What questions should you ask before choosing an aged care home?

It can be hard to know where to start when looking for the right aged care home, so to help, we’ve put together a list of useful questions you can ask to help ensure you make the right decision.

What level of care does the aged care home offer?

This is one of the most important questions to ask, especially if your loved one’s care needs are likely to change over time. Find out what nursing and personal care support is available, how care plans are developed and how the home responds when a resident needs additional assistance.

You should also ask whether residents can continue living at the home if their mobility, health or care requirements change. Having that continuity can be reassuring for both you and your loved one.

What is the staff-to-resident ratio in an aged care home?

It’s normal to want to know that there are enough people to provide the best, attentive and personalised care for your loved one.

Instead of focusing only on a number, ask how staffing works throughout the day and overnight. Who is available when someone needs help? Are registered nurses on site? How does the team get to know each resident’s needs and routines?

Pay attention to how staff and residents interact during your visit, too. Do staff greet residents by name? Do they seem comfortable chatting with them? Sometimes those small moments tell you a lot about the atmosphere of a home.

What does a typical day look like for residents?

Ask what residents can expect from an ordinary day, not just what’s happening during a special event. Are there activities, outings and opportunities to socialise? Can residents spend time outdoors? Are there quiet spaces for reading or relaxing?

Most importantly, how much choice do residents have? Some people love to keep busy, while others prefer quieter days and consistent routines. A good aged care experience should make people with different personalities and interests feel at home.

Can residents keep their independence and personal routines?

Moving into aged care should never mean giving up everything that makes someone feel like themselves.

Ask whether residents can choose when they wake up, what activities they partake in and how they spend their free time. Can they bring personal belongings and decorate their rooms? Are their preferences around meals, clothing and daily routines respected?

How does the aged care home communicate with families?

Good communication makes such a difference to both residents and their families.

Ask how the home will keep you updated about changes in the health, wellbeing or care of your loved one. Who should you contact if you have a question or worry? How are families involved in care planning and important decisions, with the resident’s consent? How are feedback and complaints handled?

What food and dining options are available?

Ask whether meals are prepared on-site, how menus are planned and whether residents have choices. Can the kitchen accommodate dietary requirements, cultural preferences or favourite foods? If someone doesn’t enjoy a meal or needs assistance with eating, what happens?

What are the costs of residential aged care, and what’s included?

Understanding aged care fees can feel complicated, particularly when you’re comparing different homes. It’s important to understand what’s included in the quoted costs and what might be charged separately.

Taking the time to understand this early can help avoid unexpected expenses later.

Can we visit the aged care home more than once before deciding?

This is a good question to ask. A visit can give you a good insight into the home, but a second visit at a different time of day may help you build a more complete picture.

Try to look beyond the furnishings and facilities. See if the residents seem comfortable, whether their spaces feel welcoming and whether staff are making time to genuinely connect with residents.

Finding an aged care home on the Gold Coast that feels right

We know there may not be one perfect answer to every question, and different things will matter to every family, but exploring these things early will help you make the right decision.

At HillView Care, we always encourage families to ask questions and get a real feel for our aged care homes in Merrimac and Ashmore. Contact HillView Care to arrange a tour – meet the team and talk through what matters most to you and your loved one.