5 steps to placing your loved one in aged care

Residential aged care is 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. Often, the best way to receive consistent support is to live in a residential aged care community.  

If you think it might be time to consider aged care for your loved one, we’re here to support you.  

It’s helpful to gain an understanding of how entry into aged care works, what support will be provided to your loved one, and how much it will cost. Here are the 5 steps to get started. You can also find other helpful resources on our website. 

Step 1: Book an aged care needs assessment 

To find out if you or your loved one is eligible for permanent or respite aged care, you’ll need to arrange an aged care needs assessment to obtain a Support Plan. You can book this through My Aged Care (visit www.myagedcare.gov.au or call 1800 200 422). Hospitals and doctors can also provide a referral.

Step 2: Understand the costs involved 

A simple outline of aged care fees is included in our Aged Care Guide. To estimate the amount you may be asked to pay towards your care, visit www.myagedcare.gov.au, search for ‘Fee Estimator’ and complete the form. You can also seek advice from a Financial Planner.

Step 3: Take a tour 

Prepare a shortlist of suitable aged care communities and arrange to tour them to compare and choose which you like most.

Step 4: Apply to your preferred aged care community 

Arrange a meeting with the Admissions Team at your preferred community to discuss securing a place. To apply, you’ll need to bring documents including a current Support Plan, a completed Application for Entry Form and Power of Attorney instructions.

Step 5: Sign a Resident Agreement 

Once you have been offered a place in a community and wish to accept it, you’ll be provided with a Resident Agreement that you’ll need to sign before moving in.

If you have a question or need assistance with any of these steps, contact our friendly Admissions Team.

Nanyima’s famous Cent Sale does it again!

This annual tradition is much anticipated by Nanyima Aged Care Community residents and the Mirani community. Family members, as well as residents and staff from other aged care communities in Mackay, are invited join in the festivities, and what fun we had at this year’s event!

Spirits were high as the prizes were drawn, many of which were donated by local businesses and residents’ families. Adding to the bounty of goodies were beautiful plants, proudly potted by the residents. Everyone enjoyed a delicious homemade morning tea carefully prepared by our dedicated volunteers.

Tanya, Lifestyle Lead, said the event is always a popular part of the Lifestyle Calendar, with the money raised used directly to benefit residents.

“This year, we’re using the funds raised to put towards a special event later in the year. I won’t reveal too much just yet, but we’re looking forward to welcoming some very cute visitors!” she said.

Our gratitude goes to Mirani Meats, Mirani Pharmacy, Kidney Foundation OP Shop, Gargett CWA, Bidfoods, Coll Plumbing, Noy Electrical, Kookaburra Store and Vegies Unlimited for their generous support and donations.

And a special thank you goes to the residents, staff, volunteers and family members who ensured the event was fun and successful!  

To find out more about our welcoming community, call our friendly admissions team on (07) 4848 0000 or email admin@nanyima.org.au.

Meet Care Manager, Pam, who loves supporting residents at Nanyima

Pam, who has a background in neuro-medical and neuro-surgical nursing, returned to work at Nanyima Aged Care Community after retiring a few years ago, and we’re so glad she did!

What do you love most about your role?


I love getting to know the residents and their families and finding solutions to support their individual needs. It’s satisfying being able to draw on my considerable experience to help them.


Why do you think Nanyima feels like home?


Nanyima has been part of the small Mirani community for over 30 years. Many residents have lived their whole lives here and it’s so important that they can remain living locally as they age. It’s special to see staff caring for residents that they’ve known since childhood. This deep community focus means we take extra good care of each other. And, it’s fun to reminisce with the residents.


How do you make a positive difference to the residents?


I try to spend as much time as I can with residents, so they know I’m there to support them and their families. I recently started a Family Support Group and it’s heartwarming to see families of residents build connections. It’s another example of how we create a caring, homely environment.

To find out more about our welcoming community, call our friendly admissions team on (07) 4848 0000 or email admin@nanyima.org.au.

Investments in technology enhancing resident experience at Nanyima

Nanyima Aged Care Community has successfully implemented a number of new technology systems over the past few months.

These technologies include Telstra Health Resident Manager and Clinical Manager which help streamline our admission process and clinical documentation, enabling more efficient management of resident records and care plans.

We have also implemented a new medication management system, called Best Med, that saves doctors and staff time, and further streamlines resident care with electronic scripts, ordering and charting.

Our newly implemented Rauland Nurse Call system enhances resident safety by providing real-time alerts for faster response times. This high- tech solution also improves communication between staff and residents.

These technology advancements are part of Apollo Care’s overall strategy to deliver efficiency, more personalised and timely care to residents, and enhanced team collaboration and communication. By enabling our care team with advanced technologies, we free up more time for them to focus on what’s most important – caring for residents.

To find out more about our welcoming community, call our friendly admissions team on (07) 4848 0000 or email admin@nanyima.org.au.

Specialised support for Nanyima locals living with dementia

Nanyima Aged Care Community offers specialist dementia care for residents with advanced memory support needs.

Residential Service Manager, Bien Stirling, says this specialised care in a dedicated dementia support household is an important service for the local community.

“The number of older Australians living with dementia is continuing to rise. This means more families are being challenged by the demands of caring for their loved one affected by dementia,” said Bien.

“At Nanyima, our staff are specially trained to offer expert, around-the-clock support for residents with moderate to severe memory loss.

“Our Nurses, Carers and Lifestyle teams are equipped with the experience and tools to help these residents remain comfortable, active and enjoying life as much as possible.”

The dementia support household includes an outdoor courtyard with raised garden beds, a sensory garden and fruit trees.


Lifestyle Officer, Tanya, says that careful consideration goes into developing a lifestyle program that’s inclusive for residents living with dementia.

“Residents with dementia often find that sensory experiences involving hearing, smell and touch are calming and enjoyable. We offer many music therapy and cooking activities, art therapy and a range of outdoor activities utilising our outdoor spaces and courtyards,” said Tanya.

Nanyima’s dementia support household comprises private rooms with private ensuites. Residents are welcomed on a permanent or short-term respite basis.

Nanyima is part of Apollo Care, an innovative national aged care provider preserving the unique purpose of regional not-for-profit providers that play such a valuable role in their local community.

If you need support for your loved one living with dementia, call our friendly team on (07) 4848 0000.

How respite care can support an elderly loved one

Respite care at Nanyima can be a safe and affordable short-term solution for older locals needing some extra support.

Families can enjoy peace of mind knowing that their loved one will be cared for in our community designed to feel like home, while being supported to remain as independent as possible.

Respite care is commonly used to ensure a loved one receives the care they need following a planned surgery, or when recovering from an illness or injury.  

Respite care can also provide partners and families with the opportunity to take a much-needed break from their caring role.

At Nanyima Aged Care Community, respite guests enjoy a private suite, country-style meals, housekeeping and laundry service. Guests can also join our lifestyle program, visit the on-site hairdressing salon, and receive pastoral support.

All residents receive personalised, around-the-clock care from a team of Registered Nurses and Carers.

And with the Government subsidising a component of the daily charge for eligible guests, respite can be surprisingly affordable.

To find out more about respite care at Nanyima, including funding options, call our friendly team on (07) 4848 0000. We can answer your questions and guide you through every step of the process.

Lunchtime at Nanyima

For neighbours Pam and Judy, one of the best things about living at Nanyima is the social aspect of coming together for meals each day.

“I always look forward to lunchtime. Sharing a meal is a great way to connect and get to know each other. I love hearing my neighbours’ stories – learning about their history, travels and families,” says Pam.

Judy also says this daily routine is something she really enjoys. “Lunchtime, and every meal at Nanyima, is a great way to socialise. I love catching up on the activities we have done for the day, or those we have coming up. Recently, my great grandson came to visit me from the local

daycare centre – that was a real highlight for me, and I was so proud to share it with my friends.”

Pam and Judy like that they can make special requests from the Chef to suit their preferences, and since moving to Nanyima, they are really enjoying the variety of home-made meals.

“Before moving here, I was having the same meals every day. Now I’m having much more variety and there are so many choices. I absolutely love it,” says Judy.

Some of their favourite meals from this season’s menu are spaghetti bolognese, fish and chips, lemon butter fish – and of course, the desserts!

To find out more about Nanyima Aged Care Community, call our friendly admissions team on (07) 4848 0000.

Meet Bien, our Manager with a passion for making residents feel at home

Bien has been Nanyima’s Residential Service Manager for the past four years, following 22 years as a Carer and Registered Nurse. She enjoys using her people and problem-solving skills from her earlier career as an Electrical Engineer, to provide the very best care for residents.

Why did you change careers and move into the aged care industry?

When I moved here from the Philippines, my engineering qualifications weren’t recognised. I decided to become a Carer as I’ve always had a passion for giving back to communities and looking after the elderly.

What do you think makes Nanyima so special?

We have a very tight-knit community and there’s a real sense of support and collaboration. Everyone who works here, including volunteers, takes ownership of Nanyima and works together to provide the best possible care to the residents who live here.

How are you making a positive difference to residents?

I involve residents in decisions and keep them well informed of what’s happening. Just like they have done at home, I want residents to have a say, feel heard and be a part of the planning.

What do you love most about what you do?

I was a sponsored child in the Philippines, so I have a deep respect and appreciation for the strength of community and how a little help can go a long way. Nanyima brings back feelings of home for me, and I love that we’re doing the same for residents. 

To find out more about Nanyima Aged Care Community, call our friendly admissions team on (07) 4848 0000.