Choosing the Right Aged Care Facility

Assessing Care Needs and Preferences

Understanding Care Requirements

The biggest factor in choosing an aged care facility is the level of care your loved one requires.

Care requirements depend on:

The level of assistance your loved one requires to safely complete daily activities
Medical conditions and needs
Recommendations from your loved one’s healthcare team
Cognitive state
Individual preferences and lifestyle compatibility

Types of Aged Care Facilities

Common types of aged care facilities in Australia include:

Permanent Residential aged care homes for long-term care
Respite care options for short-term stays and rehabilitation

For a more in-depth look at knowing if your loved one needs aged care, I created this guide: When to Consider Aged Care Options For Your Loved One.

Researching and Shortlisting Facilities

How to Find an Aged Care Facility

To get started, I recommend these helpful resources for finding aged care facilities in Perth, WA

Through My Aged Care, you can check a facility’s environment, accreditations, and Star Rating to help you narrow down your options. My Aged Care also outlines the steps in creating a shortlist, applying to your chosen facilities, and accepting an offer.

Key Factors to Compare

Here are key factors to consider to help choose the right aged care facility:

Quality of Care and Experience: Look for aged care providers with strong reputations and a strong history of experience.
Testimonials and resident reviews: Positive reviews and testimonials can be one of the most helpful considerations in finding the best aged care facility.
Staffing: Evaluate staffing ratios and qualifications. How many doctors, nurses, CNAs, kitchen staff, cleaning staff, and activity staff are available?
Service Options and Flexibility: Is the care adaptable if your loved one’s needs change? For instance, do you have a plan in place if your loved one needs to transition from in-home care to the higher level of support offered by a residential aged care home?
Location: Is the location convenient for family and friend visits? Does the environment promote well-being?
Accreditation and Compliance with Standards: Make sure the facility is accredited and in compliance with all local standards.
Cost and Financial Support: What is the fee structure? What are the available financial support options? Which facility is most affordable while still offering the high-quality care and support needed?
Activities, Programs, and Lifestyle Offerings: What programs and activities are offered for socialising and interacting? Are there reading programs, games, get-togethers, outdoor time, and other offerings?

You May Also Like: The Role of Care Consulting in Aged Care

Visiting and Evaluating Facilities

What to Look for During Visits

When visiting facilities, here are some aspects to pay attention to:

Cleanliness: Is this facility tidy? Are the bathrooms clean? Is the dining area organised and hygienic?
Commitment to Safety: Are the hallways wide and clear of clutter? Are there handrails if necessary? Are the rooms and bathrooms easily accessible and equipped with safety features (i.e. handrails, emergency call buttons, etc.)?
Overall Atmosphere: Does it feel welcoming? Is the staff friendly? Do the residents appear well-cared for? Does the aged care home feel like a facility or does it convey a warmth and home-like atmosphere?
Staff-Resident Interactions and Care Quality: Do residents appear comfortable around the staff? Does the staff check in with residents often? Do the interactions feel warm and genuine?
Food Services, Activities, and Therapies Offered: Is in-house physical or occupational therapy offered? What kind of activities are offered and how often? Are there chances for the residents to socialise? What is the menu like? Is there an on-site chef? What is the meal schedule? What is the dining area like?
Facility Services: Are there safe areas for residents to enjoy time outside (flower gardens, paved trails, sheltered areas, etc.)? Is there ample on-site parking for guests? Is there an on-site cafe or other spaces for loved ones to gather together?
Rooms: Are the rooms spacious, private, and inviting? Do they offer ensuite bathrooms?

Questions to Ask Staff and Management

Here are some key questions to ask staff members or management.

Staff-to-resident ratios and response times: What is the staff-to-resident ratio? How long is the average response time?
Medical support and emergency procedures: What emergency procedures are in place (i.e. evacuations)? Where is the nearest hospital/E.R.?
Policies on personalising care plans: How are care plans developed and implemented? What policies are in place to ensure care plans are personalised according to physical, mental, social, and emotional needs?

Financial Considerations

Understanding Costs

The cost of residential aged care is dependent on the individual’s assets and income. The Department of Human Services assesses each individual’s ability to pay and determine the fees applicable. The department of Human Services can be contacted on 1800 227 475.

In certain situations it may be worth seeing financial advice regarding how to pay the aged care fees. Free financial assistance can be received from the Services Australia Financial Information Service (FIS). To make an appointment with FIS call 132 300 and say “Financial Information Service” when asked why you are calling. There are also private financial planners who specialise in aged care.

Changes to Aged Care from 1st July 2025

For those entering care from the 1st July 2025 there will be changes to the aged care fee structure. The changes will not affect residents who are already in care.

The Australian Government is working to strengthen Australia’s aged care system and ensure individuals can easily access government funded aged care services. This act will commence form 1 July, 2025 and replace outdated legislation.

Learn more about this important development here: New Aged Care Act | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.

Making the Final Decision

How to Choose the Right Aged Care Facility

Once you have visited facilities with your loved one and gathered information, it is time to compare the options.

Here are some considerations on how to choose the right aged care facility:

Weighing pros and cons of shortlisted facilities: I find pros and cons lists to be extremely helpful in the final decision process. Under each facility or care option, write down the pros and cons. Be sure to involve your loved one in the process to get their input.
Involving family members and seeking professional advice: Involving family members and your loved one creates a team approach to choosing a care facility. Keeping your loved one involved and informed is crucial for reducing the lack of control they likely feel during this time. Seek advice from a medical professional and consider using an aged care placement specialist for additional support and guidance.
Steps for securing a placement and transitioning into care: Once you choose a facility, ask how to secure placement and develop a transition plan for your loved one.

Post-Move Support and Adjustment

Knowing how to find an aged care facility is crucial, but post-move support is just as important.

Your loved one will need loving support as they make the transition to aged care.

During this time, I recommend open communication, consistent check-ins, and empathy for how your loved one may be feeling.

Post-move support for your loved one should include:

Assistance settling into a new environment: Ensure they have personal belongings to help the facility feel more comfortable. Ask how the staff will be supporting them during the transition.
Maintaining connections with family and friends: Set up a visiting schedule with your family to ensure consistent and regular check-ins from friends and family members.
Monitoring care quality and addressing concerns: Keep an open line of communication with your loved one and let them know you care about any concerns or struggles they are having. Reassure them that you will follow up on any concerns and keep them informed.

Need Help Choosing the Right Aged Care Facility?

The right aged care facility for your loved one will depend on their individual care needs, health status, financial considerations, and preferences.

I hope this guide helps you feel more confident about how to get into aged care facility.

If you have more questions about how to find an aged care facility or how to choose the right aged care facility, I’m here to guide you with gentle support, helpful resources, and expert advice.

Visit our Services Page to learn more about how we can assist your family through every stage of aged care planning. It has been my honour to help families choose and access home and residential aged care services for over a decade.

Let Care Match Solutions make the process simple and stress-free with our professional support and caring guidance. We’ll listen, guide, and support you every step of the way..

Grace Conboy is a Registered Nurse with over 15 years of experience in the aged care sector. For the past decade, she has dedicated herself to helping families access home care services and residential aged care.