Publish date: 24 March 2026
Choosing a Residential Aged Care Home is a significant decision, often made during a time of change or uncertainty for you and your family. It can feel overwhelming, and it’s completely normal to feel unsure about where to begin.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. We’re here to support you every step of the way. This guide offers practical advice to help you choose an aged care provider that suits your personal needs, health requirements and lifestyle preferences — while allowing you to make the decision at your own pace.
Understanding your eligibility and funding
A helpful first step in finding an aged care provider to suit your needs is understanding which services you are eligible for and what level of funding you may receive. As part of this process, it is also important to complete the income and assets assessment, which helps determine how your aged care costs will be calculated. Completing this early can make the admission process much smoother later on and helps avoid delays once you are ready to move forward.
You can do this by contacting My Aged Care to arrange an assessment. This assessment helps determine the level of care you require and confirms your eligibility for government funded support. You can apply online or call the My Aged Care contact centre for assistance.
Once you understand your eligibility and funding, you can begin exploring Residential Aged Care providers that align with your needs and preferences.
How to find aged care providers
The My Aged Care website is a valuable resource for finding aged care providers. This government-run platform provides detailed information about services across Australia.
You can search by provider name or location and access information about costs, quality standards and compliance history. The website also includes a five-star rating system to help you compare Residential Aged Care Homes and make informed decisions.
After creating a shortlist of providers, it’s a good idea to contact them directly. A supportive aged care provider will guide you through the process and take the time to answer any questions you may have.
Where possible, we also recommend booking a tour. Visiting in person allows you to meet staff, speak with residents where appropriate, and gain a better sense of the environment, facilities and overall atmosphere. At Bethanie, our process begins at the enquiry stage where we first confirm clinical and financial suitability before arranging a tour. This approach is based on feedback from families who have told us that being shown a home and then later learning it may not be suitable can be disappointing. By confirming suitability early, we aim to respect families’ time and support a more transparent and positive experience.
As you explore different options, it can help to pause and reflect on what matters most to you — whether that’s location, culture, clinical care, lifestyle, or a strong sense of community.
Choosing the right aged care provider
Location
The location of the Residential Aged Care Home is an important consideration for many families. When researching providers, look for a home that is convenient for friends and family to visit regularly.
You may also wish to consider the surrounding area. Are there nearby shopping centres, parks, cafés or community spaces? Access to familiar surroundings and local amenities can contribute to a continued sense of connection and wellbeing.
Quality of care
High-quality aged care focuses on person-centred support that promotes safety, dignity and respect. It should feel reassuring, consistent, and responsive as needs change over time. Care should be tailored to individual needs, preferences and health requirements. You may also wish to ask about accreditation, clinical governance, and how care plans are developed and reviewed.
Support staff
Behind every quality Aged Care provider is a team of compassionate and skilled support staff. When choosing a provider, it can be helpful to understand how staff are selected, supported and trained, as this plays an important role in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of residents.
When speaking with providers, consider asking about:
- Their approach to person-centred care and how they ensure residents are treated with dignity and respect
- Staff qualifications and experience
- Ongoing professional development to ensure skills and knowledge remain current
- Cultural awareness training to support residents from diverse backgrounds
A strong, caring team helps create an environment where residents feel supported, respected, and valued.
Facilities
The facilities and amenities available at an aged care home can influence everyday quality of life, from how comfortable someone feels in their own space, to how easily they can stay active and connected. When visiting or researching a provider, look for:
- Clean, comfortable and well-maintained rooms
- Welcoming common areas that encourage social connection
- Gardens or outdoor spaces for relaxation and fresh air
- A diverse program of activities and therapy options
- Nutritious, well-balanced meals that cater to dietary requirements
Get started with Bethanie Aged Care
Choosing an aged care home is an important decision, and taking the time to explore your options can help you feel more confident in your choice. You can learn more about how to apply for a Bethanie Aged Care Home here .
If you are ready to take the next step, contact our team today to begin the conversation. We are here to support you every step of the way.
