When families begin searching for dementia care, one of the most common concerns is cost. It’s natural to wonder why one facility might charge more than another, especially when traditional old age homes, frail care centers, and retirement villages seem to offer similar services on the surface for a fraction of the price. However, dementia care is far more than just providing a place to stay, it requires specialised expertise, structured programs, and a deep understanding of the condition to truly enhance the quality of life for those living with cognitive decline. When comparing care options, it’s important to consider not just the cost, but the value. Most aged care facilities charge a base rate with additional fees for essential services, however Livewell provides a truly all-inclusive model that ensures your loved one receives everything they need, without hidden costs or compromises in care.
Why dementia care cannot be compared to general aged care
Dementia is a progressive neurological condition that affects memory, behaviour, emotions, and physical health in unique ways. While a general frail care or retirement facility may offer medical assistance and supervision, they are not designed to manage the complex and evolving needs of someone with dementia. This is where specialised dementia care, such as that provided at Livewell Estates, stands apart.
At Livewell, we recognise that every resident’s journey with dementia is different. Our approach goes beyond basic care to create a structured and nurturing environment where residents feel safe, engaged, and valued. Unlike frail care or old age homes, which may have a mix of residents with varying medical conditions, Livewell exclusively focuses on dementia, ensuring an environment tailored to their specific needs.
The all-inclusive difference at Livewell
Unlike standard aged care facilities where additional services come at an extra cost, Livewell’s all-inclusive model covers the following and more:
Specialised dementia care – Our expert multidisciplinary team includes occupational therapists, physiotherapists, biokineticists, nutritionists, registered nurses, caregivers, and lifestyle coordinators, all working together to provide seamless, high-quality care.
Personalised care plans – Each resident undergoes a full Occupational Therapy (OT) assessment and a specialist doctor’s review to create an individualised care plan that covers medication administration, cognitive stimulation, social engagement, hygiene, and nutrition.
Carer ratios – Our care level varies from 1:3, 1:2, or even 1:1 support, ensuring that each resident receives the dedicated attention they need based on their cognitive and physical requirements. All care levels are fully supervised and managed by a full team of registered nurses on a 24-hour basis. This level of individualised care is rarely found in standard aged care facilities.
Unlimited access to occupational therapy – Unlike many facilities where therapy sessions are limited or charged separately, at Livewell, our OT-designed activities are included in the monthly levy, ensuring every resident benefits from tailored cognitive stimulation.
Daily personal grooming – Haircuts, nail care, and hygiene assistance are all included, ensuring residents always feel their best without additional charges. However, our grooming services are not just limited to our residents but also their pets. At Livewell, pets are encouraged and welcomed and our lifestyle team take care of them which includes feeding, grooming, and medicating where necessary
Comprehensive laundry & housekeeping – Unlimited laundry services are provided daily which means no surprise fees for extra loads or special garment care.
Specialist nutritional support – Our meals are thoughtfully designed to promote brain health and overall well-being, with tailored nutritional guidance to support each resident’s unique dietary needs. Our dedicated team of nutritionists and chefs prepare home-cooked meals daily, ensuring they are both nutritious and enjoyable. We accommodate a variety of dietary requirements, including modified textures such as soft, pureed, or easy-to-chew meals, as well as PEG feeding support when necessary, ensuring all residents receive the nourishment they need in a way that suits them best.
Engaging social & recreational activities – Social isolation is a major concern for individuals with dementia. At Livewell, a dedicated Lifestyle Coordinator ensures that every resident is actively engaged, with a variety of activities and entertainment included in the monthly fee.
Mobility & wellness support – Access to an on-site physiotherapist and biokinetics specialist, ensuring that residents maintain their mobility and physical well-being, with services that can often be claimed back from medical aid.
Luxury meets comfort
At Livewell, we believe that a person’s environment plays a crucial role in their emotional and cognitive well-being. That’s why our estates are designed to provide both sophistication and serenity, ensuring our residents feel truly at home.
- Beautifully designed private suites – Each resident enjoys a luxurious, fully furnished private suite with an en-suite bathroom, designed with comfort and safety in mind. Families are also welcome to personalise the space with familiar furniture and decor to create a true “home away from home.” To enhance resident care, discreetly placed monitoring cameras are installed in each suite allowing our team to review care effectiveness and assess incidents such as falls. This ensures the best possible response and continuous improvement in safety and support.
- Thoughtfully curated interiors – Our estates are professionally designed to be both aesthetically pleasing and dementia-friendly, featuring calming color palettes, soft lighting, and intuitive layouts that promote ease of movement.
- Spacious communal areas – Residents have access to spacious dining rooms, cozy lounges, a hairdressing salon, and wheelchair-friendly facilities, all designed to foster community engagement and relaxation.
- Scenic gardens & outdoor spaces – Our sensory gardens provide a peaceful retreat, encouraging outdoor stimulation, gentle exercise, and a connection to nature.
Investing in quality dementia care where the value goes beyond the price
It’s important to recognise that dementia care is not a one-size-fits-all service. The level of expertise, dedication, and specialised support required to provide exceptional dementia care is significantly higher than what is offered in traditional aged care settings.
Choosing a specialised dementia care facility like Livewell is an investment in quality of life, not just for the resident, but for their entire family. The peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved one is receiving the highest standard of care, in a safe and supportive environment, is invaluable. All senior staff and management form meaningful relationships with the families to keep them at peace and informed at all times and often to help them cope with the new reality they often find themselves in when diagnosis is new.
You won’t find our pricing listed on our website because our care is not a simple transaction, it’s a deeply personalised service that can only be fully understood through experience. We invite families to visit our estates, see our care in action, and understand firsthand why specialised dementia care cannot be compared to general aged care.
If you are considering dementia care for a loved one and would like to explore how Livewell can provide the best possible environment for them, we encourage you to reach out and schedule a visit. Witnessing the difference in care, engagement, and quality of life is the best way to understand the true value of specialised dementia care.
Contact Livewell Estates today to arrange a personal tour and see how we create a life worth living for our residents.