Residential aged care homes

As you get older, you may find everyday household tasks harder to manage, or develop health problems that make living independently at home more difficult. Often, getting some help at home is enough to keep living on your own.

If you reach a point where you can no longer manage at home, you might consider moving into a residential aged care home (also called a nursing home or residential aged care service). These homes offer safe, comfortable accommodation along with ongoing health care, support and social contact that can adapt as your needs change.

Every residential aged care home is different#

Some are large and some are small, and some have a particular religious or cultural focus. It is worth visiting and comparing several homes to find a place that meets your needs, is close to family and feels right for you.

Homes provide a wide range of health and support services for people with different health and lifestyle needs. Services range from help with daily tasks and personal care through to 24-hour nursing, respite care and palliative care.

Most people choose to stay at home for as long as they can and only move into a residential aged care home when their care needs increase. Others prefer to move in earlier, perhaps to be close to a partner or to prepare for the future, for example if they have a condition that may worsen over time, such as Parkinson’s disease or dementia.

Talk to your doctor about what you want for the future so you can discuss your wishes when you apply for a place.

Respite and short-term stays#

If you or your carer needs a break, a short-term stay through a respite arrangement can be worth considering. Respite care offers a change of scenery, gives your carer a break and still provides the day-to-day help you need. A short stay is also a good way to “test out” a home if you are thinking about moving in permanently.

Palliative care#

People receiving palliative care have a life-limiting condition. Palliative care focuses on quality of life, pain management and family support.

Many aged care homes provide palliative care, while others work in partnership with dedicated palliative care units. A palliative care team provides pain relief and treats symptoms that cause discomfort, but does not provide care intended to delay or hasten death. The team supports the person who is dying as well as their loved ones, and considers the social, emotional, physical and spiritual needs of the family throughout.

What residential aged care homes provide#

Residential aged care homes provide accommodation services, personal care, and complex care and services.

Accommodation services can include:

• bedding, food and drinks
• washing, cleaning and laundry
• gardening and building maintenance
• heating, cooling and garbage services
• basic toiletries
• social activities
• emergency assistance

Personal care can include help with:

• eating and drinking
• dressing, bathing and personal hygiene
• maintaining continence
• moving around
• taking medicines
• talking and communicating
• emotional support
• the effects of cognitive impairment

Complex care and services can include:

• nursing services
• ongoing medical treatment or rehabilitation programs
• access to healthcare professionals
• allied health services such as physiotherapy, podiatry and speech therapy
• incontinence aids and custom bedding
• mobility aids such as walkers and wheelchairs
• palliative care

Getting assessed and applying#

To receive a place in an aged care home, you usually need to be assessed first. An assessment service can arrange for a nurse, doctor or other healthcare professional to assess your needs, determine your eligibility and approve your place.

During the process, the assessor will talk with you about what you are looking for in a home and give you information about options in your local area. Once your application is approved, you can start contacting homes and putting together a list of those you would like to apply for.

Standards of care#

Every home does things a little differently, but all are required by law to provide a certain standard of care. Before you decide, it is a good idea to talk to staff about their services and how they handle different situations.

Questions you might ask include:

• How do you minimize risks, such as pressure injuries or falls?
• How do you measure the quality of your care and make continuous improvements?
• What are your privacy arrangements?
• What is your policy on restraint?
• What are the eating arrangements, and can I choose what I eat?
• What kinds of care and services are included, and what is not?
• How do you decide which social activities are organized, and do I get a say?

If you have concerns about a residential aged care home, you can raise them with the home directly and, if needed, with the relevant aged care complaints body in your area.

Key points#

• Getting help at home can be enough to keep living independently for longer; a residential aged care home is an option when care needs increase.
• Homes vary in size, focus and the services they offer, so compare several to find the right fit.
• Care ranges from help with daily tasks to 24-hour nursing, respite and palliative care.
• A needs assessment usually comes first, and all homes must meet legal standards of care.

Where to get help#