Residential aged care

Key points:

• When should I look at an aged care facility?
• What does life in a nursing home look like?
• Can I still go out and visit family and friends?
• How do I apply for residential aged care?

When should I look at an aged care facility?

If you need more intensive care and support that can no longer be provided in your own home it may be time to move into an aged care home. Residential aged care facilities provide accommodation, as well as specific care and services to residents.

An aged care home can support you to live a fulfilling lifestyle when your needs can no longer be met at home in the community. You’ll have your own space and access to professional staff that will help with all aspects of care.

What does life in a nursing home look like?

Services could include assistance with personal care, meals, support with mobility and communication as well as social and recreational activities, to address the health, safety and lifestyle needs you have.

For example, your facility is likely to have a hairdresser available for regular appointments, entertainment areas for watching TV or performances by groups from outside the home, organised arts and crafts activities and visiting therapists or specialists, such as physiotherapists to help with your mobility.

There are shared spaces too, for meals or social interaction, and many opportunities to engage in activities and social connection with other residents – but also the choice to participate or not.

Can I still go out and visit family or friends?

You will still be able to do activities outside the home that you attended before you moved in, such as spending time with friends and family in the community.

Your family may also take comfort in the fact that your safety and health are being looked after 24/7 and that they can still visit you regularly.

It could be the best option for you to move into an aged care home if you notice your needs aren’t being met by supports at home, or if your home care team, friends or family are concerned for your welfare at home and your care can’t be increased.

How do I apply for residential aged care?

To apply for a nursing home you can fill out an online application form yourself, or hire a placement consultant to help you with the process.

You may have to wait for a bed vacancy to open up at the facility you choose before you can move in.

Generally, daily life in a nursing home will be easier for you and many residents have reported they actually enjoy an enhanced quality of life since they moved and have an improved social life.

You will have peace of mind that should anything happen, you will receive immediate attention and the situation will be managed well.

Aged care facilities can only receive Government funding to provide you with care if they are an accredited provider, which you can read more about in our article on accreditation of residential aged care.

Aged care homes come in many shapes and sizes and residential aged care fees also greatly vary. Understanding the cost involved and seeking advice from an aged care financial advisor can help minimise the cost while getting the best support outcome for your circumstances.

Call 1300 863 216 to connect with a financial advisor, or search for residential aged care facilities near you.

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