Aged care homes – or residential aged care – is for people who need more support than they can access at home. It can be short-term (respite) or permanent. Services include personal care (such as showering), accommodation, support services (laundry and meals), nursing and some allied health services (physiotherapy).
Residential aged care is funded by the Australian Government and contributions from residents. For more information about what you might need to pay for residential aged care, visit the toolkit page on residential care costs.
If you choose, you can visit a few aged care homes to find if they suit you.
Entering into residential care should be your decision. Sometimes the move into residential care can happen quickly and without your consent.
If you have felt pressured to move into residential care, or that you don’t have choice, reach out to one of our aged care advocates. An advocate can help you to explore your options, including moving out of your aged care home and in to the community.
Documents and external links
Learn more about aged care homes. These documents and websites offer help, strategies, and practical information. Brief descriptions are provided for each document or link.
My Aged Care Find a provider tool
Use the My Aged Care Find a provider tool to find a residential aged care provider that is suitable for you and your care needs.
Steps to enter an aged care home
Read this guide from My Aged Care which explains how older people can access care in an aged care home, the process for moving in and what to expect when you are there.
Star Ratings resources
These resources from the Department of Health and Aged Care include factsheets, videos and guides to help understand how the ratings are used to compare the quality of residential aged care.
10 Questions to Ask
10 Questions is a series of leaflets written by nurses, doctors and experts with experience in aged care. Each leaflet focuses on an individual aspect of care to increase knowledge about the journey to residential aged care. The leaflets are useful when choosing or moving into an aged care home or checking the quality of your current aged care home.
Care minutes and 24/7 registered nurse responsibility guide
This Department of Health and Aged care guide provides information about care minutes targets; the 24/7 registered nurse responsibilities from 1 July 2023; and mandatory care minutes responsibilities.
Food, Dining and Nutrition
Browse the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission page on Food, Dining and Nutrition in aged care homes. The resources include a video, factsheet and posters outlining what you can expect from your food and dining experience in an aged care home.
Care and Services in Aged Care Homes - information guide
This information guide from the Department of Health and Aged Care provides information to help approved aged care providers deliver services in aged care homes. It is also a useful document for older people and regulators so they are aware of responsibilities and standards.
