Residential aged care
Our residential aged care service provides 24-hour care, accommodation and clinical support for older people who can no longer live safely at home. We deliver person-centred care that supports dignity, wellbeing and quality of life.
With over 30 years of continuous registration, our service has consistently met and exceeded the standards of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, reflecting our commitment to quality care, safety and continuous improvement.
Comfortable living in a supportive environment
Our home features 70 modern private rooms, each with an ensuite bathroom, designed to support comfort, privacy and dignity.
Many rooms enjoy views across the surrounding community.
Residents have access to a range of shared indoor and outdoor spaces that support social connection, relaxation and wellbeing, including spacious dining and lounge areas, therapy and rehabilitation facilities, library and reading spaces and rooftop gardens.
For people living with dementia, our dedicated Memory Support environment provides specialised care alongside secure, accessible outdoor areas designed to support comfort, orientation and wellbeing.
Throughout the residence, thoughtfully designed communal spaces create opportunities to connect with others, enjoy meaningful activities and feel at home.
Lifestyle and services
Safe, Quality Care and Services
- 24/7 nursing care and personal support delivered by experienced, compassionate teams
- Person-centred care that respects each person’s needs, preferences and life experiences
- Strong clinical oversight and governance supporting safe, high-quality care
- Regular access to GPs, pharmacists, podiatrists and allied health professionals
- A dedicated Memory Support Unit providing specialised dementia care
- Partnership with residents and families to support informed choice
- Open feedback and co-design processes that actively inform how care and services are delivered and continuously improved
- Continuous improvement informed by feedback, clinical outcomes and lived experience
Award Winning Lifestyle Program
- A diverse lifestyle program that supports connection, wellbeing and enjoyment
- Daily activities including bingo, trivia, exercise classes and happy hour
- Music therapy, live entertainment and guest performers
- Cinema outings, group social events and community activities
- Immersive technology experiences, including NeuronsVR, supporting engagement, reminiscence and cognitive wellbeing
- Cultural celebrations and community events that reflect our diverse community
- Intergenerational programs with local schools and community groups that foster meaningful connections
- Group and individual activities that support choice, independence and personal interests
Dining and Nutrition
- Nutritious, freshly prepared meals served daily in welcoming dining spaces
- Foodies Forum providing resident-led input into menus and the dining experience
- HACCP-accredited kitchen maintaining high standards of food safety and quality
- Menus developed with dietitians and residents, offering seasonal variety and choice throughout the year
- Respect for cultural, religious and individual dietary needs, with mealtimes designed to be enjoyable and social
- 24/7 snack fridge available for residents
Rooms and Comfort
- Air-conditioned, private studio-style rooms with ensuite bathrooms designed for comfort and privacy
- Most rooms feature private balconies or outdoor spaces overlooking the surrounding area
- Built-in wardrobes and accessible storage
- Opportunities to personalise rooms with treasured belongings, photographs and familiar furnishings
- Intercom security and 24/7 nurse call systems providing reassurance and support when needed
- Housekeeping and laundry services included to make everyday living easier
What our families say about us
My wife’s face lights up whenever the care staff approach her chair. It’s such a warm, friendly environment, and there’s always something happening to keep residents engaged and entertained.
Understanding costs
Aged care costs are generally divided into two main areas: accommodation fees and care fees.
It is important to understand the fees and charges that may apply before entering residential aged care, as these can vary depending on individual circumstances and the type of care required.
Everyone entering an aged care home pays a basic daily fee, set by the Australian Government, covering day-to-day living costs such as meals, cleaning, laundry and facilities management.
The fee is set at 85% of the single person rate of the Age Pension and is updated 20 March and 20 September each year. Current rates are published on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.
Each aged care provider sets its own accommodation prices.
At Dougherty Apartments, our Refundable Accommodation Deposits range from $650,000 to $910,000 depending on room features.
For detailed accommodation pricing and government-approved room information, visit our listing on My Aged Care.
Depending on eligibility, some or all accommodation costs may be met by the Australian Government.
There are two ways to pay:
Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD)
A lump sum payment for your accommodation paid in full or part. This amount is refundable. Under the Aged Care Act 2024, aged care providers are required to regularly deduct part of each eligible resident’s refundable accommodation deposit (RAD) or refundable accommodation contribution (RAC).
These deducted amounts do not need to be refunded on exit and will help providers continue to provide high quality residential aged care, as well as support improvements and further investment.
Retention amounts must be deducted from a refundable deposit balance throughout the person’s stay in care. They must be deducted at least once in each 3-month period starting on the day the individual paid the refundable deposit but must not be deducted more than once in any one-month period.
The amount to be deducted is calculated daily at a rate of 2% per annum and it is limited to 5 years to protect residents who remain in care for a long time.
Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP)
Instead of paying a lump sum, the DAP is a daily payment that a resident may pay to cover their accommodation cost. This payment is not refundable.
Combination option
When a resident chooses to pay part of the room cost upfront as a RAD, the rest of the cost is paid as a DAP.
One of two different types of fee arrangements apply if you enter residential aged care on or after 1 November 2025. These may include the following fees and contributions:
- 1 November 2025 fee arrangements – basic daily fee, hotelling contribution, non-clinical care contribution, higher everyday living fee
- 1 July 2014 fee arrangements – basic daily fee, means tested care fee, higher everyday living fee.
Additionally, if you were receiving a Home Care Package or approved and waiting for a package on or before 12 September 2024, and you subsequently move into residential care, you are protected by the ‘no worse off principle’ and will pay fees under the 1 July 2014 fee arrangements. Otherwise, you will be on the 1 November 2025 fee arrangements.
Hotelling contribution
This is an additional contribution that some people on 1 November 2025 fee arrangements pay towards daily living services such as meals, cleaning and laundry.
Non-clinical care contribution (NCCC)
This is an amount that some people on 1 November 2025 fee arrangements pay to cover personal care, such as bathing, mobility assistance, and lifestyle activities.
Means tested care fee
This is an amount that some people on 1 July 2014 fee arrangements pay toward the cost of their care.
For full details see My Aged Care – aged care home costs and fees.
Financial support
Government support may be available to help with the cost of residential care. The amount you contribute towards your fees is determined through an assessment of your income and assets by Services Australia.
Further information about aged care fees and financial assessments is available via the My Aged Care website: www.myagedcare.gov.au
You can also use the My Aged Care Residential Care Fee Estimator tool to help estimate expected fees and charges.
Download our application form
Download nowCommon questions
Click on one of the questions below to find out more.
Residential aged care may be the right choice if living at home is becoming difficult or unsafe, even with support. This might include needing help with daily tasks such as personal care, medication management, or mobility, or if there are increasing health or safety concerns.
For many families, the decision also comes down to peace of mind knowing that care is available 24/7 in a supportive and social environment.
An assessment through My Aged Care will determine your eligibility and the level of care you require.
Our team is also here to talk through your situation and help you understand your options.
The first step is to register with My Aged Care and complete an assessment to determine your eligibility for government-funded residential aged care.
Once approved, you can apply by completing the Application form and returning it with details of your assessment. Our residential care services are in high demand and, as such, there may be a waiting list.
Timing can vary depending on availability and your individual circumstances, but we aim to make the process as smooth as possible.
Our team can guide you through each step—from understanding your assessment outcome to completing application forms and exploring suitable options. Contact us now.
The cost of residential aged care depends on your individual financial situation and the type of room you choose.
For people entering care from 1 November 2025, there are three main components:
- Basic Daily Fee – a contribution toward everyday living costs such as meals, cleaning and utilities, set by the Australian Government
- Non-Clinical Care Contribution and Hotelling Contribution – means-tested contributions that may apply depending on your income and assets (replacing the previous means-tested care fee for new residents)
- Accommodation Costs – the cost of your room, which may be paid as a refundable accommodation deposit (RAD), daily accommodation payment (DAP), or a combination of both
For people already in care before 1 November 2025, existing arrangements generally continue under grandfathering provisions, including the previous means-tested care fee rules.
All residents are assessed individually by Services Australia (or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs for eligible veterans) to determine any applicable contributions.
Financial support
The Australian Government may provide financial support depending on your means assessment, including subsidies toward care costs and assistance with accommodation for eligible low-means residents.
We recommend using the official My Aged Care fee estimator for an indication of costs based on your circumstances. Our team can also help you understand what the assessment means for you.
Dougherty Apartment’s residential aged care home provides 24-hour care tailored to each resident’s individual needs. This includes support with personal care, medication management, meals, and mobility, as well as access to nursing care and allied health services.
We take a person-centred approach, meaning care plans are developed in consultation with residents and their families, and are regularly reviewed as needs change.
For over 30 years our aged care home has maintained continuous re-registration with compliance often rated as excellent by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
Beyond clinical care, we focus on wellbeing supporting residents to stay connected, engaged, and comfortable in a place that feels like home.
Thinking about your next step?
Our team is here to help you. Get in touch to discuss what’s right for you.