How to choose a residential aged care service
Historical article – pre-1 November 2025 aged care changes
When it comes time for a move into residential care, choosing the right service can be a difficult, but important, decision. While choosing carefully is the key to a good experience, many people struggle to know where to start.
Your decision will include many factors, but start by making the same sort of decisions that you would for any property decision. This includes:
Choose the location
Think about what feels like home and what sort of amenities you want access to
Check if the price is affordable
Get advice on how to structure finances to pay.
Choose the location
Location is always the first decision. This might be based on easy access to services or who you want to be close to. For example, do you want to stay in the same area so you can continue with the same doctor, hairdresser, church group and friends. Or would you prefer to move closer to family so they can visit more often.
What feels like home
Some services are newer, some are older. The style of building and available services can also vary. Think about what makes you comfortable. Do you need a home that has great gardens and lots of open space? Think about what makes you happiest.
Remember this will be your new home, so when you take a tour, watch how staff and residents interact with each other. Ask about additional lifestyle services and choices you might have about things like entertainment programs and meals.
Check affordability
Room prices can range up to $2 million. You will need to make a choice that fits your price range – and this might need compromises. If the price looks high, you might choose to pay a daily fee to “rent” the room instead. You don’t have to hand over a large lump sum but this might make good financial sense.
Get financial advice
Financial advice from an Accredited Aged Care Professional can help you to decide what you can afford and show you some tricks to make what seems unaffordable more affordable. We have the expertise to help you make an informed decision. Call us on 0431 414 799 for help today.
General advice warning: The advice provided is general advice only as, in preparing it we did not take into account your investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs. Before making an investment decision on the basis of this advice, you should consider how appropriate the advice is to your particular investment needs, and objectives. You should also consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before making any decision relating to a financial product.
