Looking for an aged care home or nursing home can be overwhelming with so many options available. Our team of aged care experts have developed a handy guide to help make the decision making process easier.
Whether you are looking for yourself or for your loved one, when looking for aged care residences, it’s important to consider the following eight factors.
Quality of care
Look for an aged care residence with a good reputation for high-quality care. You can check their ratings, accreditation status, and reviews on the Australian Government Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission website, ask for recommendations from healthcare professionals, or request a private tour to see for yourself.
Read more about Aged Care Quality Standards on the Australian Government Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission website.
Staff qualifications and training
Make sure the aged care facility staff are qualified and trained to give the level of care that your loved one needs.
Our staff refresh their knowledge with regular mandatory training. We also provide opportunities for continuous up-skilling with optional courses and training sessions.
On top of that, we have a buddy or mentor system in place. This allows senior staff to transfer their valuable knowledge to the next generation of care and clinical staff and ensures junior team members have an easier transition into the aged care environment.
Find out more about the benefits of working at Arcare, and Arcare’s People and Development program (pdf 108kb).
Safety and security
The site should have proper safety and security measures in place to protect residents.
We have extensive systems in place to ensure the safety of residents, as well as staff. These include a 24-hour emergency call system, fire safety procedures, passcode-protected entry and exit doors to the building, and video surveillance site wide.
Read more about Safety and Security in the Arcare Community Handbook.
Amenities and activities
Look for an aged care home that offers a variety of amenities and activities to keep residents engaged and active.
When you book your private tour of the residence, look out for their weekly Lifestyle activity calendars displayed, and make sure you stop by the Lifestyle team’s office for a chat.
Find out more about Life at Arcare and read the Arcare Community Handbook.
Location
Consider the location of the aged care residence, and whether it is easily accessible for you and your loved one’s friends and family.
Find your nearest Arcare Aged Care residence.
Cost
Compare the costs of different homes, and make sure they are affordable and fit within your budget.
You may be eligible for government funding, which you will find out in your assessment for aged care eligibility through My Aged Care.
Arcare aged care fees and price lists can be found on the webpage of each residence. See all Arcare Aged Care Residences.
Need some guidance? Contact our Arcare consultants, who can work with you through the details, find a solution to suit your needs.
Services offered
Make sure the home offers the services that your loved one needs comprising respite care, nursing, clinical and personal support, dementia care, and palliative care.
Learn more about Arcare Aged Care services here.
The aged care provider’s approach
Check that the aged care provider’s model of care aligns with your loved one’s values and beliefs.
Arcare’s Relationship-First Approach is guided by:
Arcare’s Six Senses
Arcare Values
Arcare’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
More information
We hope this is a good starting point in your journey through the aged care system.
To find out more about your Arcare Aged Care options, search for a residence near you and request a private tour to get started. We will help you with any questions you may have.
Feel free to call our Relationship Centre on 1300 297 189.
