Choosing an aged care home: questions to ask
A short list to take to each home, so you can compare them on the same things: the room and its price, the care, and how the home treats your parent day to day.
By the AgedCareClear editorial team. Published 8 November 2026; last checked against the law on 8 November 2026 (what it relies on). Rates from the government schedule of 20 September 2026.
Before you visit
- Get an assessment through My Aged Care (1800 200 422) if your parent does not have one; homes need it.
- Make a shortlist by area and price: search near a suburb and compare up to four homes.
- Look up each home's star rating and audits on My Aged Care and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission; each home's page here links to them.
Questions to ask each home
- Is a room free now, or when might one be? Can we see that room?
- Which rooms are single, and which have their own ensuite? How many people share a shared room?
- Please send the price list, with the lump sum and daily payment for each room.
- Do you offer optional extras for a daily fee (higher everyday living fees)? What do they include and cost? Your rights
- How do you care for people living with dementia? Is there a secure area?
- Which languages do staff speak? How do you support residents' culture and faith?
- How many registered nurses are on each shift, day and night?
- Can your parent keep their own doctor? How are visits from family arranged?
- What happens if your parent's needs change, or they go to hospital?
Working out the cost
Put the room price into the monthly cost calculator; see lump sum or daily payment and RAD retention before you decide how to pay.