Residential aged care in Australia

At a glance

Residential aged care brings accommodation and ongoing support together when living at home is no longer meeting a person’s needs. For government-funded care in Australia, start with an aged care assessment. Assessing care needs and working out personal fees are separate steps.

Who this guide is for

Use this pathway if you are exploring a permanent move, supporting a family member or planning ahead after a change in health. Keep the older person’s preferences central: location, language, daily routines, relationships and the support they need overnight.

Plan your next steps

Work through the decision

Ask the treating team what support is needed now and what could change with recovery or rehabilitation.
Contact My Aged Care about assessment and read the resulting approval carefully. Ask about alternatives if you want to remain at home.
Shortlist homes that can meet the person’s particular needs. Ask about actual vacancies and whether the offered room is the one you visited.
Arrange the financial assessment and request a written breakdown of fees and accommodation options.
Read the agreement with someone independent if you need help. Plan medicines, transport, records and a named contact before moving.

A welcoming building is only one part of suitability. Ask staff to explain how they respond to pain, distress, falls, concerns and changes in care needs. Observe whether residents are addressed respectfully.

Questions and useful links

Can we visit before deciding?

Ask for a tour and a conversation with the person responsible for care. Take the same questions to each home and record unanswered points. A vacancy should not pressure you into signing terms you do not understand.

What about fees?

The applicable fee arrangements depend on your circumstances, including dates and any protections. Ask which rules apply to you rather than comparing someone else’s bill.

Assessment guide · Compare care homes · Australia guides

Sources and review

My Aged Care. (n.d.). Aged care homes. Accessed 19 September 2026.

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