Choosing an Aged Care Home: Questions to Ask

When it comes time to find a residential aged care home (nursing home) for your loved one, it can be a tough decision to make. It can be beneficial to visit at least three aged care homes in your chosen area before making a final decision, and there are a few key questions you can ask during your tour of each aged care residence to find out if it is right for you.

We have compiled a list of questions that you can take with you on your tours.

Residential Aged Care Fee Structure

How much is the Residential Accommodation Deposit (RAD)?
When does the RAD need to be paid?
What is the Daily Accommodation (DAP) payment if I can’t pay the full RAD?
What services are covered by the basic daily fee?
Are their extra services for an additional fee?
Are their additional services available and what are their fees?

Activities and Events

What social activities are available?
Can residents/family members suggest new activities?
Are their regular outings outside of the residence?
Are their any fees for activities?
Are their social groups or clubs?
Do you have visiting entertainers?

Health and Wellbeing

Are their regular exercise programs?
Do you support the mental health of each resident?
Do residents have access to a psychologist or counsellor?
Do you offer relaxation activities or massage?
Is there a pool or gym on-site?
Do you support residents living with dementia?

Staff to Resident Ratio

What is your staff to resident ratio?
How many hours of care per day do carers provide to each resident?
How many Registered and Enrolled Nurses do you have on-site?
How many carers are on-site overnight?

Visitors

Can family members visit at any time?
How do visits work?
Do you have a visitor booking system?
Do you have a COVID-safe visitor program?
How can residents contact their family and friends?
Can I bring pets in to visit a resident?

Bedrooms and Common Areas

What is the size of a bedroom?
Are there different room types available?
Can I view the different types of room?
Can I personalize the bedroom?
Can I have a look at the common areas?
Can residents access the common areas at all times?
Can visitors spend time in the common areas during visits?

Gardens and Outdoor Areas

Do any bedrooms have direct access to the garden/courtyard?
Are there any outdoor activities?
What outdoor areas can residents’ access?
Can residents take part in gardening?
Can residents take a walk outside?
Do you have protected outdoor sitting areas?

How to find an aged care home/nursing home

If you are beginning to search for an aged care home, Aged Care Online’s comprehensive online directory can help. Simply click on your state below, enter your chosen suburb and you can view a list of aged care homes near you. You can contact each home directly, and even create a shortlist to contact multiple homes at once.

To begin your search for an aged care home, click on your state below: