Choosing an Aged Care Home (Nursing Home)

When it comes to choosing a residential aged care home for yourself or a loved one, there are a few things you need to consider. Choosing the right home is a daunting task, with lots of providers offering aged care services in metropolitan areas.

One of the first things you should do is write down a list of all the things that are important to you. These can include the type of tasks you need assistance with, your hobbies, your religious preferences, favourite meals, whether you like to spend time in the garden and more.

First Impressions Count

When touring aged care homes for the first time, ask yourself or the Admissions Coordinator the following questions:

• Is the home clean and fresh?
• Is the home in good condition?
• Does the home have a good layout? (Lots of space or cramped?)
• Do existing residents look happy and engaged?
• Is the home secure? (CCTV/keypad access)
• Do you see enough staff walking around the home?
• Does the home have a good feel? (Homely or clinical)
• Are there private or shared bedrooms/bathrooms?
• Do the rooms have individual access to Wi-Fi, televisions and phones?
• What furniture is supplied? Can you bring some of your own belongings?
• Is there secure storage in the bedrooms?

Staff Members

One of the key things you need to look out for when choosing an aged care home, are the staff members. This is best done on a personal tour of the home, where you can see the way staff members conduct themselves.  When on a tour of the home, ask yourself or the Admissions Coordinator:

• Are you greeted in a respectful way when entering the home?
• Do you see lots of staff members around the home interacting with residents?
• Are the staff members friendly and helpful?
• Are the staffing levels sufficient?
• What are the care skills of staff members?
• Are there doctors, allied health professionals or other care services that regularly visit the home?
• How are complaints handled?

The Community and Leisure/Lifestyle Activities

When considering an aged care home, the feel of the atmosphere of the home is very important. Questions to ask yourself or the Admissions Coordinator:

• Do the residents appear happy and talkative?
• Is the home aligned with a specific religion?
• Is the food prepared fresh on-site?
• How many different meal options are there?
• Can special meals be provided for allergies, preferences etc?
• Can you see/taste the food?
• Are there regular activities or events?
• Do residents get taken on local outings?
• Are there accessible gardens or outdoor areas?
• Is the home pet friendly?
• Does the home have amenities such as a café, beauty salon, cinema or connections with local schools?

If you are looking for the perfect aged care home for yourself or a loved one, Aged Care Online is a great place to start and a useful resource. You can search for aged care homes in your local area, view their room types, take a virtual tour, contact them directly and create a shortlist of your favourite homes, saving you valuable time when doing your research.

Important Things to Remember:

• Find a home that feels warm, comfortable, welcoming and (maybe most importantly, safe!)
• Find a home that runs regular leisure and lifestyle programs that you enjoy
• Make sure the home looks clean and well-kept – very often a sign on whether it is safe and up to standard
• If you take a tour of the home, see if you can talk with existing residents to get their thoughts or feedback

Related Content

• Your Guide to Residential Aged Care
• Residential Aged Care Costs Explained
• Making Sense of RAD & DAP
• How Do I Find An Aged Care Provider?