How Do I Choose a Good Aged Care Facility?

by | Sep 17, 2025 | Aged Care

Choosing an aged care facility for a loved one isn’t just a financial decision — it’s deeply personal. You want comfort, care, safety, and dignity… but you also want to make sure you’re not missing anything important. So many ask, “How do I choose a good aged care facility?’

With so many aged care options available across the Gold Coast, how do you know which one is the right one?

Here’s a practical guide to help you choose with confidence.

Start with the Essentials: What to Look For

When touring or researching a facility, keep these critical questions in mind:

1. Is it accredited and compliant?

  • Ensure the facility is registered and accredited by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission

  • Look up the provider’s compliance history and recent audits

2. What’s the staff-to-resident ratio?

  • Ask about nurse availability, care worker support, and weekend staffing

  • Consistent care depends on good staff levels and low turnover

3. How does it feel when you visit?

  • Is the environment warm and welcoming?

  • Are the residents engaged and content?

  • Trust your gut — atmosphere matters

4. Are the services and care plans tailored?

  • Ask how individual care needs are assessed and updated

  • Are there options for dementia care, palliative support, or complex needs?

⭐ Check the Star Ratings

In December 2022, the Australian Government introduced star ratings for aged care homes. These cover:

  • Staffing levels

  • Compliance

  • Quality measures

  • Resident experience

You can find this info on the My Aged Care website, and it’s a great starting point — but remember, it’s just one piece of the puzzle.

🔎 Do Your Research… and Then Visit!

Here’s a quick checklist to help:

  1. ✅ Search for facilities via MyAgedCare
  2. ✅ Review government compliance and star ratings
  3. ✅ Read independent online reviews (but take with a grain of salt)
  4. ✅ Ask locals, GPs, and social workers for recommendations
  5. ✅ Visit multiple times — including outside standard hours
  6. ✅ Ask to observe a mealtime or group activity
  7. ✅ Speak with current residents and families if possible

💬 Ask direct questions like:

  • “How do you handle medication errors?”

  • “What happens if a resident wants to change rooms?”

  • “How are concerns or complaints managed?”

💰 Understand the Costs Upfront

Don’t get caught off guard by hidden fees. Make sure you understand:

  • The RAD (Refundable Accommodation Deposit)

  • The DAP (Daily Accommodation Payment)

  • Basic daily fees

  • Additional or extra service charges

  • Optional lifestyle or entertainment packages

At Trusted Aged Care Services, we can model your options to show what’s actually affordable for your loved one — not just what looks nice in a brochure.

❤️ Involve Your Loved One (When Possible)

Where capacity allows, involve your loved one in the decision. This helps preserve:

  • Their sense of autonomy

  • Their emotional comfort

  • The likelihood that they’ll settle well into the new home

Even something small — like choosing between two rooms or reviewing activity schedules — can make a big difference.

🧭 You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone

Choosing an aged care facility is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make for your family.  So when you need to ask, ‘how do I choose a good aged care facility for my loved one?’ let us assist.

At Trusted Aged Care Services, we’ve helped hundreds of Gold Coast families find the right fit — not just based on budget, but on values, care needs, and long-term peace of mind.

📞 Book your aged care strategy call today and let us guide you through it all — with clarity, care and compassion.