Meet Babita, our compassionate Care Manager

Babita leads our clinical care team with positivity and empathy. Loved and respected by staff, residents and their families, she puts residents first by understanding them and giving them choices to live their way.

How would you describe Alexandra Gardens?

Walking through the front doors, you instantly feel a sense of calm and peace. Everyone works as a team with a culture of togetherness. This makes for a happy community with happy residents.

How are you supported by your leadership team?

Every member of our team can ask for assistance and is treated with absolute respect. We’re

encouraged to have open conversations and to be there for each other.

How are you supported by Apollo Care?

Being part of Apollo Care brings so many benefits to staff. Clinical and operational policies are always up-to-date and easily accessible. Plus, we have direct input into the continual improvement of our community. We have a real voice.

Why did you choose aged-care nursing over a hospital setting?

The flexibility and work-life balance is better, plus we’re able to go beyond only clinical care to form connections with residents and families. We get so much in return because even the smallest things are appreciated. Like when I helped resident, Alan, continue gardening by organising a special knee brace. He’s so grateful for this because gardening is his passion and now he can do it safely and comfortably.

At PresCare Alexandra Gardens, Care Managers like Babita are passionate about making a difference to residents and staff. 

To find out more about our community, please contact our friendly team by calling (07) 4999 0000 or emailing infoAG@prescare.com.au

Designing our Lifestyle Program takes careful consideration, creative thinking and, most importantly, lots of input from residents.

Each month, our Lifestyle Team plans ahead to incorporate a wide and varied range of activities

and outings to cater for different interests, abilities and preferences.

The Lifestyle Program is designed to offer opportunities for enjoyment, purpose and meaning, and connections to their loved ones and the wider community. Key elements include special calendar days, bus trips, concerts and other incursions, music or art therapy, physical and mental exercises, craft and games, and cooking to name a few.

While some residents enjoy things like counter lunches at the local pub, fundraising morning teas, fish and chips on the beach, or family-friendly celebrations, others may prefer quieter everyday routines like gentle gardening, knitting or sewing. Each resident is supported to participate in the activities or endeavours that are important to them, including attending Church services or receiving pastoral support. We always enjoy visits from the local kindergartens, too!

At PresCare Alexandra Gardens, we love supporting residents to find purpose and meaning in their daily lives. 

To find out more about our community, please contact our friendly team by calling (07) 4999 0000 or emailing infoAG@prescare.com.au

We love supporting residents to continue familiar routines they may have enjoyed at home. For resident Kaye, this means spending time in the garden, maintaining her favourite hobbies and socialising with neighbours.

How do you design your own day?

I’ve always liked keeping busy, so right after breakfast, I spend time in the gardens, watering the plants and attending to any weeds. Connecting with nature is a lovely way to start the day. Then I’ll either do some painting or craft, or join in one of the group activities. Some afternoons, I enjoy helping staff set up for dinner by folding the napkins. I like contributing to the running of the household, just like I did at home.

What else do you like to do?

I paint the statues and gnomes that are placed around the garden beds. With a fresh coat of paint, they look brand new again. And of course, I love the social aspect of living here. My closest friend is Joyce, and we share lots of laughs and have good chats together over cups of tea in the garden.

How do the staff support you?

They are always there to help me garden and make sure I’m safe. They bring me potting mix and craft items. They’re just wonderful!

To find out more about our community, please contact our friendly team by calling (07) 4999 0000 or emailing infoAG@prescare.com.au

Our communities are 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.