Residential Care
Choosing the Best Option

Choosing the Right Nursing Home in Commonwealth-Regulated Residential Aged Care

When you or a loved one needs round-the-clock care, choosing the right nursing home is one of the most significant decisions you’ll ever make. In Australia, residential aged care (commonly called “nursing homes”) is regulated by the Commonwealth Government under the Aged Care Act 1997. This system is designed to protect residents’ rights and ensure they receive safe, quality care in a supportive environment.

But with so many choices, different standards of accommodation, a range of services, and varied costs, how do you find the one that suits your needs best? This guide will help you navigate each step, from understanding what’s available, getting assessed, comparing options, and asking the right questions — so you can feel confident about your choice.

Understanding Residential Aged Care in Australia

Residential aged care provides accommodation, personal care, and 24/7 nursing services for older Australians who can no longer live independently at home. These services are delivered by approved providers who must meet strict Commonwealth Government standards. They are overseen by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, which ensures compliance with the Aged Care Quality Standards.

Key points:

• Residents receive help with daily activities, meals, medication, personal hygiene, and medical care.
• Accommodation can range from single rooms with en-suites to shared rooms with communal spaces.
• Providers must offer a safe, home-like environment that respects each resident’s dignity, culture, and choices.

Who Needs Residential Aged Care?

Residential care is generally for older people who can no longer manage at home even with help from family, friends, or home care services. Signs you may need residential care include:

• Struggling with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, cooking or moving around safely.
• Living alone with no regular support network.
• Health or cognitive conditions requiring constant supervision or specialised care.
• Frequent falls, hospital visits or emergencies at home.

Getting Assessed for Care Needs

Before you can apply for residential care, you’ll need to be assessed by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). ACAT assessments are free and arranged through My Aged Care.

During the assessment, an ACAT assessor will visit you to determine what type of care you need. They will consider your health, daily living abilities, family support, and any special needs. If they determine that you’re eligible, you’ll receive an approval letter that details the level of care you’re entitled to access.

What to Look for in a Nursing Home

No two nursing homes are exactly alike. When comparing options, consider:

Location and Accessibility

• Is the facility close enough for family and friends to visit regularly?
• Is public transport or parking convenient?

Accommodation and Facilities

• Are the rooms clean, comfortable, and well-maintained?
• Are there gardens, outdoor areas, or communal spaces?
• What security measures are in place?

Care Services and Staff

• Does the home offer the level of care you need now and in the future?
• What are staff-to-resident ratios like?
• Is there 24/7 nursing and access to allied health professionals (e.g., physio, podiatry)?

Culture and Community

• Does the facility respect cultural, spiritual, and language needs?
• Are activities and social programs engaging and varied?
• Is there evidence of strong resident and family feedback mechanisms?

Quality and Accreditation

• Is the provider accredited and compliant with the Aged Care Quality Standards?
• Does the facility have good recent compliance audits? You can check this on the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission website.

Fees and Contracts

Before you move in, you’ll need to understand the costs involved. Residential aged care fees generally include:

• Basic Daily Fee: For daily living costs like meals and cleaning (85% of the full single Age Pension).
• Means-Tested Care Fee: Additional contribution if your income or assets exceed certain thresholds.
• Accommodation Payment: May be required depending on your means-test results. You can pay this as a lump sum Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD), a Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP), or a combination.
• Extra or Additional Services Fees: For optional premium services like private rooms, better food, or personal extras.

Questions to Ask When You Visit

Before deciding, tour each nursing home and ask questions such as:

• What’s the staff turnover like?
• What’s the routine for meals, activities, and outings?
• Can I see the current activity schedule?
• What’s the policy on visitors?
• What happens if my care needs increase?
• What happens if I want to leave or transfer to another facility?

Using the Quality Indicators

The Australian Government has introduced Aged Care Star Ratings and Quality Indicators to help people compare facilities. These ratings cover things like:

• Compliance and accreditation status.
• Resident experience surveys.
• Staffing levels and skills mix.
• Clinical care outcomes (e.g., pressure injuries, medication management).

You can look up this information on the My Aged Care website or the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission website.

Protecting Your Rights

Every resident in Commonwealth-regulated residential care has rights under the Aged Care Quality Standards. These include:

• Safe, high-quality care tailored to your needs.
• Respect for your identity, culture, and choices.
• Being informed about your care and finances.
• Freedom to have visitors and to communicate with family and friends.
• Freedom to make complaints and have them resolved fairly.

Making the Right Decision

Choosing the right nursing home takes time, patience, and research. Here’s a quick checklist to help:

• Visit multiple homes — don’t settle for the first option.
• Compare costs and what’s included.
• Speak with current residents and their families if possible.
• Check the home’s compliance record and Star Rating.
• Get independent legal or financial advice on contracts and fees.

When It’s Time to Move In

Once you choose your preferred nursing home:

• Finalise your means test and financial paperwork with Services Australia.
• Sign your Resident Agreement & Accommodation Agreement — read everything carefully.
• Discuss a care plan with the staff so they understand your personal needs, routines, and preferences.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right nursing home is about more than just ticking boxes — it’s about finding a place that feels like home, supports your wellbeing, and respects your rights and dignity. With the right information and support, you and your family can make this transition with confidence and peace of mind.

At OMS, we’re here to help you navigate aged care with clear information and practical tips. For more resources, check our related articles on:

• Assessment for Residential Care
• Understanding Residential Fees