Welcome to Summerset Residential Aged Care

Welcome to Summerset residential aged care

Welcome to Summerset

Summerset is a business that was founded on care

It was the vision of our founder, John O’Sullivan, to create a retirement community that his own parents would be happy to call home. A place that puts the respect for its residents at the heart of everything it does. This philosophy continues to guide us today.

Summerset opened its first retirement village in New Zealand in 1997. Since then, we’ve grown to become one of New Zealand’s largest and most respected operators in the retirement village and aged care sector. Opening our first Australian village in Cranbourne North, Victoria in 2023, we’re proud to be able to offer this awardwinning retirement living lifestyle to Australians.

Our retirement villages offer fully independent living and a variety of care options. Over 9,000 New Zealanders and Victorians have chosen to call our retirement villages home, and we think that’s pretty special.

Summerset villages are designed and built for their environment, so facilities may vary. They often include a Divine Café, communal lounge with a large screen TV, piano, library, and a hair and beauty salon based in the village centre. The residential aged care households each have their own outdoor, lounge and kitchen areas. Facilities such as the bar, swimming pool and spa, exercise and activity rooms are accessible by all but may require aged care residents to have GP approval, or to be accompanied by a personal carer.

Experienced and trusted

• We have been operating retirement villages and aged care homes since 1997

• 38 villages and growing

• More than 9,000 residents call Summerset home

We have adopted a continuous listening approach to drive improvements important to residents. Residents are surveyed regularly on village life to understand where we can make things even better.

Summerset was named overall winner in the Reader’s Digest Association 2025 Quality Service Awards (NZ) and we have been voted a Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand (NZ) nine times since 2015. We are a proud signatory to the Retirement Living Code of Conduct and in 2025 we were excited to be named a Customer Champion by the Australian Financial Review.

Continuum of care

From independent living to assisted living and our residential aged care home

If

you’re looking for extra care and support for yourself, a friend or family member, you can be confident that a home in a Summerset village may well be the right choice for you.

Continuum of care

Our villages are designed that should your needs change, our residents get priority to transfer into our assisted living apartments or residential aged care homes (where they are offered in the village and subject to availability and eligibility) where you are able to receive higher levels of support and care. This is our continuum of care philosophy.

Almost all our villages include a continuum of care, including:

• Independent living homes: A villa or cottage is perfect if you’re confident living independently. You can add services like housekeeping or a meal or two if you like. These services are available once the village centre opens.

• Assisted living apartments: Conveniently located within the village centre for easy access to village facilities and village life, our assisted living apartments are designed to offer a sense of independence, with a services package in place to support an easier and safer home for our residents

• Residential aged care home: Residents in our residential aged care home will experience comfort, privacy, and community in our thoughtfully designed care suites.

Professional dedicated staff

• Trained professionals who are passionate about aged care

• Resident centred, friendly, staff focused on delivering the highest quality care

Ease of transfer within the village

• Easy transfer between independent living, assisted living and aged care should your needs change

• Independent or assisted living residents have priority over non-residents to transfer to the residential aged care home (subject to availability and eligibility)

Residential aged care homes

Care you can trust

We know that moving into care can be a challenging time. Our staff are trained professionals who are passionate about aged care and are there to make the move as easy as possible.

Our resident centred model means we get to know you so we can understand your preferences to provide more personalised care.

Living in our residential aged care home is subject to availability and eligibility.

Care suites

Residents in our residential aged care home will experience comfort, privacy, and community in our thoughtfully designed care suites.

Designed into households of a smaller number of suites, each household is a community that can feel like home. Located on the ground and first floors, each household includes their own community kitchen, lounge, activity room and outdoor space.

All our care suites are designed to support resident wellbeing and lifestyle incorporating memory care principles, age friendly design, with provisions for both ceiling hoists and fall detection technology.

Premium and companion suites

With a choice of classic, premium and companion suites there is a home to suit everyone. Our premium aged care suites offer extra space and feature modern in-built joinery with a small integrated fridge for personal use and a private fully tiled ensuite. The premium suites also offer the option of a companion room, accessed by an interconnecting door.

Respite care

If you need care while your family is away or while recovering from a hospital stay, you’re welcome at Summerset for short term respite aged care. You may qualify for respite care funding. Contact your Aged Care Assessor or discuss with the Care Sales and Admissions Manager.

Understanding the costs of care

There are various costs you’ll need to pay when you move into Summerset residential aged care.

You’ll need to complete an aged care assessment through My Aged Care. This will help determine whether you are eligible for respite and/or permanent care, as well as the level of care required. Care can be paid for privately, or it can be partially or fully subsidised by the Government.

Basic daily fee

Hotelling contribution

Non-clinical care contribution

Accommodation cost

Higher everyday living fee

Care suites are secured through flexible funding options of a Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP), Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) or a combination of them both. Residential aged care suites are subject to availability and eligibility criteria.

You can talk to your village care team about the costs of living in the residential aged care home – they’ll be happy to answer all your questions and provide full details.

This covers everyday living costs such as meals, cleaning and laundry. The cost is set by the government at 85% of the pension.

This is a means tested contribution towards daily living costs. It only applies if the resident can afford it.

This helps cover personal care support like bathing and mobility assistance. It is means tested by Services Australia.

Care accommodation can be paid in different ways

1. A refundable accommodation deposit, with a retention fee

2. Or daily accommodation payments at a rate set by the government 3. Or a combination of both

Summerset providers higher levels of services, or little lifestyle extras. The cost for these is covered by the Higher Everyday Living Fee. You can opt into this after moving into the home.

Guide to accessing care

Whether you’re noticing changes in yourself or in a loved one, at Summerset we understand that realising care is needed and the journey into care can feel overwhelming. Summerset specialist staff can help guide you through the steps you need to take to be assessed for care, understanding government funding and to find the home right for you.

Step 1: Noticing changes

When it comes to care, it’s not one size fits all and the possibility of needing support requires a caring conversation with loved ones and often consultation with a doctor.

You may have noticed changes such as finding it harder to complete everyday tasks such as preparing a meal, or it may be a medical event that means you or your loved one can’t live at home anymore. It’s important to keep the conversations positive and focused on what’s best for the person needing care.

Step 2: Get an assessment

Before entering residential aged care, an assessment through My Aged Care is required. Assessors visit you or your loved one to understand the needs, the current living environment and outline what support services are available to help maintain independence and quality of life.

A Notice of Decision Letter and a Support Plan is issued outlining the level of funding a resident is assigned. You’ll now have a better understanding of the types of homes you or your loved one can comfortably live in.

Step 3: Understand your finances

This is the time to review finances and work out what your budget is. Depending on your assessment, the provider and the type of accommodation you choose, costs will vary. It is worth getting independent financial advice and to look into government subsidies available through Services Australia.

Step 4: Find the right home

Summerset welcomes you and your loved one to visit the village as many times as you like to familiarise yourself and get to know the

community. Make an appointment with our Care Sales and Admissions Manager to discuss your circumstances and the care Summerset could provide. Our village cafes are open to the public and can be a great way to become familiar with the village, care team and other residents living with us.

Step 5: Admission agreements and the costs of care

When you have found the home that’s right, you’ll sign a Residential Aged Care Agreement that outlines the costs and services. This agreement has information about the resident’s preferences, circumstances, the costs of care and how payments are made. There are five components to the costs of care, which Summerset’s specialist team will talk you through, that cover the accommodation costs, daily living costs, non-clinical care costs, and any enhanced daily living costs.

Step 6: Making it feel like home

Person-centred care is the cornerstone of Summerset’s approach to care and is lived daily by all staff. Meeting with the Summerset team is valuable to discuss the care plan tailored to the resident’s needs. This is a great time to discuss what furniture is provided with the care suite, and what items you can bring to make it feel familiar and more like home.

Getting to know you or the person moving into care, from their cultural values, likes and dislikes, leisure activities and routines allows us to get to know them as individuals so we can ensure the care and support we provide is personalised –right down to how the cups of tea are made.

No doubt you’ve got questions

Making a move to our village is a big decision, and of course there are areas where you’ll want more details. These are the things we get asked about the most. If you have any other questions, please just ask the Care Sales and Admissions Manager.

Q: What does registration mean?

A: Registration of a residential aged care home means that the Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission has assessed and approved Summerset to provide residential aged care.

Q: When is care available in a village?

A: Care is available once the village centre is open, subject to availability and eligibility.

Q: Can I move from my independent villa or assisted living apartment into care?

A: Yes, if you are eligible for residential aged care. Summerset residents have priority over non-residents to transfer to the residential aged care home. (subject to availability)

Q: Do I have to pay anything to transfer?

A: Depending on your personal circumstances you may not have to make any capital outlay to move into a residential aged care suite. It’s

important to talk through your circumstances with the Care Sales and Admissions Manager. There is no transfer fee if you’re transferring to a higher level of care in the village.

Q: Does Summerset guarantee residents a place in its care home?

A: Summerset residents have priority access to our residential aged care home over nonresidents. Access is subject to availability and eligibility, and Summerset being comfortable we can meet your needs.

Q: What happens if I change my mind after signing the Residential Aged Care Agreement?

A: In line with the Aged Care Act 2024 there is a 28-day cooling-off period where the resident can terminate the Agreement by giving us verbal or written notice within 28-days of the Agreement Date and before they enter our care. Any funds paid prior to this will be refunded.

Come and see for yourself

We aim to make sure you have the right home for your needs and situation, that you have the right level of care available now and in case you need it in the future, and that the village you choose is one where you can make the most of the Summerset life.

Above all, please come and see us. Have a coffee in the café and talk to our residents. Check out our facilities. Have a chat to our team. We’re proud of what we offer, and we’re happy to share the Summerset feeling with you. We think it’s very special.

Where you can get more support and information

My Aged Care – 1800 200 422 or www.myagedcare.gov.au/assessment www.myagedcare.gov.au/how-much-will-i-pay

Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ASQSC) – 1800 951 822 or www.agedcarequality.gov.au

Services Australia Aged Care line –1800 227 475 or www.servicesaustralia.gov.au

Making the decision to move into residential aged care and getting the right level of support and care can be difficult, so it’s important to get the best information and seek the right advice.

• Involve your family and friends in your decision

• Get independent advice from a lawyer, ideally with experience in residential aged care matters

• Talk to your GP or other health professionals about the level of care you may need

• Talk to the care team at your local village about what it is like to live at Summerset

Our villages

VICTORIA

Cranbourne North

98 Mannavue Boulevard

Cranbourne North, VIC 3977 1800 321 700

Independent living, assisted living and residential aged care

Craigieburn

1480 Mickleham Road, Craigieburn, VIC 3064 1800 321 700

Torquay

Corner Grossman and Briody Drive, Torquay, VIC 3228 1800 321 700

Chirnside Park

275 Manchester Road, Chirnside Park, VIC 3116 1800 321 700

Independent living selling off the plan

Oakleigh South

52 Golf Road, Oakleigh South, VIC 3167 1800 321 700

Mernda

305 Bridge Inn Road Mernda, VIC 3754 1800 321 700

Drysdale

145 Central Road, Drysdale, VIC 3754 1800 321 700

Co mpleted villages

In development

Proposed village s

All sites correct as at November 2025. For all our Australian sites please visit www.summerset.com.au