How to Choose an Aged Care Home

Choosing a residential aged care home for someone you love is one of the most significant decisions a family can make. It can feel overwhelming -- especially when time is short and emotions are high. This guide breaks the process into manageable steps to help you feel more confident in your decision.

Remember: there is no single "best" facility. The right home is the one that best matches your loved one's individual needs, preferences, and circumstances.

Step 1: Assess Care Needs

Before you start looking at specific facilities, take time to understand what level and type of care is needed. Consider:

• Medical and clinical needs. Does your loved one need specialised care such as dementia support, palliative care, or management of complex health conditions?
• Mobility and daily living. How much assistance do they need with activities like bathing, dressing, eating, and moving around?
• Cognitive health. Are there memory or cognitive concerns that require a secure environment or specialist programs?
• Social and cultural needs. Are there language, cultural, or religious preferences that would make certain facilities a better fit?
• Personal preferences. What matters most to them -- a private room, garden access, pet-friendly policies, or proximity to family?

An ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) assessment is required before entering residential care. This assessment will help determine the level of care needed and what government subsidies are available.

Step 2: Research Facilities

Once you understand the care needs, start building a shortlist of facilities. Use a combination of sources:

• CareRank. Use our facility search to filter by location, compare Star Ratings, view accommodation pricing, and read community reviews all in one place.
• My Aged Care. The government's official portal lists all approved providers and their Star Ratings.
• Word of mouth. Ask friends, family, your GP, or hospital social workers for recommendations. Personal experience from people you trust is invaluable.
• Location. Consider proximity to family members who will visit regularly. Being close to loved ones is one of the most important factors for residents' wellbeing.

Aim to shortlist 3 to 5 facilities that seem like a good match before arranging visits.

Step 3: Visit Shortlisted Facilities

There is no substitute for visiting in person. A facility may look great on paper but feel wrong when you walk through the door -- or the opposite. When visiting, pay attention to:

• Atmosphere. Does it feel welcoming and homely, or institutional? Do residents look comfortable and engaged?
• Staff interactions. Are staff warm, patient, and attentive? Do they know residents by name? How do they respond when a resident needs help?
• Cleanliness and upkeep. Is the facility clean, well-maintained, and free of unpleasant odours?
• Outdoor areas. Are there gardens, courtyards, or outdoor spaces that residents can easily access?
• Food. Ask to see a sample menu. If possible, visit during a mealtime to see the quality and variety of food served.
• Activities program. What social, recreational, and therapeutic activities are offered? Are they varied and suited to different abilities?

Try to visit at different times of day, including evenings or weekends, to get a fuller picture of daily life at the facility.

Step 4: Questions to Ask During Visits

Don't be afraid to ask detailed questions. Good facilities will welcome them. Consider asking:

• What is the staff-to-resident ratio during the day, evening, and overnight?
• Is there a registered nurse on site 24 hours a day?
• How do you handle medical emergencies?
• What specialist care do you provide (dementia, palliative, etc.)?
• How are care plans developed and how often are they reviewed?
• How do you communicate with families about their loved one's care?
• What happens if care needs change significantly over time?
• What is included in the daily fee versus extra services?
• Can residents personalise their rooms with their own furniture and belongings?
• What is the complaints process if something goes wrong?

Step 5: Understanding Costs and Fees

Aged care costs can be confusing. The main components are:

• Basic daily fee. Everyone pays this. It is set by the government and covers daily living costs like meals, cleaning, and utilities.
• Means-tested care fee. An additional fee based on your income and assets, assessed by Services Australia.
• Accommodation payment. Paid as a RAD (lump sum), DAP (daily payment), or a combination of both. See our RAD vs DAP guide for details.
• Extra services. Optional services like premium meals, a larger room, or additional amenities that come at an additional cost.

For a detailed breakdown, read our guide to aged care costs.

Step 6: Making the Decision

After your research and visits, bring your observations together. There are a few things worth remembering:

• Trust your instincts. Data and ratings matter, but so does how a place made you feel. If something felt off during a visit, take that seriously.
• Involve your loved one. Wherever possible, include the person who will be living there in the decision. Their comfort and preferences should be central.
• It's not irreversible. If the facility turns out not to be the right fit, residents can transfer to another home. While no one wants to move twice, knowing this can ease the pressure of making a "perfect" first choice.
• Give yourself grace. This is a difficult decision made under difficult circumstances. There is no perfect answer, and doing your best is enough.

Checklist Summary

Use this checklist to track your progress:

• ▢Completed ACAT assessment
• ▢Documented care needs and personal preferences
• ▢Researched facilities on CareRank and My Aged Care
• ▢Shortlisted 3-5 facilities
• ▢Visited shortlisted facilities in person
• ▢Asked key questions during visits
• ▢Understood all costs and payment options
• ▢Discussed options with family and your loved one
• ▢Sought financial advice if needed
• ▢Made your choice and submitted application