What happens during an aged care home tour? A family checklist

If you’re touring an aged care home for the first time, there’s a good chance you’re probably not entirely sure what you’re supposed to be looking for.

The rooms? The food? The activities? How do the staff interact with residents? Whether Mum will be able to keep her favourite armchair?

The answer is: all of the above. But an aged care tour isn’t about ticking off every feature on a list. It’s your opportunity to get a feel for what everyday life might actually look like for your loved one.

At HillView Care, your family can book a tour of our Merrimac or Ashmore aged care homes to explore the surroundings, meet our team and ask as many questions as you need.

First, don’t worry about asking too many questions

There really is no such thing. Choosing an aged care home is a big decision, and for many families, it’s completely new territory. You’re not expected to understand how everything works before you arrive.

A tour will give you the chance to talk about your loved one, their care needs, their personality and the things that matter to them. It’s also a good time to ask practical questions about costs, the aged care assessment process, available rooms and what happens if you decide you’d like to move forward.

Bring a list on your phone, take notes and ask follow-up questions when something isn’t clear.

Look beyond the bedroom

Of course, you’ll want to see the accommodation. It’s important. Check the size and layout of the rooms, storage, bathroom accessibility, natural light and whether there is space for personal belongings. But don’t stop there.

Make sure you walk through the shared areas. Look at where residents eat, relax, spend time outdoors and catch up with family. Ask yourself whether you can imagine coming here for a Sunday afternoon visit, having a cup of tea together or celebrating a birthday.

At HillView Care, both Merrimac and Ashmore have been designed with spaces where residents can spend time with family and friends, while Merrimac also has an on-site café that has become quite the social hub for residents and visitors.

Pay attention to what’s happening around you

This is one of the most useful parts of an aged care tour, and it has very little to do with décor. Notice how staff speak to residents. Are conversations warm and natural? Do people seem comfortable asking for help? Is there activity and conversation happening around the home? You’re trying to get a sense of the culture of the place.

You should also ask about activities and what residents actually do during the week. HillView Care offers organised activities and events, community outings, fitness groups and opportunities for residents to socialise, while also recognising that not everyone wants to be busy all day.

Ask about the everyday things

It’s the little things that become very important once somewhere becomes home.

What’s on the menu? Where is the food prepared? Can dietary requirements be accommodated? Can family visit whenever they like? What happens if care needs change? What health professionals are available? Are there physiotherapy or wellness programs?

HillView Care Merrimac and Ashmore provide home-cooked meals prepared onsite, along with housekeeping and a range of care and lifestyle services. Both homes are also open to visitors 24/7.

This is also the time to talk about the person rather than simply “the resident”. What does Dad enjoy doing? Is Mum very social, or does she prefer her own space? Does your loved one have routines that are particularly important to them?

Those conversations can tell you a lot about how personalised their experience will be.

Your aged care tour checklist

Before you leave, make sure you’ve had a chance to consider:

• How did the home feel when you walked in?
• How did staff interact with residents?
• What are the rooms like, and can they be personalised?
• What care is available now, and if needs change?
• What meals, activities and wellness programs are offered?
• Are there comfortable spaces for family visits?
• What are the visiting arrangements?
• How are families kept informed?
• What costs should you expect?
• What are the next steps if you decide this home feels right?
• And perhaps the biggest question: Can you picture your loved one living here?

See HillView Care for yourself

You can read brochures, look through photos and compare aged care homes online, but there are some things you can only understand by being there.

A tour gives you the chance to experience HillView Care Merrimac or Ashmore in person, see the rooms and shared spaces, meet our team and get answers to the questions that matter to your family.

If you’re considering residential aged care on the Gold Coast, book a personal tour of HillView Care and come and have a look around.

Still at the researching-and-asking-questions stage? That’s completely fine too. Contact the HillView Care team, and we’ll help you understand what comes next.