Once you have been assessed by an ACAT as eligible for residential aged care, you may choose to start looking for an aged care home.

Accommodation alternatives are designed to cater to the level of assistance required by each individual. High and low care residences, as well as premium services, dementia specific care and respite care are available to ensure individuals are placed in a residence that will provide for their specific choices, nursing and personal care needs.

When looking for an aged care residence its is important to understand what type of home you are considering, what services you are seeking and the locality you would prefer. Some of these factors may affect the cost and the services that you will receive.

Aged care residences offer places when they have vacancies and you can apply to as many facilities as you wish. It is important that you and or your family visit a range of residences before making any decision or accepting a place. Aged care residences vary greatly and visiting them will give you a better feel for what is on offer, what the accommodation is like, what the staff are like and whether the residents are truly happy.

When a place becomes available you will be contacted by the home. If you wish to accept a place you should once again meet with the Facility Manager to discuss your resident agreement and care plan.