Residential Aged Care – Sydney/New South Wales

Residential aged care in New South Wales can be found by using on our comprehensive aged care online directory. You can also refine your search by searching for aged care homes in Sydney.

Understanding Aged Care

If you're new to the aged care system, have a read of our handy Understanding Aged Care Guide which covers everything you need to know about aged care. From the aged care accommodation options, how aged care is financed, whether pets are allowed and much more.

What is residential aged care?

When someone can no longer care for themselves independently due to age, they may have to enter a residential aged care home. Whether it is due to physical, emotional or financial reasons, additional help is often needed.

These homes have formerly been known as hostels or nursing homes but are now generally referred to as aged care homes. The decision to move into aged care is made once other people (often family members) can no longer provide care and support for an elderly person. Family members need to understand that finding a suitable home can be a 2-3 month process.

Where do I start?

When searching for nursing homes in New South Wales, the first question that will be asked is if your loved one has been assessed. If the nursing home is Government funded, then anyone looking to move into the home will need an Aged Care Assessment Service conducted by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) to determine the type of care required. However, there are also non-government funded residential aged care homes which usually do not require an assessment.

Finding an Aged Care Home

Finding an aged care home is similar to finding a home to rent or buy. Just as you would not buy the first house you see, or expect to find something suitable within a few weeks, the same applies to finding residential aged care in New South Wales. 

It is important to decide upon the areas you feel would be suitable and then try to visit as many aged care homes as possible within those areas. The home as well as the neighbourhood and other near-by amenities (i.e. shopping strips, public transport, post office et cetera) and the culture of the home will need to be considered before moving in.

Search for residential aged care vacancies in:

• Sydney
• Bega
• Byron Bay
• Coffs Harbour
• Newcastle
• Port Macquarie
• Wollongong

What type of care is provided?

The type of services provided at residential aged care will vary depending on the type of care required and if the home is an extra service home. Generally accommodation and personal care is provided. Personal care refers to help with things such as occasional nursing or dressing and showering.

There are some services which must be provided at no additional costs including:

• Basic accommodation (i.e. beds, mattresses, linen, chairs et cetera)
• Laundry and cleaning service
• On-call staff and emergency assistance
• Building and grounds maintenance
• Mobility and communication assistance
• Personal care (i.e. help with going to the toilet, bathing, dressing and eating)
• Social activities
• Meals (must also cater for special diets)

Extra Services (which will incur an additional fee) may include:

• A more luxurious bedroom
• Pay TV
• Hairdressing services
• More meal choices
• Daily newspapers