About us
Serving the Chatswood community since 1989, Dougherty Apartments is a registered charity and not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting older people and those most in need.
Locally focused
Many of our residents come from the local area, and we are committed to supporting their independence while helping them stay connected to the people, places and routines they know and value.
Any surpluses generated are reinvested into the delivery and continuous improvement of our care, services, and supporting infrastructure, helping us respond to the evolving needs and aspirations of our community and further our charitable purpose.
Community centred
We are committed to creating an inclusive community where people feel safe, respected and truly included.
We recognise and value each person’s identity, culture and life experience. Reflecting Chatswood’s cultural diversity, our community incorporates people from many backgrounds, including Korean, Japanese and Chinese communities.
Quality care
Starting with our first audit in 2003, Dougherty Apartments Residential Aged Care has been re-registered every three years by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
The re-registration process reflects an ongoing commitment to quality, safety and continuous improvement.
At Dougherty Apartments, this commitment is demonstrated in everyday practice through responsive care, learning from feedback, and continuously improving the experience, wellbeing and dignity of residents.
Philosophy
Your Community – Your Home
Values
- We respect each person's dignity, independence and right to choice, supporting people across residential aged care, retirement living and public housing to live in a way that reflects who they are.
- We embrace diversity, inclusion and cultural safety, and value strong connections to family, community, and the wider Chatswood area.
- We act with openness, transparency and integrity in all our relationships and decisions.
Principles
Dignity, Rights and Fairness
- We recognise and uphold the rights of older people to dignity, respect, independence, choice and self-determination.
- All people, including residents, tenants and staff are treated fairly, respectfully and without discrimination in all interactions.
Quality, Safety and Continuous Improvement
- We are committed to delivering safe, high-quality, person-centred care and services across our community.
- We use feedback, evidence, incident learning and continuous improvement processes to strengthen outcomes and enhance quality of life.
Governance, Accountability and Integrity
- We operate with strong governance, accountability and ethical leadership to ensure transparency, compliance and responsible decision-making.
- Management and staff are accountable for acting with honesty, integrity and professionalism in all dealings.
Voice, Feedback and Partnership
- We actively support and encourage feedback, complaints and lived experience input, and ensure people feel safe to speak up without fear of reprisal.
- We work in partnership with residents, tenants, families and representatives to shape services and improve outcomes.
Safety, Inclusion and Community
- We are committed to providing safe, secure and inclusive environments that support wellbeing, cultural safety and belonging.
- We foster connected communities where people can maintain relationships, identity and participation in community life.