How to choose a care facility

At a glance

Choose a care facility by matching its everyday care to the person’s needs and preferences. A good tour is a starting point; you also need clear answers about staffing, fees, rights and what happens if needs change. Use the same comparison process for every option.

Set your priorities first

Separate essentials from preferences. Essentials may include required nursing support, safe transfers or communication needs. Preferences might include a particular location, garden or activity. Ask the older person which trade-offs they would accept.

Plan your next steps

A five-step comparison

Make a short care summary and ask each facility whether it can meet those needs before arranging a visit.
Check the relevant official regulator, registration or licensing information. In Australia use My Aged Care information; in the US check the state regulator and Medicare Care Compare where applicable.
Visit and observe daily life. Ask residents or families about their experience if they are willing to talk.
Request written care arrangements, the full cost, contract terms and answers to unresolved questions.
Review the options with the person. Record why the preferred option fits and what needs confirmation before signing.

Look beyond presentation

Notice how staff respond when someone needs help, whether people can make everyday choices and whether the atmosphere feels respectful. Ask about consistent staff, overnight cover, access to clinicians and how concerns are investigated. Ratings can inform questions; they do not replace a personal assessment.

Questions and useful links

What should stop us signing today?

Pause if essential care cannot be explained, costs remain unclear or you feel pressured. Ask for independent help understanding the agreement.

Can we revisit?

Ask for another conversation or visit if important questions remain. Record who answered each question and the date, so later changes can be checked.

Care-home comparison guide · Summarise care needs · Residential care guides

Sources and review

My Aged Care. (n.d.). Find a provider. Accessed 19 September 2026.

National Institute on Aging. (n.d.). Long-term care facilities. Accessed 19 September 2026.

About this guide
Australia and United States • Prepared September 2026. Editorial lead: Louise Simon. Independent specialist review has not yet been completed. General information; confirm advice for your circumstances.