How to choose an aged care home in Australia
Choosing a residential aged care home is one of the biggest decisions a family will make. This guide walks through a six-step process used by aged care advocates.
1. Get an ACAT assessment
Before a home will accept your loved one, they need an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT, or ACAS in Victoria) approval. Book through My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
2. Shortlist by suburb and rating
Start with homes rated 4★ or 5★ within 20 minutes of the family member who will visit most often. Frequent visits matter more than absolute facility quality.
3. Read the Star Rating breakdown
Don't stop at the overall rating. A 4★ home with a 2★ Staffing score may struggle on busy shifts. Open every sub-category.
4. Visit in person — twice
Once on a planned tour, once unannounced. Look for: relaxed staff, residents up and out of bed, food that smells like food, clean bathrooms, and a calm dementia wing.
5. Ask the hard questions
What is your staff turnover? How many agency nurses do you use? What's your last Quality Standards report? Can I see the most recent residents' meeting minutes?
6. Confirm via My Aged Care
Always cross-check the home's current status and any compliance notices on myagedcare.gov.au before signing the resident agreement.
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.
- Find a provider — residential aged care
My Aged Care
- Apply for an assessment
My Aged Care
- Aged Care Quality Standards
Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission
- Choosing an aged care home
Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN)
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.