How to find an aged care home on the Gold Coast

For many families, finding a residential aged care home for their loved ones becomes an essential decision as time goes on. Thankfully, we’re lucky to have a great range of Gold Coast residential aged care homes, each offering unique services and environments to suit a variety of needs. 

However, choosing the right one requires careful consideration of factors like care quality, location, and the overall fit for your loved one’s lifestyle and preferences. At HillView Care, we understand that this decision is both significant and personal. That’s why we are dedicated to providing comprehensive support and guidance throughout the process. Here are a few things you need to consider before selecting the right Gold Coast aged care home:

Care needs

When you begin looking, it’s important to consider the level of care your loved one requires. Different Gold Coast aged care homes offer varying levels of support, from basic assistance with daily living to specialised care for individuals with dementia or other complex medical conditions. 

In Australia, an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) can help assess eligibility for government-subsidised aged care services and understand the level of care your loved one needs. 

Research aged care homes

Once you know the level of care your loved one needs, the next step is to start researching aged care homes on the Gold Coast. There are a few different ways to gather information:

• Online research: Websites such as My Aged Care provide listings of accredited aged care homes, along with reviews and service details.
• Personal recommendations: Talk to friends, family, or healthcare providers who have experience with aged care facilities in the area.
• Visit facilities: Touring aged care homes is one of the most valuable steps. You can observe the living arrangements, speak with staff, and get a feel for the environment. Tours are available at HillView Care by request. 

Look into the room sizes, social and lifestyle activities on offer, staff-to-resident ratios, and the home’s shared areas. It’s important to consider whether the environment feels welcoming and comfortable. 

The location and accessibility

Another consideration is location and accessibility – ensuring the area the home is located in is convenient to friends and families who want to visit and close to services for medical appointments and other essential needs. Whether the aged care home is on the coast, in the suburbs or in the hinterland, you’ll need to find a location that suits the lifestyle of your loved one. 

The aged care home’s proximity to local amenities like shops, parks, and beaches can also be an advantage. At HillView Care, we have homes in both Ashmore and Merrimac, both within easy reach of the motorway, beaches, hospitals and major shopping centres.

The quality of care and services available

To choose the right aged care home for your loved one you’ll need to evaluate the quality of care the home provides. Find a home that is person-centred, ensuring they cater to the individual needs of your loved one. Some factors to consider include: 

• Staff qualifications and staff development: Highly-qualified staff can make a huge difference in providing compassionate and effective care and staff development ensures they are continuously updating their skills and knowledge to deliver the best possible care.
• Healthcare services: Does the aged care home have on-site medical professionals or access to visiting specialists such as physiotherapists or dietitians?
• Social and lifestyle activities: Ask about the social and lifestyle activities on offer to ensure they align with your loved one’s interests and needs, providing opportunities for social engagement, recreational activities, and overall well-being.

Questions to ask when you’re looking for a Gold Coast residential aged care home: 

• What types of activities are available for residents?
• What medical support is available?
• How are meals prepared, do they accommodate dietary restrictions?
• What security measures are available for residents with dementia?
• What other services are available at the aged care home?

Transitioning into aged care

Once you’ve chosen an aged care home, the transition process can be challenging for your loved one and your family. Read our latest blog article about transitioning into permanent residential aged care. 

Premium aged care on the Gold Coast

Finding the right aged care home on the Gold Coast requires a lot of consideration. If you take the time to research, ask questions, and visit potential homes, you can ensure you’re choosing the right home that meets your loved one’s needs. 

At HillView Care, we offer a compassionate environment with a lifestyle team that curates a range of fun and engaging activities such as bus trips, themed events, and social gatherings. Our residents enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals prepared on-site, catering to all dietary needs. We also have wellness programs with personalised physiotherapy to help residents stay active and healthy.

Dementia Care is our priority, and we create a safe and nurturing environment through thoughtful measures like extra security and attentive care. Our facilities include hairdressing salons, a café, and beautiful recreational spaces where your loved one can spend time with their family and friends. 

HillView Care is dedicated to making sure every resident feels supported and enjoys a high quality of life. For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact us to see how we can provide the best care for your loved one.