to create a true sense of home.

“We introduced a classic, residential-inspired interior design scheme, using heritage colours, the addition of fireplaces in sitting rooms, VJ panelling, and warm pendant lighting,” Ms Radburn explained.

“These very deliberate design decisions have transformed the original facility into a homely community that reflects the character of this historic town.

“More than 80 locals attended our first Community Open Day that was held just before opening the doors to residents. We had glowing feedback from everyone, and they especially loved the central cafe and sitting area with the beautiful stone fireplace.”

Other features at Harden Grange include a private resident lounge, a hairdressing salon, a large activity room, internal courtyards with seating and raised garden beds, an outdoor terrace area, and an on-site Chapel.

The next stage of refurbishments is already underway by Apollo Care. Once complete, Harden will be able to care for 45 residents, all in private suites with their own ensuites.

As part of the Apollo Care Alliance, Harden Grange will benefit from industry-leading care governance, the latest care technology, an award-winning culture program, and a continued emphasis on quality care, kindness and dignity.

Residential aged care is designed to support seniors who reach a stage when they can no longer live independently at home. For some, this may happen gradually over time, while for others it may happen suddenly due to an accident or illness. Often, the best way to receive consistent support is to live in a residential aged care community.  

If you think it might be time to consider aged care for your loved one, we’re here to support you.  

It’s helpful to gain an understanding of how entry into aged care works, what support will be provided to your loved one, and how much it will cost. Here are the 5 steps to get started. You can also find other helpful resources on our website. 

Step 1: Get an Aged Care Assessment 

To find out if your loved one is eligible for permanent or respite aged care, arrange an assessment by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). You can book an appointment through My Aged Care (visit www.myagedcare.gov.au or call 1800 200 422). Hospitals and doctors can also provide a referral. 

Step 2: Understanding the costs 

Read our simple guide to aged care fees in our Aged Care Guide. To estimate the amount your loved one may be asked to pay towards their care, visit www.myagedcare.gov.au, search for ‘Fee Estimator’ and complete the form. You can also seek advice from a Financial Planner. 

Step 3: Take a tour 

Prepare a shortlist of suitable aged care communities and tour them to compare.  

Step 4: Apply to your preferred aged care community 

Arrange a meeting with a Care Leader at your preferred community. To apply for a residential aged care position, you’ll need to bring documents including a current ACAT, an income and assets form, and Power of Attorney instructions. Our Admissions Team can help you with the application process. 

Step 5: Complete a Resident Agreement 

Once your loved one has been offered a place in a community and wishes to accept it, a Resident Agreement will need to be signed before they move in. 

If you have a question or need assistance with any of these steps, contact our friendly Admissions Team.

Respite care in a residential aged care community can be a safe, short-term solution for families or partners caring for an elderly loved one. At Harden Grange, we care for respite guests with low care, high care and memory care needs. Guests can join us for a week or two at a time, or longer if needed.

The Australian Government subsidises the cost of respite care for eligible residents for up to 63 days in a financial year, making this an affordable option for families.

Respite guests receive expert care 24/7, and access the same support, lifestyle program, and meal service as permanent residents.

Here are some of the times when respite care can provide you with the trusted support you and your loved one need:

1. When you need a break from your carer role

Relax and recharge with peace of mind that your loved one will enjoy companionship and personalised care.

2. Following a hospital stay

Your loved can recuperate and recover with expert 24/7 care and all meals and housekeeping provided.

3. When you’re on holiday

Head away on a holiday knowing your loved one will be looked after with tailored support in a vibrant and welcoming environment.

4. When they need emergency care

Respite is an ideal option if your loved one has had an accident, injury or illness, and they need dedicated, ‘round-the-clock care in a hurry.

5. To trial what living in one of our communities is like

Your loved one can experience what it’s like to live at Harden Grange before considering a more permanent move.

Respite guests enjoy all the support and services that permanent residents access, including:

• 24/7 tailored care from our dedicated team of Carers and on-site Nurses
• A private, light-filled suite with plenty of space for personal belongings
• A full, country-style meal service (including morning and afternoon tea), plus all-day access to snacks and drinks. Respite guests can choose when and where they enjoy their meals.
• Daily housekeeping, laundry and room service
• Access to our full activity schedule, indoor and outdoor shared spaces and on-site hairdressing salon
• Pastoral support and on-site Church services

To find out more about respite care, download our Respite Guide, or contact our friendly admissions team by calling (02) 5330 8000 or emailing info@hardengrange.org.au

Who doesn’t love yummy little Gingerbread men at Christmas time? This is our Head Chef’s favourite Gingerbread recipe that Apollo Care residents and visitors will be enjoying in each of our communities this festive season.

For something different, we love pairing these Gingerbreads with a French-inspired syrup. It’s delicious drizzled over the biscuits and definitely adds a fancy touch to this Christmas classic.

Here’s the recipe so you can try at home:

Gingerbread (makes 24)

Ingredients

580g plain flour

3 tsp ground ginger

2 tsp baking powder

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp ground cloves

1/2 tsp salt

175g softened butter

175g caster sugar

2 eggs

2 tbsp orange juice

1/2 cup molasses

Sugar to dust

Method

1. Cream butter and sugar together.

2. Combine all dry ingredients in a separate bowl.

3. Add eggs, orange juice and molasses to the creamed butter and sugar mixture.

4. Slowly add the dry mixture and stir until it comes together as a dough.

5. Roll the mixture on a floured bench with a rolling pin to a consistent thickness of approx. 0.5cm.

6. Use a cookie cutter to make gingerbread-shaped biscuits and place on a baking tray lined with baking paper, then dust with sugar.

7. Bake at 175 degrees for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden.

8. Cool completely on a wire rack before decorating with piped icing

Pain D’Epice Syrup

Ingredients

125g Sugar

500ml water

¼ tsp ground cinnamon

¼ tsp ground ginger

1 star anise

1 cardamom pod

Small pinch ground cloves

Small pinch ground nutmeg

Method

1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer.

2. Keep simmering until syrup has reduced to desired consistency, then remove star anise and cardamon pod from the mixture.

3. Allow to cool and then serve syrup as a drizzle or dipping sauce with the Gingerbreads.

Our community is designed to support seniors who reach a stage when they can no longer live independently at home. For some, this may happen gradually over time, while for others it may happen suddenly due to an accident or illness.     

In this article we explain the two areas of aged care costs: the cost to enter aged care (called a ‘refundable accommodation payment’ or RAD) and the on-going daily fees.     

Before you read on there are 4 things you should know:     

1. Our Admissions Team is here to help and support you through this journey. We understand it can be stressful. Please call us with any questions.   

2. Our community operates under the Aged Care Act which regulates the costs of living in residential aged care. Our cost structure is simple, transparent, and consistent with the fees and charges of all other aged care communities in Australia.   

3. The Government provides assistance to aged care residents who cannot afford to pay for their own care. The exact amount of support your loved one may be eligible for will be based on their income and assets as determined by Services Australia.   

4. Residential aged care has no hidden costs or exit fees when a resident leaves. Apart from the costs outlined on the following page, residents are only required to pay for their personal items and expenses such as medication, medical and allied health appointments, clothing, personal care items and hairdressing.  

 
Cost 1: Accommodation payment 

Residents contribute towards their accommodation and daily care through a schedule of accommodation and care payments outlined below. A resident’s aged care suite is secured through an accommodation payment that is fully refundable and Government guaranteed.  

There are 4 payment options you can choose from:  

Option 1:  Fully refundable accommodation deposit (RAD) 

This is a once-off lump sum payment that is refunded in full when the resident leaves. There are no exit fees deducted from this deposit.  

Option 2: Daily accommodation payment (DAP)  

You can choose not to pay an upfront RAD and pay an interest charge each month instead. This fee is calculated daily based on the amount of the unpaid RAD. The interest rate used to calculate a Daily Accommodation Payment is called the Maximum Permissible Interest Rate (MPIR). This is set by the Government and reviewed quarterly. These payments are not refundable.  

Option 3:  A combination of RAD and DAP  

Residents can choose to pay a combination of a part RAD and part DAP, for example, a deposit (RAD) and a daily payment (DAP) on the unpaid amount. Only the RAD lump sum deposit is refundable when the resident leaves. 

Option 4: Government supplement  

The Government may provide assistance to cover the cost of your accommodation payment based on an income and assets assessment that will determine if you qualify for full Government support, or will be required to contribute towards your accommodation in one of 3 options: 

• A refundable accommodation contribution (similar to a RAD but capped at the lump sum equivalent of Government supplement rates) 
• A daily accommodation contribution (similar to a DAP but capped at Government supplement rates) 
• A combination of a RAC and DAC of your choosing 

Cost 2: Set Daily Care Fees  

A basic daily care fee  

This fee is paid by all residents to cover living expenses such as meals, laundry, personal and nursing care and electricity. This fee is set by the Government and is standard in every Australian aged care facility. It is currently set at 85% of the pension and is adjusted each March and September in line with changes to the Age Pension.   

A means-tested daily care fee (MTCF) 

This is an additional contribution towards the cost of a resident’s daily care. The amount of this fee is determined by a resident’s income and assets assessment.  It is reviewed quarterly and may vary over time if a resident’s income, assets or cost of care change. There are annual and lifetime caps that apply to the MTCF.  

To estimate the amount your loved one may be asked to pay towards their care, visit www.myagedcare.gov.au, use their ‘fee estimator’ and complete the form. Some families also seek advice from a Financial Planner. 

For more information, download our Aged Care Guide. 

Bringing up the topic of residential aged care with your elderly parents can be one we’d rather avoid. It’s natural to want your aging parents to continue living in their own home for as long as possible. But, if you’ve noticed a change in their mobility lately, or that they’re starting to find everyday tasks a bit more challenging, a move into an aged care community might be a safer option for them. 

So, what’s the best way to raise the subject? Here are four tips to help you start a positive conversation about aged care: 

 
1. Do some research first. 

Before you raise the topic, find out about residential aged care communities in their local area. Contact them to take a tour and compile a list of what you liked or disliked about each one.  

 
2. Pick the best moment and location. 

Choose a time when you won’t be interrupted and when your loved one seems receptive and calm. The setting is also important – choose somewhere private and on neutral ground so they don’t feel ambushed. Consider options such as a scenic car drive or a quiet park bench with a view. 

 
3. Choose your language carefully. 

Rather than leading with an emotional statement like, ‘I don’t think it’s safe for you to live at home anymore’, try something that conveys you’re in this together. A softer question, such as ‘If you’re starting to find daily tasks a bit harder, what other options could we investigate?’ might be better received. Ask them how they feel about their future, listen without interrupting and keep looking at things from their perspective. 

4. Be prepared for an emotional response or a shut down. 

Your elderly parent might feel scared or even shocked at the prospect of leaving their own home. They might resist talking about it altogether, or respond with negativity. Remind them how much you want them to live their best life possible, and that talking through options together is a way of forward planning to keep them safe and healthy. If you feel the conversation isn’t going well, consider trying again another time, or even engaging help from their GP or health practitioner. 

If you’re ready to start looking at aged care options for your parent, contact our friendly Admissions Team.

You can enjoy peace of mind knowing your loved one will be expertly looked after and supported in our welcoming community that has been designed to feel like home.  

Harden Grange is divided into smaller households to offer a more personal and home-like living experience. Each household shares a kitchenette, lounge and dining room. Each resident enjoys the privacy of their own suite complete with ensuite. There’s plenty of room for treasured and familiar belongings, and family and friends are encouraged to visit.  

Our flexible approach to home-made meals means residents can choose when and where they eat, and our beautiful courtyards offer the simple pleasures of a backyard, with raised garden beds, walking paths and an outdoor barbeque area. There are also many shared spaces where residents can come together to share a meal or a chat.

We focus on helping residents feel welcome, cared for and comfortable by understanding their specific needs and developing a personalised care and support plan.  

Daily care and lifestyle support  

• Nursing care – a registered nurse is on-site 24 hours a day.  
• Assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, showering, dressing and mobility along with medication.  
• Freshly made, dietician-approved meals (including morning and afternoon tea), as well as all-day access to fruit, sandwiches and snacks. Dietary requirements and cultural needs are catered for.  
• A range of activities and outings that provide companionship and connection to the community. Residents can choose to be as involved as they like.  
• Daily housekeeping, laundry and room service.  

Specialist care  

• Dementia Care: Residents with dementia live in our standard aged care suites and those needing emotional care live in our secure memory support unit. Care is person centred and delivered with respect and kindness.  
• High Care: Harden Grange delivers high care, supported by a registered nurse on-site 24 hours a day. This includes palliative care and recovery from injury or illness.  

Our Admissions Team is here to help and support you through this journey. Please call us with any questions.  

For more information, download our Aged Care Guide.