The questions families wish they’d asked before moving into aged care

By the time many people decide it’s time to move into aged care, they’ve often spent months—or even years—being cared for by a loved one at home, navigating ongoing health challenges and gradually reaching a point where living independently is no longer the safest or most practical option.

It’s an emotional time, and when you’re making important decisions under pressure, it’s easy to focus on the basics and forget to ask some of the questions that can make a real difference later on.

At HillView Care in Merrimac and Ashmore, over the years, we’ve guided many families through this transition. Looking back, there are a handful of questions families often tell us they wish they’d asked earlier.

How often can family and friends visit?

One of the most common concerns families have is whether they’ll still be able to spend time together.

The good news is that moving into our Gold Coast aged care homes doesn’t mean losing family connections. Actually, many families find they’re able to enjoy more meaningful time together because they’re no longer focused on the day-to-day responsibilities of caregiving.

Whether it’s sharing a meal, celebrating a birthday in one of our function rooms, enjoying a coffee together at our on-site cafe or simply dropping in for a chat, keeping family relationships going remains an important part of life in aged care.

What should Mum or Dad bring with them?

Favourite photographs, treasured keepsakes, familiar bedding, books, or personal decorations can all help create a sense of comfort and familiarity when moving into our aged care homes in Merrimac and Ashmore. 

These personal touches help residents feel connected to the life they’ve built and the memories they value.

My loved one isn’t very social. What happens if they don’t want to join activities?

Many families worry that their loved one won’t participate in social activities or make new friends. And we understand that every resident is different.

Some people love joining group activities from day one, while others take a little longer to settle in and find their comfort zone. That’s completely normal.

At HillView Care, our lifestyle team takes the time to get to know residents and understand their interests, hobbies and personalities. Rather than expecting everyone to enjoy the same things, we focus on creating opportunities for residents to engage in ways that feel meaningful to them.

Sometimes that’s a group activity, for others it’s simply enjoying a conversation with another resident or spending time pursuing a favourite hobby. Our residents can get involved as much, or as little as they like. 

How are medical needs managed?

It’s important to find out what clinical support is available, how medication is managed, what allied health services are offered, and how changes in health are communicated to families. Knowing the answers to these questions can provide valuable peace of mind throughout the transition into aged care living.

In our residential aged care, residents have access to qualified nursing staff, medication management, and support with their day-to-day health needs. We also offer access to allied health professionals such as physiotherapists (on-site), podiatrists, dietitians and other specialists, depending on each resident’s individual requirements.

Can residents still leave for family events and outings?

Of course, absolutely! Residents can still be able to attend family celebrations, special occasions, appointments, outings or holidays. Maintaining these important family connections helps residents continue participating in the moments that matter most.

How will we know they’re settling in?

Settling into aged care is a journey. Some residents adjust quickly, while others need more time. There may be emotional ups and downs as everyone adapts to the change.

Many families tell us that after a few weeks, they begin to notice differences. Their loved one is eating regular meals, enjoying conversations, participating in activities, establishing routines and looking more relaxed than they have in some time.

The question families should always ask

While there are many practical questions to consider, one of the most important is often the simplest:

“Will my loved one be happy here?”

Beyond accommodation, services and care, families want to know their loved one will feel comfortable, respected and supported.

At HillView Care, we encourage families to ask questions, take a tour, meet our team and spend time getting a feel for our community. The more information you have, the more confident you’ll feel about the decision ahead.