Finding the right aged care home for you or your loved one can sometimes feel overwhelming. There’s a lot to consider, such as pricing, location, quality of care, available activities and staff experience. If you’ve already started the process with My Aged Care to determine if you’re eligible for a government subsidised aged care home, or if you’re just planning ahead, we’ve listed out some key actionable steps and things to consider, to help you find your future home.
Browse your options online
With so many different options, finding the right home for you can be tricky. The ‘Find a provider’ tool on the My Aged Care website is a great starting point to narrow down your preferences. Using this tool, you can enter your preferred location to live, preferred room type (single room with ensuite, shared room with shared bathroom, or a shared room), and even search for aged care homes with current availability.
You can also use this tool to filter for providers based on:
- high star ratings
- availability of specialised care
- specific health support services
- particular home features
- specific room features
- support for certain languages
- support for particular faiths.
Visiting the website of a provider you’re interested in, such as Anglicare Southern Queensland, is also a great way to better understand their offerings and pricing.
Look for experience
When choosing a residential aged care provider, it’s important to look for experience. Years of service, consistency of high-quality and holistic care, and a deep understanding of the needs of the people they serve are hallmarks of a trustworthy provider.
Anglicare Southern Queensland has been supporting Queenslanders for more than 150 years. With a long history in nursing and clinical care, we’re proud to, again, have been voted Australia’s most trusted brand in residential aged care.
Tour your top three preferred residential aged care homes
Now that you’ve done a some background research, it’s time to create a list of your top three preferred homes and visit them in person. Seeing the home and meeting the staff is always the best way to know what living there could be like.
When touring the home, we recommend bringing a friend or family member with you, if you can, for support and a second opinion. If you’re not sure about something, it’s okay to ask more questions and take your time to really consider your options.
Being prepared with a list of questions you’d like to ask the provider will also be helpful. My Aged Care provides a list of questions to get you started, but have a think about what is important to you and what else you’d like to know about your potential provider. We’ve put together a tour checklist below which might also help you with things to consider during your visit.
Tour checklist
We all have individual needs and different homes may be able to cater to them better than others.
Prepare a checklist of the services you, or your loved one, needs. Think honestly about what you’re struggling with and speak to providers to see if they offer the right service solutions for your needs.
When you’re on the tour of the home, here are some things to consider:
- Does your guide greet residents along the way by name?
- Do the residents look happy and engaged? Do the staff?
- Are the chairs in the common areas comfortable? What kind of entertainment is offered in the living spaces (television, the day’s newspapers, magazines, board games, puzzles) – and do they interest you?
- Are the rooms and common areas clean and well-maintained?
- Are all the meals cooked fresh on-site?
- What nursing, allied health, other services are on-site and how often are they available?
- Are the lawns and gardens well-maintained? Are there outdoor areas where you can relax?
- What are the visiting hours like for my family and friends?
- Are there any set meal arrangements in place (meal-times, seating, guests, dietary requirements, alcohol)?
- Are there on-site activities?
- Are day trips or outings on offer?
- Is there on-site transport available for trips to visit the shopping centre or friends, for example?
- What additional costs are involved?
Make an application
If you’ve already had your assessment through My Aged Care and have been advised that you’re eligible for government subsidised residential care, it’s time to start completing the application forms for your preferred homes.
Once a suitable vacancy becomes available, you’ll be contacted by the aged care home. Once the home confirms your current aged care approval details (including financial arrangements) and reviews your care and service needs, you may be offered a place at the home.
We are here to help you through the process
We understand that there’s a lot to consider when you move into a residential aged care community. We would love to show you around an Anglicare Southern Queensland Residential Aged Care Home near you. Contact 1300 610 610 or email [email protected] to arrange a tour.
Access our services
We’re here for you. Submit this form or call us to access an Anglicare service or program. Our team is available between 7am and 5pm weekdays on 1300 610 610.