Aged care home vs nursing home: what's the difference in Australia?
If you're hearing different terms from different family members, you're not alone. Australia has updated its terminology several times.
Modern term: residential aged care
Since the 1997 Aged Care Act, the legal term in Australia is 'residential aged care'. Both 'aged care home' and 'nursing home' refer to the same type of facility: 24/7 supported living with nursing care available.
Historical low-care vs high-care
Before 2014, homes were licensed as 'low-care' (hostels) or 'high-care' (nursing homes). That distinction is gone — every modern home must be able to provide both levels of care.
What's NOT a nursing home
Retirement villages, independent living units, and Home Care Packages are not residential aged care. They are separate services with different funding rules.
Frequently asked questions
Authoritative sources
The figures and rules in this guide are drawn from the following official and independent sources. Open any link to verify the latest published numbers.
- Aged Care Act 1997 (Cth) — current compilation
Federal Register of Legislation
- About residential aged care
My Aged Care
- Registered nurse 24/7 requirement
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
About this guide
Written and reviewed by the Nursing Home Match editorial team. We update guides at least annually and verify every figure against the official sources listed above. This guide is general information, not personal, medical, financial or legal advice. Always confirm details on Medicare.gov Care Compare (United States) or My Aged Care (Australia), or speak to a qualified adviser before making decisions.