Our dementia care unit offers appropriate levels of care and support that meet our residents  changing needs over time.

Anthem has a 14-bedroom dementia specific home, “Retford”, which is a unique place specifically designed with some of the most innovative and up to date fittings for dementia residents. Our exceptional care and nursing staff are explicitly chosen and specially trained to provide the best support drawing on their extensive collective knowledge and dementia experience. 

Daily life in “Retford” is full of purpose and meaning, with a large outdoor area with lawn and patio and garden to look after. There is a large dining area, and lounge room for residents to enjoy. Some residents help the staff make morning tea; they go for walks each day, and residents are encouraged to do their own washing and hang it on the clothesline. 

There are a few things you need to know before you enter aged care. An Aged Care Assessment (ACAT) needs to be completed before you can enter an Aged Care Facility.

If you are assessed as eligible for entry into an aged care home, you will receive an approval letter and support plan from your ACAT that sets out the care you are approved to receive. The support plan will include a unique referral code which you will need to provide to us. This assists us in determining the best location within the facility and level of care needed.  

Click HERE for details on how to apply for an ACAT. 

You must also complete a means test to find out how much extra you will need to contribute to your care (if any). This is to be completed by you and/or family through Services Australia.  Click HERE for details on how to apply for a Means Test. 

All 14 rooms in Retford are private singles with ensuite. The Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) for all rooms in Retford is $565,000. 

Aged Care Act Changes – Effective 1 November 2025

If you entered care before 1 November 2025 your current agreement and payment arrangements do not change.

Your Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) remains fully refundable when you leave our care, provided all terms and conditions are met.  You will continue under the existing fee structure and contribution rules.

If you enter care on or after 1 November 2025 new accommodation and contribution rules will apply:

Refundable deposits retention (RADs/RACs):
Providers may retain up to 2% per year for a maximum of five years (a total of up to 10%).  The remaining balance will be refunded when you leave care.

Daily accommodation payments (DAPs):
Still available as an alternative to a lump sum.  Payments will be regularly indexed on 20 March & 20 September each year to reflect changes in costs.  Indexation does not apply to daily accommodation contributions (DAC) paid by residents eligible for government assistance with their accommodation costs.

Means-testing:
Your financial situation will determine whether you pay the full accommodation price or a reduced contribution as a low-means resident, as well as any other contributions.

New contributions:
A Non-Clinical Care Contribution will replace the current means-tested care fee.
A new Hotelling Contribution will apply for everyday living costs such as meals, cleaning, and utilities, based on your means.

What You Need to Know:

Means Tested Care Fee: Before determining the RAD or any applicable contribution, it’s necessary for you to undergo a means test. This will help determine the exact amount payable for your accommodation. Click HERE for details on how to apply for a Means Test.

Hotelling Contribution:  People who can afford to will contribute more towards their daily living costs through a hotelling contribution.   Services Australia will tell you if you need to pay a hotelling contribution and if so, how much you need to pay.  This is based on your means test.  The maximum amount changes with indexation in March and September.

Non-clinical care contribution:  People who need to pay the maximum hotelling contribution may also need to pay a non-clinical care contribution.  This fee contributes to personal care costs such as bathing and mobility assistance.   Services Australia will tell you if you need to pay a non-clinical care contribution and if so, how much you need to pay.  This is based on your means test.  The maximum amount changes with indexation in March and September.  Daily and lifetime caps apply.  

Current Care Fees & Charges

From 20 September 2025: 

Daily Care Fee is:  $65.55 per day

 Daily Care Fee charges increase on the 20 March & 20 September each year.

What is the maximum permissible interest rate (MPIR)?
The MPIR is a government-set interest rate used to calculate a daily accommodation payment based on your agreed room price - from 1 October 2025 - 7.61%

Room Availablilty

For more information or to discuss your eligibility, please contact our Admissions Coordinator on 02 4862 8555.  We’re here to guide you through the process and ensure you have the support you need.

All perspective residents need to have had an ACAT Assessment done prior to a site tour.