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Harden Grange Residential Service Manager, Sarah Wright joined other Managers from across Apollo Care’s national alliance for a few days of connection, collaboration and strategic planning.

With an agenda focussed on culture, leadership and navigating regulatory changes, the Managers were given an opportunity to share and learn from one another and Apollo Care’s team of industry specialists.

“With communities located in regional areas across three states of Australia, it’s incredibly beneficial to bring Managers together each year in this forum. It allows for deep learning opportunities, information sharing and discussions about the future growth of Apollo Care,” says Stephen Becsi, Chief Executive Officer.

“This year, we celebrate the five-year anniversary of Apollo Care and the retreat was an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come in saving residential aged care in regional Australia. It was also an opportunity to recognise our top performing communities, learn about the new systems and technology we’re implementing to further enhance resident care, and ensure we’re all in a position to evolve and thrive together,” says Stephen.

Sarah says it was inspiring to hear the outlook for the business and growth opportunities.

“Apollo Care is well-positioned for transitioning to the strengthened standards on 1 November and has some incredible things planned for our future growth and success,” she says.

“Connecting with other leaders in the alliance was powerful too. Having the chance to share our experiences and knowledge and learn from each other was wonderful,” she said.

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

Kylie, a Personal Care Worker, recently joined the team at Harden Grange and is enjoying getting to know the residents.

What inspired you to pursue a career in aged care?

I’m caring and empathetic and I find it deeply gratifying to be able to support others. My role involves providing practical support and companionship to residents and it’s very rewarding to be able to build meaningful connections with them and improve their quality of life.

What do you enjoy most about supporting the residents?

I’ve only recently joined, but already Harden Grange feels like family. I have started getting to know the residents by engaging with them about their hobbies. They love talking about gardening, baking, music – all the activities they continue to enjoy. These conversations are great foundations for building long-term relationships. I also love hearing the nuggets of wisdom they share from lives well lived. Their stories, knowledge and experiences can teach us invaluable lessons about resilience, patience and the importance of cherishing every moment.

Why do you think you make a difference?

I love making residents smile! It might seem like a little thing, but knowing I’ve contributed to their happiness in that moment is special.

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

A group of Harden Grange residents, affectionately known as the Scooter Brigade, is busy getting out and about together in the community – riding on their mobility scooters.

The group comprises Allan, Andy, Bill, Bob, Graeme, Lauris and Tony, and they all love the independence the scooters provide and the opportunity to visit places they enjoy. Andy says having a scooter has made the world of difference. “I love heading out on my scooter!

I regularly pop into town to stock up on my favourite treats and say hello to the shopkeepers,” he says.

Tony agrees. “I like heading to the bank and the library in town, and I also love stopping for a chat to other people along the way. I’ve lived in Harden all my life and it’s good to catch up with all the locals.”

For resident Bob, being able to visit family is one of the biggest benefits of the scooters. “My family home is located very near Harden Grange, so I’m able to visit almost every day.” My scooter makes it so convenient.”

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

When Barney the pony wandered casually through Harden Grange recently, there were gasps of delight from residents!

Barney was brought in by volunteer Courtney and her son who visit monthly as part of a pet engagement program. This program has enabled residents to enjoy memorable interactions with cows, lambs, goats, dogs, rabbits and turtles. But none of these animals has created as much excitement as the sound of hooves walking through the corridors.

The special connection between the pony and the residents was unmistakeable. Barney’s arrival brought back fond memories for many residents who have farming or country backgrounds.

Resident Albert was delighted when the pony joined him in his suite. He held the reins tightly as Barney bent his head so Albert could pat him.

Courtney says the benefits of animal therapy are extensive. “It’s wonderful to watch the magic that happens as residents connect with the animals and they instinctively respond. There is something special about seeing how much love and joy these creatures bring.”

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

Our care:

• Our overall Star Rating on My Aged Care has stayed 4 stars
• Implemented a new software solution, Simple Foods, to enhance the meal ordering experience for residents by displaying images of menu options
• Implemented a new medication management system that saves doctors and staff time, improves safety and quality, and further streamlines resident care with electronic scripts, ordering and charting
• Launched our innovative Everyday Wellbeing Program for residents

Our team:

• We’ve welcomed 31 new staff to our team, including 4 Registered Nurses from overseas and 4 local trainees.
• Our staff engagement program boosts wellbeing, drives a positive and engaged mindset, and focusses staff on what’s best for everyone at Harden Grange.

Our community:

• We’ve invested in a custom-wrapped bus for resident outings
• Harden Grange has stayed proudly local, guided by a Board that reflects the unique needs of the Hilltops Region

Together, we’re making Harden Grange an even better place to live and work

In October, Apollo Care held our inaugural Resident Wellbeing Forum in Brisbane.  

This marked the start of an innovative, national initiative aimed at enhancing residents’ ability to live their way, with more meaning, enjoyment and comfort in their daily life – whatever that looks like to them.  

Championed by CEO Stephen Becsi OAM, the initiative brings together Apollo Care’s National Spiritual Care Lead, Wayne Knapp, and newly appointed National Lifestyle Lead, Marianne Naughton, together with Church leaders, Lifestyle team members, and Spiritual and Pastoral leaders from Apollo Care communities.  

This is an exciting development in our journey towards creating Lifestyle and Spiritual Care programs at each community that go above and beyond the requirements of the Aged Care Act.  

Apollo Care will launch a new National Steering Committee in 2025 to guide the development of this initiative and we look forward to providing regular updates on its rollout.  

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

Nothing says summer quite like a garden in bloom. So, with the weather warming up, new resident and passionate gardener, Lynne, is inspiring other residents to embrace the sunshine and get busy in our outdoor spaces.

Focussed on beautifying the gardens in the Memory Support Unit in time for Christmas, residents and staff have been pruning, watering, weeding and planting to create inviting areas that can be enjoyed by all.  

Lynne is delighted that she can continue to connect with a hobby that has given her so much joy over the years and is looking forward to sitting in the shade of a tree with her husband and admiring her work.  

“My love for gardening started early”, she says. “As a child I used to enjoy spending weekends outdoors with my father, watching, learning and helping him grow plants.”  

“Gardening brings me so much pleasure and keeps me strong. I’ve made many friends through gardening, and at Harden Grange, I’m enjoying getting to know the residents as they stop for a chat while I’m tending to my flowers.”  

Manager, Lucy, says it’s wonderful to see the residents embracing the gardens. “Aside from the rewards of growing beautiful flowers, the companionship, fresh air, exercise and morning sunlight are so important to everyone’s wellbeing.” 

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

Residents of Harden Grange Aged Care Community can regularly be spotted out and about in Harden and the neighbouring area in their new bus. 

The newly acquired custom-wrapped six-seater bus carries a strong message – “We’re out doing the things we love.” 

Lucy Rowe, Residential Services Manager at Harden Grange says having suitable transport is allowing residents to participate in a wide range of activities and cultural events and is key to keeping them connected with their community. “We want to make sure residents can continue to explore the area, visit the places they love and enjoy activities they may have enjoyed prior to joining us. It’s all about helping them maintain their connection to their community and sense of independence,” she says.  

Since taking ownership of the bus a month ago, the residents have racked up over 2,000 kilometres on trips to the kite festival and a classical music concert in Harden to further afield like tea in Wombat or Young. The bus has helped them with everyday activities too, like shopping or banking.   

The residents are extremely proud of their bus and love getting involved in making suggestions for outings and choosing their adventures. “It means so much to them,” says Lucy. “One enthusiastic resident has even gone to the trouble of using a squeegee to wash the windscreen and windows before each trip to ensure they get the best views.” 

Getting out and about is so beneficial for physical and mental health, and the residents enjoy sharing stories about their adventures afterwards.  

“The new bus has opened up opportunities to get out and about and feel a part of the community,” says resident, Allan. “We’re asked where we’d like to go, and I love seeing where we are heading next. I feel so happy getting out and seeing more of the countryside.” 

Harden Grange is proudly part of Apollo Care, a national alliance of not-for-profit aged care communities. This new bus is part of a multifaceted program of enhancements by Apollo Care that also includes extensive country-style refurbishments, best-practice governance, an award-winning culture and performance program, and a cutting-edge cloud-based IT system that includes hand-help mobile devices for every care worker

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

At the heart of the Harden Grange community are some incredible individuals – a group of volunteers who dedicate their time, energy and compassion to enhancing the lives of residents.  

Manager Lucy says the volunteers are an integral part of the Harden Grange family, bringing their own special support and friendship to residents and staff.  

Volunteer Heather says she looks forward to her weekly meetings with friends at Harden Grange. “We discuss all sorts of topics, and share our thoughts, experiences and knowledge. We all benefit from the interactivity and friendship,” she says.  

“We have been looking at the season of summer lately as the days are definitely warming up. We laughed at jokes, tapped our feet to some summer songs, wrote our own summer poem and swapped stories about our favourite memories of summer.”  

Some volunteers assist with group activities, cook the delicious monthly barbeque, provide Catholic Mass services and drive the bus for outings. Others provide regular musical entertainment and pet therapy with farm animals.  

Manager Lucy says volunteers make a very valuable contribution to Harden Grange. “They really enjoy coming here, and we’re grateful for their enthusiastic support. They build genuine friendships with the residents, help them feel at home. They are wonderful people!”  

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

At Apollo Care Harden Grange, we love supporting residents to keep doing things they’ve always enjoyed.

Regularly, residents can be seen assisting the catering team, peeling and chopping vegetables for soups and casseroles, rolling and shaping biscuits, or making slides and cakes.

Support to continue valued connection to the people and places they love. 

Harden Grange residents are embracing their new Cook N Look program, enjoying the opportunity to connect with each other and contribute to their household. 

Regularly, residents can be seen assisting Chef Doug and the catering team, peeling and chopping vegetables for soups and casseroles, rolling and shaping biscuits, or making slices and cakes.  

Chef Doug and the team ensure the activities are adapted to the abilities of the participants and are carried out safely and hygienically, while residents connect with each other, share stories and reminisce about favourite recipes.  

For resident, Corrine, being part of this group is an activity she really looks forward to. “I’ve always enjoyed cooking, and it’s lovely that I can continue this at Harden Grange. When I cook, it makes other people happy.” 

Lifestyle Officer, Joanne, says the program is very popular and it provides noticeable benefits, particularly to residents living with memory support needs. “It gives participants a strong sense of purpose and provides the opportunity to re-connect with a familiar pastime. They really enjoy working together to produce delicious food that is valued by the whole community. The sounds and the smells coming from the kitchen when they’re busy are incredible!” 

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